Instead of being held in Songkhla province as originally planned, the matches will be moved to the capital Bangkok due to the complicated flooding situation.
The decision was announced on November 26 after preparations in Songkhla were severely affected by prolonged heavy rains. As of the evening of November 25, just 9 days before the opening match of Group B between U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos, the whole Songkhla province was still submerged in deep flood, with some places flooded up to 3m. Traffic was cut off, many flights were temporarily suspended, making it impossible to organize competitions.
Mr. Chaiphak Siriwat - Vice President of the Thai Olympic Committee said that all events scheduled to take place in Songkhla will be transferred to Bangkok to ensure the safety and progress of the festival. Previously, Songkhla planned to host men's football, judo, kabaddi, chess, pencak silat, karate, fighting, wushu, iron balls and muay Thai.
According to the new plan, Group B matches will take place at Thammasat Stadium, about 45 km from the center of Bangkok. This is a football field with good grass quality, having hosted the second leg of the AFF Cup 2022 final between Vietnam and Thailand, and is considered a miniature version of Rajamangala Stadium - where Group A of men's football will be held.
In Songkhla, local authorities are prioritizing natural disaster response and supporting people to overcome the consequences. The leader of the General Department of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control of Thailand assessed this flood as a major disaster, causing heavy damage and requiring urgent measures. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has raised the warning to level 4 and called on mobilizing forces nationwide to coordinate and support.
The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has also been activated to coordinate relief work, assess damage and ensure safety for people in affected areas.
The location adjustment helps the competition program of the 33rd SEA Games continue to take place as planned, while creating favorable conditions for U22 Vietnam to prepare for the opening match against Laos in Bangkok.
