Bangkok: The World Petanque Federation has imposed a potential two-year ban on Thailand if it proceeds with organizing petanque competitions during the upcoming 33rd SEA Games. The International Petanque Federation has also prohibited Thailand from hosting petanque events at the SEA Games, stating that any breaches involving ASEAN nations will trigger the international ban.
According to Thai News Agency, the 33rd SEA Games, slated to be hosted by Thailand, is less than three months away and has already encountered numerous issues. Among these are the delayed finalization of the SEA Games logo, which has only recently been approved for use as an animated image and on souvenirs. Additionally, the venues for various sports events have just been confirmed. Notably, the international boxing event had to be relocated from the Sports Authority of Thailand’s incomplete boxing training center to the Chalerm Ratchasuda Sports Stadium building at Chulalongkorn University.
Thailand’s inability to host the petanque competition at the 7th ASEAN Games stems from complications within the Petanque Association of Thailand. The International Petanque Federation, alongside the World Petanque and Bowls Federation, has barred Thai petanque athletes from international events, including the SEA Games, due to the association president’s qualifications being in violation of sports ethics. Despite the Olympic Committee of Thailand forming a central committee to select athletes, as instructed by the International Petanque Federation, the previously banned association committee continues to influence matters such as athlete allowances and athlete nominations.
Claude Azema, president of the International Petanque Federation, expressed his frustration by sending a letter to Assistant Professor Pimol Srivikorn, president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand. The letter rejected Thailand’s organization of the petanque competition at the 33rd SEA Games. If Thailand insists on hosting and ASEAN countries participate, the federation will enforce a two-year ban until the next SEA Games in 2027 in Malaysia.
Mr. Chaiphak Siriwat, Vice President of the Thai Olympic Committee and Minister of the SEA Games, acknowledged that Thailand has faced similar issues in the past, notably with the Football Association of Thailand. Despite establishing a central committee to address such matters, the unresolved petanque issue has tarnished Thailand’s reputation.
The situation has dashed the hopes of Thai volleyball players aiming for 11 gold medals at the SEA Games, as the interests of a few individuals have adversely affected Thailand’s sports industry and the athletes who have dedicated themselves to training and competing for national glory.