Countdown to greatness! Thailand announces and hosts the 74th FIFA Congress, the first in ASEAN - Welcoming the world's football leaders.

On May 8, 2024, at 14:30, at the Sirikit Convention Center, the Thai government, together with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Football Association of Thailand, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and the Fédération Internationale De Football Association (FIFA), held a joint press conference to count down to greatness and showcase readiness for hosting the 74th FIFA Congress 2024 in Thailand, which will be commermced from May 13-17, 2024.

The press conference was led by Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Tourism and Sports, along with Dr. Gongsak Yodmanee, Governor for Sports Authority of Thailand, "Madame Pang" Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and Frank de Redelijkheid, Head of Special Events & Entertainment Department of FIFA, addressing the media together.

Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated, "The Thai government places great importance on hosting this congress because FIFA members from 211 countries worldwide will travel here, along with legendary football athletes participating in various events. We anticipate over 3,000 visitors to Thailand, and the activities and meetings will be broadcasted globally, presenting a prime opportunity for Thailand to promote tourism, culture, and traditions, emphasizing Thailand's Soft Power policy."

He continued, "Moreover, it's about inspiring athletes, children, and youth of all groups, providing them with the chance to witness legendary footballers in action. Hosting this congress elevates Thailand's global recognition and confidence from various countries worldwide."

Madame Pang Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, expressed, "Today marks a moment of pride and a significant milestone for our association. Thailand has been chosen by FIFA to host as the first country in ASEAN and the 5th in Asia, following Japan, South Korea, Qatar, and Australia."

"This year, many significant agendas will take place. One of them is voting for the host of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, making this congress a gathering of football organization leaders globally, including continental federations such as UEFA, CAF, AFC, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF. This is the world's biggest off-field event, and it's happening right here in Thailand."

"We, the Football Association, couldn't have created this international conference without the comprehensive support from all sectors. We thank the Thai government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, for their confidence and collaboration with all sectors, including government and private sectors. We also thank the FIFA Congress Management Committee, comprising domestic agencies that have supported us in all aspects during this intensive preparation. Moreover, we're grateful to TCEB, one of the key factors behind Thailand's crucial opportunity."

"We believe that the 74th FIFA Congress will leave a lasting impression on people in the global football community."

Dr. Gongsak Yodmanee, Governor for Sports Authority of Thailand, remarked, "As Sports Authority of Thailand overseeing the nation's sports development, our main objective is to promote and support various sports associations in multiple dimensions. Football is a globally popular sport, including in Thailand."

"This event presents a significant opportunity for FIFA to honor Thailand as the host, indicating FIFA's recognition of Thailand's capability as a meeting hub capable of accommodating member countries worldwide. This reflects readiness in sports, tourism, culture, and the environment, enabling global recognition and, importantly, creating more interest in football among children, youth, and citizens."

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), stated, "On behalf of TCEB, I am delighted and excited that Thailand is hosting the 74th FIFA Congress. TCEB As the primary organization in charge of international conference bidding on behalf of Thailand, we are proud to be the first country in ASEAN selected to host this event. This success is a result of collaboration between TCEB and the Football Association of Thailand as the Thai host. Through support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, we successfully bid to host this event under the 'One Ministry One Convention (OMOC)' project."

"This congress will generate revenue for the country and have positive economic impacts, approximately 228 million baht, creating added value to the economy of about 126 million baht, and employing more than 160 individuals. It will also elevate and promote Thailand as a destination for global sports communities to converge."

The 74th FIFA Congress is attended by football leaders from around the world, led by Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, along with Presidents of Football Federations from six continents, representatives from 211 Member Associations under FIFA, and legendary footballers. One of the significant agendas in this first-ever event is the voting for the host of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027.