Nualphan Lamsam, former manager of the Thai national football team, was approved by a majority vote as the new president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) today, becoming the first woman to head the association in its 107-year history.
She received 68 out of the 73 votes from members of the association, while Warong Tiewtat, received two votes and Thanasak Suraprasert received one vote. One member abstained and one vote was declared invalid. Two other candidates, Pauline Payurin Ngarmpring and Komkrit Napalai, received no votes.
A fifth-generation scion of the Lamsam family, Nualphan is known to many Thais as the CEO of Muang Thai Insurance and the sole distributor of Hermes branded luxury goods in Thailand. She is already well known in international soccer circles, having previously led Thailand’s women’s national football team.
In her first press conference as president elect, she expressed happiness and pride in her election to the top position.
“Last night, I was so excited that I could not sleep. I feel honored and wish to thank everyone who has entrusted me with the role of association president,” she said. She has been involved in the football circle for 16 years, serving as manager of Thailand’s women’s and men’s national teams and as president of Port FC, she said.
“I’m aware that I will encounter numerous problems and obstacles because sports represent the hope of the country, and crises of faith can occur on many levels.” She is committed to developing Thai football at all levels, particularly at the youth level.
“During my tenure, there will be transparency in expenditure, and I will prioritize good governance and transparency,” she emphasized. She welcomed criticism, opinions, and recommendations from all concerned parties, particularly football fans, whom she referred to as the 12th player. In her first 100 days as president, she plans to invite football enthusiasts to sponsor the sport.
Furthermore, she highlighted an important event requiring cooperation from all parties and the government: the FIFA Congress 2024, scheduled to be held in Bangkok on May 17.
The election results will be forwarded to FIFA for endorsement.
