SAT Governor to accelerate the amendment of the Anti-Doping Act to comply with WADA
As being confirmed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), consequences have been imposed for failing to comply with WADA’s code on three NADOs, i.e., Thailand, DPRK, and Indonesia, and could negatively impact the attendance of their athletes at international competitions and the hosting of any regional, continental or world events for a period of one year.
Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, SAT Governor, revealed that according to WADA’s assessment procedures, the signatories will be assessed based on three aspects, i.e., Audit Programs, Continuous Monitoring Program, and the Anti-Doping in Sport Act B.E. 2555 (2012).
1. Audit Programs are tools to assess and monitor compliance of the NADOs. SAT has already corrected non-conformities and has followed the recommendations of WADA. The WADA’s assessment procedures are underway and going to be completed on 17 November 2021.
2. Continuous Monitoring Program ensures that the signatories have in place quality anti-doping programs. In regard to this, WADA has already approved DCAT’s anti-doping rules.
3. The Anti-Doping in Sport Act B.E. 2555 (2012) was declared not in conformity with the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Doping Control Agency (DCAT), therefore, have submitted this matter to the Cabinet in its meeting on 21 September 2021. The meeting assigned the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Office of the Council of State, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand to cooperate in amending the Doping Control in Sport Act B.E. 2555 (2012) to ensure the full operational independence of the DCAT, improve the definition of anti-doping substances, and etc. The bill can be enacted as a law according to Chapter XVI – The National Reform or an Emergency Decree which will have force as an act according to Section 172 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. SAT will proceed with amending and enacting the law immediately. If the process is delayed, Thailand will be ineligible to send teams to attend international competitions or host any international sporting events. This will destroy Thailand’s image and harm the national economy. The enactment process will be completed in the next 3 – 4 months, and the draft of the act has already been submitted to the Office of the Council of State.