Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao has directed the formation of a subcommittee to address concerns raised by athletes and sports associations. This decision was made during the 8th/2025 meeting of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) board, which he chaired. The subcommittee aims to resolve issues with transparency, especially in light of the upcoming SEA Games.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, also discussed the preparations for the 33rd SEA Games scheduled to take place in Thailand from December 9-20, 2025. The preparations are nearing completion, with inspections of sports stadiums conducted to pinpoint areas needing minor adjustments. The meeting is expected to finalize preparations by November 30, 2025. Adjustments to the lighting, sound, and performances for the opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium were also discussed, with an emphasis on commemorative acts suitable for the current situation.
Furthermore, Thammanat highlighted the necessity of preparing for the 2026 Asian Games, urging collaboration with the SAT and other associations to ensure adequate athlete preparation, training venues, and live broadcasting. The Asian Games, being a significant continental event, demands early strategic planning to prevent potential issues. Additionally, he addressed the MotoGP event in Thailand, emphasizing the need for prompt resolution of organizational issues and careful evaluation of the event’s five-year license renewal, given its annual revenue of approximately 5 billion baht.
Lt. Col. Thammanat acknowledged the multitude of complaints from athletes and sports associations concerning conflicts, athlete allowances, governance issues, and transparency within sports associations. Recognizing the urgency and potential impact on Thai sports’ image, he stressed the importance of addressing these matters transparently and fairly. The SAT has drafted an order to appoint a subcommittee, chaired by Group Captain Anudit Nakornthap, to handle complaints, gather evidence, and report findings to the committee for further action.