From selling T-shirts to suing predecessor: Madam Pang fights to rescue Thai football from $20M debt

On Friday, the FAT Board of Directors held a meeting chaired by President Nualphan Lamsam, also known as Madam Pang. During the meeting, they decided to hire lawyers and legal experts to sue former president Somyot Poompanmoung and 18 related individuals believed to have caused FAT to bear this massive debt.

Madam Pang acknowledged that this decision would disappoint Somyot, as the two have a close relationship.

"I am not suing out of hatred but to protect FAT," she said. "Our personal relationship remains good. I believe that as a former police officer, he understands the responsibility involved in filing lawsuits or arresting someone."

The 1966-born president also revealed that she had received an invitation to attend the wedding of Somyot’s son. However, she decided not to attend to avoid media attention that could lead to misunderstandings.

Somyot Poompanmoung (L) gives a bouquet of flowers to Madam Pang as she take over his position as President of the Football Association of Thailand, February 2024. Photo by FAT

The FAT president proposed a special campaign called "Thais Love Thai Football," which has been approved by the Board of Directors. The campaign aims to help FAT repay its debts and sustainably develop Thai football.

It consists of three parts: selling T-shirts bearing the campaign's name, tax-deductible donations, and fundraising activities in collaboration with the private sector, such as concerts, theatrical performances, and friendly football matches.

When asked about the estimated time to clear the debt, Madam Pang said it would depend on agreements with two major companies, Siam Sport and True. However, she pledged to resolve the entire matter while still in office.

In 2016, then-president Somyot unilaterally terminated FAT’s broadcasting rights contract with Siam Sport Co., Ltd. On March 6, the Thai Supreme Court issued its final verdict, ruling against FAT. As a result, FAT was ordered to compensate Siam Sport with 360 million baht, along with approximately 200 million baht in bank interest calculated from the date the lawsuit was filed on Feb. 5, 2016.

Somyot's legacy also includes a 132-million-baht debt, which was revealed after Madam Pang conducted an asset inventory upon taking office in early 2024. Additionally, the former president borrowed 155 million baht from FIFA in 2020, which must be repaid in ten installments by 2030. This has led to a reduction in FIFA's annual financial support for FAT from 42 million baht to 25 million baht per year.

Furthermore, the 30 million baht paid for legal fees in the Siam Sport lawsuit is suspected to have been fraudulently inflated. Another 32 million baht is Somyot's salary that has yet to be returned to FAT.

On March 11, Madam Pang broke into tears while discussing the debt issue during a press conference at FAT.

"When I arrived, the association had nothing, only debt. I only ask for understanding and encouragement from the fans and the media," said the 58-year-old billionaire heiress.

Madam Pang, President of the Football Association of Thailand, cries at a press conference where she talked about its financial situation, March 11, 2025. Photo by FAT

Madam Pang is a businesswoman, politician and scion of one of Thailand's wealthiest families.

She is a prominent figure in Thai football, having played pivotal roles in both men's and women's teams over the past decade.

In February 2024, she made history to become the first woman elected as the 18th president of FAT, winning the majority of votes.