Thailand has pledged maximum safety for the Cambodian contingent set to participate in the upcoming Thai-hosted SEA Games, after Cambodia expressed concern for the safety of its athletes and officials amid ongoing border tensions.
According to Chaiyapak Siriwat, vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) and CEO of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, Cambodian officials had raised concerns about the safety of their delegation during the 33rd SEA Games, which will be held next month in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla.
“The Cambodian government voiced concerns about the safety of their participants at the Games. They will send around 300 athletes and asked that they be accommodated together in the same hotels, rather than being separated by sport, as is done with other teams,” said Chaiyapak.
He added that the request had been granted and that arrangements were being made to house the Cambodian team together in each host city.
“I will also assign officials to ensure their maximum safety throughout their stay in Thailand. The Cambodians found our assurances very satisfying,” he said.
Chaiyapak also revealed that discussions are under way to increase financial incentives for Thai medal-winning athletes.
“Pimol Srivikorn, the NOCT president, has already spoken with Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thammanat Prompao, who agreed to take the matter to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for legal review before seeking Cabinet approval,” he said.
He added that the proposal should be finalised by November 20, and that overdue athlete training allowances since August would be expedited.
“The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the NSDF will ask the Comptroller General’s Department to speed up the disbursement so athletes receive their allowances through November,” Chaiyapak said.
The 33rd SEA Games, the region’s biennial multi-sport event, will take place from December 9 to 20.
