Thailand Tops Southeast Asia at 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan

Key summary

Thailand concluded the fifth Asian Para Games held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, by finishing seventh overall with a total of 19 gold, 40 silver, and 66 bronze medals. This performance placed Thailand at the top of Southeast Asian nations at the competition, which ended on Saturday. Although the nation missed its target of 27 gold medals, Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) governor Proudpran Samanmit noted that more than 70% of Thai athletes won medals. Notable achievements included wheelchair racer Athiwat Paengnuea equaling the world record in the men's 100 metres T54 event, swimmer Nithikorn Jiamphiriyakul winning two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal on his debut, and Wisanu Huadpradit securing his fifth consecutive gold in boccia to lead Thailand first in that sport. The SAT plans to distribute prize money within seven days under a scheme awarding 1 million baht for gold, 500,000 baht for silver, and 250,000 baht for bronze, while continuing support for athletes ahead of the 2027 ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia and the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.