On December 28, 2017, at the Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel in Chiang Mai, Mr. Pongpanu Svetarun, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, visited and gave a motivational speech to participants in the project to promote sports volunteers and exercise leaders, specifically regarding the basic training of referees in athletics and football. Associate Professor Dr. Sombat Singharaj, Vice Rector of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, and representatives from the Department of Physical Education were also present.

The Institute for the Development of Physical Education and Sports Personnel, Department of Physical Education, in collaboration with Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, organized a project to promote sports volunteers and exercise leaders in athletics and football refereeing. The aim is for trainees to apply the knowledge gained from expert instructors to improve sports officiating to international standards in the local community.

This training course, organized by the Department of Physical Education, emphasized theory, including rules and various aspects of competition management, as well as practical training to develop knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in officiating in real competitions of track and field and football. The training was held from December 25-28, 2017, at the Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel and Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. Instructors from the Department of Physical Education served as trainers. A total of 124 participants successfully completed the training in both sports.

Mr. Pongpanu Svetarunth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, stated, “The training program for athletics and football referees by the Department of Physical Education is considered a development in the field of local referees, providing them with accurate knowledge and understanding. Those who undergo the training will be able to return to their duties as sports referees to develop sports in their localities, as well as train athletes to be disciplined and respect the rules. This will be a part of raising the standards of athletics and football at the local level. Furthermore, the training and development of sports referees aligns with the objectives of the draft Act on the Promotion of Standards for Sports Coaches and Referees, which is currently undergoing the legislative process.”