Thailand Boxing Association (TBA) and eight other sports associations are aiming to secure a combined total of 39 gold medals, pushing Thailand’s overall target for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games — to be held on home soil next month — to over 160 golds.
The TBA was among the nine associations attending Thursday’s press briefing to present their readiness and medal expectations for the region’s biennial multi-sport event, scheduled for December 9–20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla.
Traditionally, boxing has been one of Thailand’s most successful disciplines, and the TBA is eyeing nine gold medals from its 17 competing fighters.
“All 17 of our SEA Games boxers are fully prepared. We expect to claim no fewer than nine titles — the same number we won in the previous edition in Cambodia. Our main rivals are the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, whose athletes are technically and physically strong,” said Pol Lt Gen Chaiwat Chotima, TBA vice president and secretary general.
“That said, we believe the home crowd’s support will inspire our fighters to succeed,” he added.
Meanwhile, following the reinstatement of petanque in the SEA Games programme, Gen Mangorn Kosinraseni, chairman of the sport’s normalization committee, reaffirmed the national team’s readiness and set a target of four gold medals.
“Although the sport still lacks a legitimate governing body, every athlete is determined to deliver at the home Games,” Gen Mangorn said.
“There are 11 petanque events, and the selection process was transparent. Our team includes several former world champions, and we are confident of winning at least four golds.”
After boycotting the previous Games in Cambodia two years ago over a dispute regarding the Khmer name for the sport, the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand is set to make a powerful return, targeting 10 gold medals.
“The Muay Thai team is raring to go and eager to win gold for the country. Our squad includes world and continental champions who can make a strong impression,” said Group Captain Boonsong Nuanyong, the national Muay Thai team manager.
“Out of 18 categories, we aim to win 10 — seven from the men’s events and three from the women’s.”
In other disciplines, the Ju-Jitsu Association has set a target of 10 golds, while the Wushu Association is aiming for two titles.
Among the four demonstration sports, aeronautic sports aim for two golds, while mixed martial arts and flying disc target one gold each. The tug of war team hopes to achieve the best result possible.
With these latest forecasts, Thailand’s expected medal tally now stands at 164 gold medals across 38 sports associations competing at the Games.
