THAILAND OFFER USD 151,000 FOR SEA GAMES MEN FOOTBALL GOLD

BANGKOK (23 Nov 2009) – Thailand have offered USD 151,000 as the reward should their national Under-23 team successfully win the SEA Games men’s football gold next month in Laos.

For the record, the Thais have won the SEA Games men’s football gold for eight consecutive times since 1993.

“I have told our players to win the gold medal for our King. If we win, I will give the team a five million baht (USD 151,000) bonus and Newin Chidchobn (Thailand’s former Member of Parliament) will give another 500,000 baht (USD15,100),” said Thailand SEA Games manager Samart Maluleem.

“Vietnam will be the biggest threat but I’m confident Thailand will win our ninth football gold medal.”

Thailand have been drawn in Group A along with Cambodia, Malaysia, Timor Leste and Vietnam while in Group B are hosts Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia and Singapore.

Steve Darby, who will be the head coach for the SEA Games squad, said he was confident his team would perform well at the Games.

“I have selected the team myself,” he said.

“I know Thailand take the SEA games seriously and we have a good squad.”