Petanque has been reinstated as a medal sport at the Thailand SEA Games in December.
The Federation International de Petanque et Jeu Provencal (FIPJP) and World Petanque Bowls Federation (WPBF) had just a week ago suspended Thailand from hosting any international competition.
The decision by the governing world bodies follows the concern over the election of the president of the Petanque Association of Thailand (PAT).
PAT had elected Wing Commander Sutthiroj Praphanot, who is facing allegations of corruption, election fraud and sexual harassment. While he had been banned for life by the international body, Praphanphat remains as PAT president.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) also continues to recognize his leadership, earning the ire of the world bodies.
The National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT), led by its president Pimol Sriviokorn, had managed to convince WBBF president Cakude Azema to retract the suspension during their mission to France.
The delegation had also presented a letter of commitment from the Thai government and SAT to address the world bodies concerns and adhere to the WBSF rules and regulations. The letter was co-signed by Thai deputy prime minister Capt. Thammanat Prompao and SAT governor Kongsak Yodmandee.
The decision would be a welcome relief for Thailand, who were banking on a golden haul in the event.
At the recent world championships in Rome, Thailand won gold medals through Sarawut Sriboonpeng-Ratchata Khamdee (men’s doubles), Kantras Chuchuay (women’s singles) and Chuhuay-Nantawan Fueangsanit (women’s doubles). They also won a bronze in the mixed doubles through Sarawut-Nantawan.
