With the 33rd SEA Games around the corner, Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) governor Dr. Gongsak Yodmani says that all venues are up to standard and fully ready for the region’s most prestigious sporting event.
Thailand is due to host the biennial multisport tournament for the seventh time, and the first since 2007, between December 9th and 20th in Bangkok and Chon Buri.
Despite the Games officially getting underway next week, competition in some sports, like football and equestrian polo, are to begin today, which Dr. Gongsak said is to reduce schedule congestion and to build up the atmosphere ahead of the formal opening.
Doubts do, however, linger over the venues’ readiness for each sport, particularly those relocated from Songkhla to Bangkok and Chon Buri due to catastrophic recent floods in the southern province.
The SAT governor insists, though, that all venues are now ready for international competition. “After inspecting venues in Bangkok and Chon Buri, including those serving replacement for events relocated from Songkhla, all meet the standards and are fit for use for international competition,” he claims.
“For instance, the Rajamangala National Stadium, which is slated for the opening ceremony and football competition, is now 100 percent ready, while nearby venues, like the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, all have the same preparedness, with the installation of all equipment already completed,” said Dr. Gongsak.
The SAT governor further revealed that the ‘Eat Shop Cheer’ initiative will be held, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, which will bring together famed local products, including food and goods from across the country, in fairs at the venues.
“We have overwhelming interest from local businesses and vendors. In the area surrounding the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium alone, there will be more than 30 stalls. Through screening, we pick only famous products from local communities to promote them on the ASEAN stage, which will help stimulate the economy during the Games,” added Dr. Gongsak.
There are 50 official sports, three demonstration disciplines (Air Sports, Flying Disc and Tug of War) and one “value-added” sport (the mixed martial arts) featured at the 2025 Games, with 574 gold medals on offer.
