Pattaya: The Pentathlon Association of Thailand has set its sights on winning two gold medals at the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
According to Thai News Agency, Phurich Yoheung, an athlete who competed in the 2024 Olympics, will be leading the Thai team. In preparation for the SEA Games, the association organized a test event, the UIPM 2025 Southeast Asian Championship, in mid-October, which not only tested the competition management system but also boosted the local economy in Pattaya, the event’s location.
Admiral Sutheepong Kaewtab, vice president of the Pentathlon Association of Thailand and manager of the Thai national modern pentathlon team, emphasized the inclusion of modern pentathlon in the SEA Games for the second time, following its debut at the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019. This year’s event will feature athletes from eight countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and host nation Thailand. The Thai contingent consists of twelve athletes, evenly split between men and women.
The Thai team has been undergoing rigorous training since December 2024 under the guidance of German coach Bernard Andreas Petrochinski, commonly known as Pedro. With financial backing from the Sports Authority of Thailand, the team has benefited from comprehensive preparation in areas such as training camps, sports science, nutrition, and psychology. This support has been pivotal in enhancing the athletes’ readiness. The association is targeting gold medals in the men’s individual triathlon and the laser run, with Phurich Yoheung as a key contender. Strong competition is expected from athletes representing the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Admiral Suthipong further detailed that the modern pentathlon events at the 33rd SEA Games will be held at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, from December 16 to 20, 2025. The competition will feature six gold medal events: men’s and women’s laser run, the opstuck laser run, and men’s and women’s triathlon, each involving a combination of running, swimming, and shooting laser guns.
The UIPM 2025 Southeast Asian Championships, hosted by Thailand in October at Jomtien Beach, served not only as a precursor to the SEA Games but also as an economic and tourism boost for Pattaya. The event allowed the organizers to evaluate the competition venues and management systems, while also providing an opportunity to observe athletes from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Jomtien Beach’s picturesque setting is expected to draw sports fans globally, enhancing the atmosphere as they support the athletes and enjoy the local attractions in Pattaya.