Pitchamon was temporarily suspended by the International Anti-Doping Agency (ITA) after a test sample taken on September 17 in Nagoya showed adverse analysis results for furosemide. This substance is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
“Pitchamon has been with the Thai badminton team here since September 16 and has been tested for banned substances. Until the latest test results are available, the next step is for Pitchamon to wait for the B sample test results to have a clear conclusion again.
Based on the information that Pitchamon explained, we predict that this may be due to lack of understanding and is likely related to topical anti-inflammatory drugs," said Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Panjaroenworaku.
According to the pagoda country's press, Pitchamon explained to the Thai Badminton Federation that the detected substance may be related to an anti-inflammatory cream. However, the specific cause must still be determined through the examination process and the results of the B sample.
Because the suspension decision took effect immediately, Pitchamon was not allowed to compete, train or participate in activities at ASIAD 20. Therefore, this player could not participate in the women's team quarter-final match between Thailand and China on September 22.
Minister Surasak said that the Thai side will continue to monitor the handling process of the incident and is expected to have information in the next few days.
It is expected that in the next few days there will be a clear conclusion on all test results. The related procedures must be completed during the ASIAD 2026, which will close on October 4. Meanwhile, the women's badminton team, due to no longer having a personal schedule, is expected to return to Thailand on September 25," he said.
Leaders of the Thai sports sector also reiterated the requirement for athletes to control drugs and food before major tournaments. After this incident, functional agencies will remind athletes to be more careful in eating and using drugs, in order to prevent similar incidents from happening at this ASIAD as well as in the future.
