OCT secretary-general Charouck Arirachakaran said the squad would consist of 206 male athletes, 110 officials and the rest female athletes. The delegation and the Princess will leave for Doha on Qatar Airways flight QR613 at 8.15am on November 27 and stay in the athletes' dormitory during the competition.

"We sent a letter to the private secretary of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn about the exact date of the delegation's departure. The secretary has already briefed the Prince and the Princess, and it has been confirmed the Princess will accompany the team," said Charouck.

"The Princess is also keen to stay in the athletes' dormitory along with the Thai athletes and those from 44 countries of the region. Although safety measures within the dormitory are very strict, it is necessary that good service be offered to the Princess, in accordance with royal Thai tradition. The Thai ambassador to Qatar and his wife will take good care of the Princess," he said.

"At the same time, the OCT members will coordinate with the host country to provide good service and safety to the princess. I hope her trip will boost the morale of the Thai athletes in the Games."

Asked about the gold-medal target, Charouck said it was set at 12 gold. However, he said that if they could win 14 gold medals like they did in the previous Games, in Pusan, South Korea, four years ago, he would deem it a success.

"We have included many athletes who won gold medals at the SEA Games last year. The Asian Games will be good exposure for them. They will undoubtedly find it quite tough. They might not return with medals but will definitely return with a lot of experience and personal best records," he said.