The athletes paid a courtesy call on the premier at Government House on Monday to listen to his instructions and receive his blessings ahead of their participation at the Games in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.

The prime minister advised the delegations not only to maximise their efforts in the pursuit of  excellence at Games but also to strengthen their friendships with other participants.

“Sports are used to build good relations at the global level, just like the North and South Korean nations,” Prayuth told the athletes.

“You should enjoy the experience and at the same time make friends during the Games. We always give priority to the medals but we should not forget to take this opportunity to build good friendships,” said the premier, adding that he always followed their fortunes at big sporting events.

The government leader also wished the athletes success, safe journey and told them to bring honour for themselves, families and the country.

Thailand will send 445 male and 385 female athletes to the Games, which will take part in Jakarta and Palembang.

The Sports Authority of Thailand expecst the athletes to return home with about 17 gold medals, with sepak takraw topping the gold medal expectations (four). Golf and weightlifting are predicted to produce two golds each while boxing, taekwando, sailing, bowling, shooting, and cycling are each tipped to yield at one.

A total budget of Bt37.9 million is being spent to send the Thai delegation to the Games. Thailand won 12 golds in Incheon, South Korea four years ago, while 24 is the highest number of gold medals Thailand has ever achieved in the Games history, achieved during the 13th Asiad in Bangkok 20 years ago.