Kingdom captures 157 golds to win the overall c'ship

The Thai contingent will return home today with Bt30 million in government money awaiting them as reward for their achievement. In line with national sports development policy, gold medallists will each be awarded Bt100,000, silver medallists Bt50,000 and bronze medallists Bt30,000.

 Thailand, with 157 golds, 75 silvers and 57 bronzes, dominated the Games to take their fourth successive overall win in the competition.

Hosts Malaysia finished a distant second with 94 gold medals, followed by Vietnam on 73, Indonesia on 29, and the Philippines with 24.

The Thai athletics team contributed the most to the gold medal haul , winning 63 categories while the Thai tennis wheelchair monopolised all six golds offered in their competition. In the men's wheelchair basketball final, Thailand defended their gold medal by beating the hosts 71-49.

Chutinun Bhirombhakdi, president of the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, will host a party for the athletes at the Boonrawd Brewery tomorrow, where they will also receive the cash awards from the government.