The Basketball Sport Association of Thailand distributed more than four million coronavirus masks ©BSAT

Basketball Sport Association of Thailand (BSAT) President Nipondh Chawalitmontien helped produce more than four million coronavirus masks which were distributed through the organisation.

Alongside his role as BSAT President, Chawalitmontien is also the finance director of Hi-Tech Apparel, a manufacturer and exporter of garments including sporting clothing. 

In cooperation with the Thai Government and private sectors, Chawalitmontien devoted a number of manufacturing lines at the Hi-Tech Apparel factory for mass-production hygienic masks.

More than 14 million masks were produced over two months.

Through BSAT channels, they were distributed to the Sports Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Bangkok, as well as the BSAT member clubs across the country.

"COVID-19 is a major worldwide issue that none of us have ever faced before in our lives," said Chawalitmontien. 

"We have to help each other.

"I'm not a doctor, I don't have a hospital. 

"What I have is a factory that can manufacture clothing, and that's what I can do to help.

"Our masks are reusable and washable, which is enough for regular citizens.

"With N95 masks and single-use hygienic masks in limited stock, they should be reserved for those in the medical industry working in the frontline.

"Therefore, we had these masks manufactured which have been approved by both the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Industry to be able to protect users from contracting COVID-19 to a certain level."

Basketball Sport Association of Thailand President Nipondh Chawalitmontien helped produce more than four million masks ©Facebook
Basketball Sport Association of Thailand President Nipondh Chawalitmontien helped produce more than four million masks ©Facebook

Thailand currently has more than 2,600 coronavirus cases, with 43 people dying.

The country has hosted a number of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) events in recent years, including the Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup, Under-18 Women's Asian Championship in 2016, and Under-18 Asian Championship in 2018.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a great number of people around the world," said FIBA President Hamane Niang.

"It's something that extends beyond sports and requires all of us to take action – both as individuals and as members of society.

"On behalf of FIBA, I would like to congratulate BSAT President Chawalitmontien who stepped up in such a big way to help others in a time of need. 

"Hopefully his remarkable initiative sets an example for other members of the FIBA family who are in a position to help."