Thailand wins 18 gold medals at 2026 Asian Games

The Thai national team exceeded performance expectations at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing a total of 18 gold medals. This result surpassed the initial targets of 14 to 15 gold medals set by various sports associations and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

Athletics emerged as a standout discipline, contributing 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals. Sprinter Puripol Boonson made history as the first Thai and ASEAN athlete to be named the Asian Games MVP. Other notable successes included sailing with 2 gold medals, as well as unexpected gold medal performances in equestrianism and MMA.

While several sports exceeded their goals, others fell short. Sepak Takraw achieved only 2 gold medals against a target of 4, and golf failed to secure a gold medal, finishing with 1 bronze. Thailand concluded the games in 7th place overall with a total medal count of 18 gold, 13 silver, and 21 bronze.