Bangkok: The president of the Target Shooting Association of Thailand has addressed the absence of Suthiya Jiwchalermmit from the SEA Games team, stating that she was not chosen to participate from the outset. He emphasized the association’s commitment to transparent management.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yutthana Phanitpichetwong, the president of the Thailand Shooting Sports Association, clarified allegations surrounding Suthiya Jiwchalermmit, a former prominent member of the Thai national shooting sports team. The issues in question pertain to her non-participation in the SEA Games, an alleged illegitimate election process, and the transparency of budget management within the association. Mr. Yutthana stated that Suthiya did not partake in the selection process for the national team destined for the SEA Games, thereby rendering claims of her withdrawal from the event inaccurate.

The election of the association’s president was conducted and certified by the Sports Authority of Thailand, having taken place a year ago. Allegations of illegitimacy were dismissed as baseless. Mr. Yutthana asserted that the association’s operations and budget management, particularly the funds received from the Expressway Authority of Thailand, were transparent. These funds were allocated to hiring coaches and acquiring essential equipment, such as automatic bullet launchers, to support athlete training.

Regarding the SEA Games skeet shooting competition venue, Mr. Yutthana explained that the event would be held at the Photharam Shooting Range in Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province. This decision followed an inspection by the SEA Games Minister, who deemed the skeet shooting range at the Sports Authority of Thailand unsuitable due to surrounding buildings and residential areas.

The facility in Ratchaburi Province was assessed and approved for hosting the SEA Games from December 11-18, where athletes will compete for six gold medals.