It comes after the continental bloc opted to press ahead with their plan to develop five regional headquarters, rather than keep their sole home in Kuwait City.

This was decided during an Executive Committee meeting in Japanese city Sapporo late last month.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakon and National Olympic Committee of Thailand President Yuthasak Sasiprapha were among those present.

"Thailand is one of the main players in our Olympic Movement in Asia and I would like to thank you for your support," said OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

Another base in Indonesian capital Jakarta has already begun operations.

Others are expected to follow in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Delhi, India.

insidethegames understands, however, that most OCA staff currently remain working in Kuwait.

Kuwait was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October 2015 for Government interference, with FIFA and numerous other International Federations swiftly following suit.

It followed the introduction of a new sports law in the country which granted the Sports Ministry the power to take over all sports bodies and National Federations, as well as being able to control decisions including appointments and financial matters.

Fall-out as the conflict escalated last year affected the OCA, who have followed the IOC's lead and requested Kuwait compete under an Independent Olympic Athletes flag at events.

A longstanding contract to maintain their base in Kuwait City was terminated by the Government in November last year and negotiations are to continue over whether they can resurrect it.

Problems are thought to be continuing despite the resignation of Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, the Minister responsible for sport who has endured a particularly tense relationship with his cousin, Sheikh Ahmad.