Thailand’s top women’s singles badminton player, Pornpawee Chochuwong, has officially submitted a letter of withdrawal from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), citing unfair treatment and a lack of support from the national badminton association.
The 26-year-old, currently ranked No. 6 in the world and Thailand’s No. 1 women’s singles player, arrived at the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) headquarters today, accompanied by her head coach Phakkawat Wilailak, to formally withdraw her participation from the upcoming regional games.
Pornpawee’s decision comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding training allowance deductions imposed on Thai national badminton players who reportedly failed to attend the fitness assessment sessions mandated by the Sports Authority of Thailand.
While several players have voiced concern over unclear communication and procedural inconsistencies, Pornpawee’s withdrawal marks the most high-profile move in the dispute — and has sparked widespread discussion among fans and athletes alike.
Speaking to the media, Pornpawee expressed deep disappointment with what she described as unfair practices within certain sectors of the national badminton association’s sports development division, which she said had undermined her motivation to represent Thailand.
“I no longer feel comfortable working under certain people in the sports development department of the association. Their actions have been unfair and demoralizing. I’ve endured this for years, but I don’t want younger players to go through the same experience,” she said.
Pornpawee revealed that she had been fully committed to preparing for the SEA Games — even withdrawing from major international tournaments in Australia and China — while personally covering most of her own training and competition expenses due to a lack of institutional support.
“I waited patiently for improvement and clarification, but nothing changed. I’m heartbroken and disappointed, which is why I decided to withdraw,” she explained.
Pornpawee also clarified that her withdrawal was not related to funding from the Sports Authority of Thailand, but rather a lack of transparency and professionalism from the association.
“I have no issue with SAT’s financial support. The problem is that the sports development department didn’t communicate the fitness test schedule clearly. I’ve always been ready to comply with every regulation,” she added.
Meanwhile, Udomsak Cheunkrut, Secretary-General of the Badminton Association of Thailand, who accompanied Pornpawee to the SAT building, acknowledged the urgency of the issue.
“On behalf of the association, we must act swiftly. Within the next one or two days, we will consult with the association’s president, the executive committee, the Thai Olympic Committee, and the Sports Authority of Thailand to find a constructive solution. We will do our best to bring Mew (Pornpawee) back to the SEA Games,” he said.
Credit Photo : Think Curve
