Boonsak and other top players quit Badminton Association of Thailand

A total of 12 national players and four coaches yesterday held a press conference on their decision to quit, citing their dissatisfaction with unsolved problems in the association and an unsatisfactory sponsorship deal arranged by the badminton's governing body.

Last month, BAT president Charoen Wattanasin announced the launch of a new team contract aimed at securing a improved players' deal in the form of performance related financial support.

In line with the deal, the BAT will this month sign a contract with Yonex to support Thai players in their preparations for major tournaments.

However, the players rejected Charoen's new contracts, saying that they preferred the option of negotiating independent sponsorship contracts.

Boonsak, silver medallist at the last week's Malaysia Open Super Series, said yesterday that he had sought sponsors by himself for years.

Last year, he signed a three-year deal to become the face of Japanese sports products manufacturer Kumpoo only to learn later that the association was planning to sign with Yonex and give its players an ultimatum - either stay with the BAT and its sponsor or become an independent player.


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