Bangkok: The Senate Sports Committee has expressed concerns about Thailand’s preparedness for hosting the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 13th ASEAN Para Games. The committee highlighted issues such as delays in funding, inadequate stadiums, and insufficient accommodations, which they fear could tarnish the national image.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chamlong Anantasuk, a Senate member and vice-chairman of the committee, voiced concerns regarding the current state of preparations for the games. He emphasized that the slow progress, particularly in budget allocation, could lead to unforeseen expenses and impact the overall quality of the event. The delays in funding are expected to affect the procurement of essential equipment, much of which needs to be imported, thus heightening the risk of items not arriving on time.

Moreover, Mr. Chamlong noted the challenges posed by the necessary renovations to the stadiums, which must adhere to international standards. Completing these upgrades
within the tight timeframe could compromise both the quality and safety of the venues. The issue of accommodation for the 12,000 athletes expected to participate also remains unresolved. Delays in booking could mean that athletes may have to stay in substandard or distant accommodations, affecting their training schedules and increasing travel expenses.

Mr. Chamlong further expressed concern that the lack of public awareness about the preparations might lead to a negative perception of Thailand’s readiness as a host nation. He warned that slow public relations efforts could undermine the morale of those involved in organizing the event, potentially turning what should be a moment of national pride into a cause for concern.

He also criticized the management strategy, pointing out that the concentration of responsibilities within the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) without involving experts from other organizations could lead to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. This centralization of power could also affect
transparency, posing risks to the successful execution of the games.