BANGKOK — Thailand’s preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games have been marred by organizational failures and budget disputes, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties and raising questions about the country’s readiness to host the regional competition.
The Games, scheduled to run December 9-20, mark Thailand’s first time hosting in 18 years. But a series of mishaps has emerged before the official opening ceremony, reflecting broader problems stemming from a government transition that disrupted months of planning.
Ceremony Producer Dismissed After Seven Months
Rueangrith Suntisuk announced on Facebook on December 2 that his contract to produce the opening and closing ceremonies had been canceled despite seven months of preparation. He said a new team took over in mid-October.
Rueangrith said he wasn’t seeking compensation but wanted to highlight the challenges of working transparently with state agencies, hoping the situation might still benefit the country.
Sound System Failure Mars Football Match
On December 3, organizers failed to play national anthems before a football match between Vietnam and Laos, forcing players and coaching staff to sing without accompaniment.
Sound technicians from the Sports Authority of Thailand had finished their regular working hours before the 4 p.m. kickoff and shut down the system before leaving. Replacement staff assigned to handle SEA Games football matches couldn’t operate the equipment.
Officials had to call the original technicians back, and the system worked properly for the second match between Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Opposition Criticizes Government Handling
Payu Nueangjamnong, deputy spokesperson of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, said the failures have turned Thailand into a regional laughingstock.
“The various problems circulating on social media — unprepared stadium lighting, ticketing system errors, substandard equipment, and questionable procurement — reflect management failures,” Payu said on December 4.
He said the problems weren’t caused by unforeseeable circumstances but by organizers’ carelessness.
“We should have brought in professionals from the beginning,” Payu said. “The SEA Games — an event meant to showcase Thailand’s capabilities — has instead become a sloppy event that makes us look like the laughingstock of the region.”
He warned that more mistakes will likely surface by the closing ceremony. “The SEA Games belongs to the nation, not to any specific government. If you want to fix this, you must act now — not wait until after the closing ceremony and then start blaming others.”
Official Page Apologizes for Multiple Errors
The official SEA Games Thailand 2025 Facebook page apologized after facing criticism for incorrect national flags, illegible schedules and promotional posters created using artificial intelligence.
The page said it receives promotional materials from various agencies and some content may contain errors beyond its control. Officials pledged to verify competition information more carefully.
Prime Minister Defends Response
PM Anutin Charnvirakul defended the government’s efforts, saying Deputy Prime Minister Thammamnat Prompao, who oversees the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is working to resolve issues.
“This did not just start two months ago. Upon taking office, we had to urgently address the budget,” Anutin said. “We know the problem, that’s why we’re rushing it. Capt. Thammamnat has been working with his head spinning; he has to solve many situations.”
Anutin also addressed venue problems in Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province, where some events couldn’t be organized as planned. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is arranging alternative venues and athlete accommodations.
When asked if relevant ministers’ performance should be evaluated, Anutin said: “It’s too late to measure; the parliament will be dissolved soon anyway.”
Contractor Cancels LED Work Over Unpaid Deposit
On the same day, the contractor, identified as “Love Led” on Facebook, said the arrangement was based on an oral agreement with payment expected starting December 1. After repeated postponements, the contractor set a 4 p.m. deadline on December 4.
“The SEA Games work is massive, but the hiring and payment processes are unclear,” the contractor wrote. “I’m worried not just for myself, but also for our team and other suppliers involved, as we have to take responsibility for them.”
The contractor said the work involved only the Chonburi zone, not Rajamangala Stadium or other areas. After the deadline passed without payment, the contractor declared the contract void.
Schedule Delays Add to Confusion
Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn previously acknowledged that competition schedules for some sports remained unfinalized close to the start date. He attributed delays to changes and withdrawals by participating countries, with Cambodia pulling out of eight sports.
Atthakorn set an economic stimulus target of at least 15 billion baht (approximately $470 million) from hosting the Games. He acknowledged that flooding over the past two months had diverted public attention but said the government has increased promotional efforts and is encouraging Thais to be good hosts.
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