Thailand is ready to welcome delegates from 10 other ASEAN countries participating in the upcoming 33rd SEA Games next week since they set foot at the airport, says Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) governor Dr Gongsak Yodmani.
The region’s biennial sporting event is due to be held between December 9-20 in Bangkok and Chon Buri following the delisting of Songkhla as one of the host cities due to recent flood crisis in the southern province.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dr Gongsak said the country stands ready to impress participating athletes and officials from all ASEAN nations upon their arrival at the airport, assuring they would be afforded convenience as much as possible.
“SEA Games athletes and officials are just like the country’s guests. They would receive warm welcome and good hospitality during their times here. The organising committee has already coordinated with all relevant agencies. There would be dedicated immigration lanes for SEA Games participants.
“Regarding transportation, we prepare buses with police escort to take them to their hotels. We also collaborated with traffic police already to facilitate their travel along the routes. There would be no closure of traffic, though. We don’t want it to affect the general public.”
The SAT governor noted there would be mobilisation of security personnel to ensure maximum safety for all participants throughout the Games.
“We’ve mobilised thousands of police officers, both in uniform and undercover, to look after the delegates at the airport, hotels and the venues as we give top priority to their safety.”
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) featuring in the 33rd edition of the Games with a total of 574 gold medals at stake.
