Chang Beer is the latest company to offer million-baht incentives for local athletes winning Beijing gold.

Olympic Committee of Thailand president Yutthasak Sasiprapa arrived yesterday. He says Chang Beer will support our athletes with the cash awards.

"So far, a gold-medal winner can receive as much as Bt15 million," he says.

Yutthasak explains that the National Sports Development Fund is contributing Bt10 million for every gold and then there's Bt1 million each from McDonald's, AIS, Osotspa, Chang Beer and Siam Sports.

 Boxing manager Sakchai Wongmalasit is promising another Bt1 million for every fighter winning gold.

And, if Manus Boonjumnong and Worapoj Petchkoom take home the top prize they'll get an additional Bt3 million, thanks to their having won medals at the Athens 2004 edition.

"I'm convinced the cash incentives for gold medallists will be increased. It could reach Bt20 million or more."

Atlanta hero Somluck Khamsing took away Bt20 million for his efforts.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrives here tomorrow morning and will visit the Olympic Village. She promises to cook a meal for the entire national team. The menu is a secret.

On Friday, the Princess will attend the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Thailand embassy in Beijing before attending the Opening Ceremony in the evening.

Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra will attend, too. However, there's no special treatment for the former leader.

He has had to pay for his own ticket and is attending in a private capacity, Yutthasak says.