Madam Pang is carrying the burden of a 30 billion debt for Thai football.

Step by step, Madam Pang is easing the financial burden on Thai football, with FAT speeding up the process to address the massive debt alongside restructuring broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is dealing with the aftermath of a prolonged lawsuit with Siam Sport regarding the Thai League broadcasting contract during former chairman Somyot Poompanmoung's tenure. After multiple court levels, the Supreme Court ordered FAT to pay 360 million baht (around 30 billion VND) plus interest. This enormous "debt" weighs heavily on the new management team as Madam Pang takes over as chairwoman.

According to Ballthai, Madam Pang stated that significant progress has been made in repaying the debt, with most of the accrued interest nearly settled. This information somewhat eases the pressure amid risks of asset freezes or operational disruptions. However, the real burden remains the principal debt, which cannot be fully resolved in a short time.

The legal background of the case is quite complex. Siam Sport sued FAT for unilaterally terminating the Thai League broadcasting contract, demanding compensation exceeding one billion baht. Courts issued varying rulings before the final compensation was reduced to 360 million baht plus interest. Conversely, FAT’s counter-lawsuit to reclaim broadcasting revenue from the partner failed, tipping the legal balance in favor of Siam Sport.

The Thai public shows sympathy for the female chairwoman. On the Pantip forum, many comments suggest she is "bearing" the consequences of the previous term, despite not directly causing the dispute. Thairath newspaper also noted that Madam Pang is steering Thai football with transparent finances, striving to quell the "waves" of debt to stabilize the management system.

On the administrative side, under Madam Pang’s leadership, FAT secured a new broadcasting partner for multiple Thai League seasons, providing clubs with more stable revenue. The association also expanded VAR usage, strengthened youth leagues, and sought additional sponsors for competitions. These steps build a stronger financial foundation for the "historic debt repayment" process.

Nevertheless, the professional achievements of Thai football have yet to match the backstage efforts. The failure to capture regional titles recently increases pressure on FAT. With interest nearly paid off, the next challenge is finding resources to settle the 360 million baht principal, thus closing a heavy chapter and opening a more stable era for Thai football.