The press conference, held on Tuesday, came after the Thai Supreme Court ruled that the association must compensate media company Siam Sport 360 million baht in damages, plus interest, over a contract that was unfairly terminated in 2016 during Somyot’s tenure, according to Thai News Agency.
The incident began when Siam Sport accused the association of breaching their contract regarding the broadcasting rights of the Thai League.
According to the agreement, the firm was entitled to 95% of the league’s profits, while the remaining 5% went to the association.
However, as the league started generating profits, FAT deemed the cut too low and unilaterally terminated the contract, prompting Siam Sport to file a lawsuit.
At the Tuesday event, Nualphan Lamsam, famously known as Madam Pang, said she respects the court’s judgment.
“The 360 million baht has become a debt that the FAT will have to pay,” she said, as quoted by the Bangkok Post.
Nonetheless, she stressed that it was inherited and did not occur under her leadership.
“When I came in, there was nothing. There was only debt in the FAT and I just asked for sympathy and encouragement from the football fans and media,” she said as tears streamed down her face.
“These problems were left for me to solve. I am a woman with a kind heart, and I feel bad every time we talk about bad things.”
She also announced that the association will file a civil lawsuit against its previous board of directors and former president, Pol. Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung.
She later wrote a Facebook post reaffirming her commitment to serving the national interest, which drew widespread support, with many users applauding her dedication to Thai football.
“Fight on, Madam Pang, we are cheering you on,” one commenter wrote, as cited by Thai newspaper The Nation.
Nualphan, heiress of one of Thailand’s richest families with a net worth of US$890 million, was previously the manager of the national men’s team in 2021-22, during which she spent almost 60 million baht and took them to two consecutive AFF Cup (now ASEAN Cup) titles.
She was elected as the football association’s president last February after winning 68 out of 73 votes, making her the first woman in the role.
The Tuesday event, though overshadowed by discussions about the hefty debt, was held to commemorate her first year in office.
At the press conference, Nualphan also presented the association’s achievements under her leadership, highlighting the national team’s performance in various tournaments and Thailand’s success in hosting the FIFA Congress in Bangkok last year.
