Mr. Thammanat Prompao chaired a meeting on September 25, at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok to review preparations to host the 33rd SEA Games in 2025 and the 13th ASEAN para Games in 2026.
The meeting was attended by key figures from the Thai sports industry and relevant agencies, including Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakon - the newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Sports; Associate Professor Pimol Srivikorn - Chairman of the Thai National Olympic Committee; Dr. Gongsak Yodmani - Governor of the Thai Sports Agency; Mr. Chaiyapak Siriwat - CEO of the SEA Games Office and representatives from various sports associations.
Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat said that for the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to take place from December 9-20, 2025, preparations, including the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, promotion, live broadcasting and recruitment of volunteers, have been transferred to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
He has directed Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakon to mobilize experts to ensure everything is completed before the Congress begins. He emphasized that this event is a major competition, contributing to promoting the image of Thailand to the world and calling for transparency in the use of the state budget. During the meeting, he also met with sports associations to listen to their concerns and find solutions.
Regarding the decision of the International Iron and Steel Federation (FIPJP) to ban this sport from the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand, Mr. Thammanat Prompao said that there will be strong action.
He said: "Regarding the issue of iron ball at the SEA Games, I am determined to ensure that the event takes place as originally planned. Regarding recent developments, I have established an expert committee to investigate this issue. If violations are detected, they must be handled according to the law. If no violations are detected, justice must be enforced".
The Thai Deputy Prime Minister also said that he has assigned the Thai Olympic Committee and the Chairman of the Thai Iron Ball Committee to lead the delegation, negotiating with FIPJP to ensure the acceptance and recognition of the iron ball at the SEA Games.
