Preparations for the 33rd SEA Games are not yet complete
According to the Bangkok Post, Congressman Chamlong Anantasuk, a spokesperson for the Senate's Tourism and Sports Committee, warned against Thailand's readiness to host the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) scheduled to take place from December 9 to 20, citing the ineffective management of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
Mr. Chamlong said that in an inspection two days ago at the National University of Sports in Chon buri, he discovered major shortcomings. According to him, the golf course is still being remodeled, with only a few workers spreading new artificial turf after the old course was removed.
The field for women's football needs to be upgraded, with degraded seating still intact. He added that weight training and judo facilities lack curtains, air conditioning and appropriate lighting.
"There is only more than a month left, the preparation work must be completed, not under construction," the senators said, questioning why SAT allowed such a delay.
He also criticized the lack of clearly marked and publicized signs, noting that Chon buri banners only welcome visitors to the SEA Games without specifying which sports are held at which locations.
Mr. Chamlong also called on the organizing committee to work on safety issues, traffic management and appropriate facilities before the event began.
Bangkok, buri and Songkhla will host the 33rd SEA Games
The ASEAN Sports Festival for the Disabled will take place from January 20 to 26, 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Economic value of the SEA Games
In other developments, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn - Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand estimated that hosting the 33rd SEA Games and then the ASEAN para Games will have a positive impact on the Thai economy.
According to him, these two events will generate a revenue of 5,285 billion baht (more than 4,300 billion VND), creating 12,000 - 14,000 jobs in different industries. He explained that the SEA Games is a national sporting event in the ASEAN region and is recognized in Asia as having a large scale like other sporting events.
Therefore, Thailand's hosting is once again a positive opportunity, and he believes that this opportunity will boost jobs in the fields of construction, services, transportation and sports. He believes this will create at least 12,000-14,000 jobs.
"In addition, there will be no less than 12,000 athletes, coaches and teams depending on ASEAN countries to Thailand. This will create economic fluctuations throughout the tournament in all host and neighboring provinces.
Their spending will be spent on sports tourism, thereby stimulating both sports and tourism, creating a significant source of domestic revenue," said Mr. Atthakorn.
Above all, hosting two events will help enhance Thailand's image in the eyes of the ASEAN community, demonstrate its leadership role in the tourism and sports industry, inspire Thai athletes to achieve success in winning gold medals, as well as create economic value for the country.
