The Money Report: Thai Olympic Medal Incentives

According to our list, Thailand — so far — is giving the highest financial incentive to its Olympic medalists. Here’s how it looks:

Gold medalists will earn $314,000, silver medal winners will take home $187,788 while a bronze is worth $125,213.

Unlike other countries, Thailand will be giving its athletes’ incentives via installment — 50% will be rewarded after the Olympics while the other 50% will be paid over a 20 year period.

In case you are wondering, the Thai authorities decided on this installment scheme after 2004 boxing gold medalist Manus Boonjumnong gambled away the $600,000 he received following his Olympic victory.

Thankfully, Manus is going back to the Olympics to defend his title. If he wins another gold medal he will earn $314,000 which, we hope, will be used for more productive, non-gambling activities.

Update: A listing of financial incentives to Olympic athletes from different countries is published at How Much Money Do Olympians Make.