Thailand's Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has revealed his delight at the success of the nation's athletes at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has revealed his delight at the success of the nation's athletes at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

He offered his thanks and congratulations to his nation's athletes and coaches, for "dedicating themselves to bringing international recognition to Thailand".

Beating the country's previous record for medals at a Paralympic Games, Thailand clinched six gold, six silver and six bronze medals this month in the Brazilian city.

Their previous best performance was at Sydney 2000 when they won five gold medals, although their biggest ever total was the 15 they won at Athens 2004.

They won only three gold medals on that occasion, though. 

Pongsakorn Paeyo and Prawat Wahoram were the nation's athletics heroes, both completing memorable gold medal doubles.

Pongsakorn secured victory in both the men's 400 metres T53 and men's 800m T52-53 events, whilst Prawat secured his double in the men's 1500m T54 and men's 5,000m T53-54.

There was also a double gold medal haul for boccia player Watcharaphon Vongsa.

He was successful in the mixed individual C2 competition as well as the mixed team BC1-2 event.

Pongsakorn Paeyo, pictured, and Prawat Wahoram were Thailand's athletics heroes at Rio 2016, both completing memorable double Paralympic gold medal hauls ©Getty Images
Pongsakorn Paeyo, pictured, and Prawat Wahoram were Thailand's athletics heroes at Rio 2016, both completing memorable double Paralympic gold medal hauls ©Getty Images

In the team tournament he competed alongside Worawut Saengampa, Pattaya Tadtong and Supin Tipmanee.

"This has proven that people with disabilities are assets of the nation," said Prayut, as reported by the Pattaya Mail.

"They are the ones who make the nation great."

The Prime Minister also promised support and assistance to people with disabilities, saying the Government had taken steps to empower the disabled through various programmes such as the "Streets To Stars" project and the "PromptPay" system.

Prayut then gave thanks to Montien Boonton, a member of the National Legislature, for raising public awareness about people with disabilities and empowering the underprivileged.