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Published on January 26, 2008

In the previous Games in the Philippines, Thai athletes defended their overall title with a haul of 157 gold medals.

Prime Minister Surayudh Chulanont will preside over the closing ceremony today.

Thai swimmers grabbed 23 gold medals yesterday. Former Paralympic Games gold medallist Somchai Duangkaew swept both gold medals on offer in the men's 1,500m individual medley and the 50m freestyle yesterday to return with four gold medals. Apart from the two disciplines, Somchai also claimed gold in the men's 50m butterfly and helped the Thai squad win the 4x100m relay event.

In athletics, Thailand captured 17 gold medals yesterday. Wanna Ladee won her third gold, landing the javelin title. She also defended her discus and shot put golds.

Thailand's additional gold medals came from table tennis, where they won five gold yesterday. They also excelled in boccia and powerlifting, winning three gold apiece. Their wheelchair tennis team also swept all gold medals on offer.

At the end of competitions, the Thais topped the standings with 256 gold, 109 silver and 84 bronze medals. Malaysia overtook Vietnam to finish second overall after they added 23 gold yesterday for an aggregate 81 gold medals. Vietnam finished third with 78 gold. Indonesia and the Philippines came in fourth and fifth with 33 and 17 gold medals respectively.

On Tuesday, the government will hold a Congratulations Party at Government House for the Thai athletes who won medals in the Para Games, the Asian Indoor Games and the 24th SEA Games.

About Bt30 million in cash incentives is expected to be presented to the Para Games medallists.

The Nation