Thai director accuses of sudden cancellation of entire SEA Games opening project: Severe shock

Director Ruangrit Santisuk, who was assigned to design the opening and closing ceremonies of the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, recently attracted attention when he shared on his personal page that the entire project that he and his team had prepared for 7 months was suddenly canceled and replaced by a new team.

Matichon (Thailand) quoted Mr. Ruangrit as saying that he accepted the invitation to carry out the SEA Games 33 opening ceremony project in mid-March 2025 after a period of consideration, because he had never worked with a State agency before. However, he saw this as an opportunity for a group of young creatives to bring a new approach to a regional event.

Initial perspective for the opening ceremony of SEA Games 33

PHOTO: FBNV

The initial team consisted of only 4 people. Due to the tight timeframe and large scale, they had to invest in human resources, produce stage model designs, scripts and performance ideas themselves before submitting them to the authorities. After several rounds of reporting, the plan was approved and the team began to invite suitable collaborators to carry out the next steps.

Many difficulties, limited budget, change of location, redesign from scratch

According to him, during the production process, the team faced a small budget, even lower than the budget for some festivals and entertainment events taking place at the same time. When security concerns arose at the original venue, there was a proposal to move the entire program to Rajamangala Stadium, forcing the team to rebuild the entire design from scratch.

Despite the pressure, the group continued because they wanted to create a new opening ceremony that would reflect the diversity of Thai culture. The new design was approved, and many previously opposed acts were also accepted into the program.

Rajamangala Stadium where the SEA Games opening ceremony will take place

PHOTO: SEA GAMES 33 Organizing Committee

Initially, the "royal field" Sanam Luang was chosen as the venue for the SEA Games opening ceremony.

PHOTO: SEA GAMES 33 Organizing Committee

According to Mr. Ruangrit, since the end of September, the team has continuously noticed unusual signs. Some artists they contacted for schedules said that another team from SEA Games 33 had contacted them before. When asking the management agency, the team did not receive a clear answer.

Soon after, they were informed that a new team, under a higher position, had come to inspect Rajamangala and work with the old management. Despite waiting for another two weeks for official information, the team still received no response. Given the lack of transparency and the inability to continue taking the risk, they were forced to halt all preparations. To date, the team has not received any cancellation or confirmation.

"How to prepare the SEA Games opening ceremony in 1 month?"

In his post, Mr. Ruangrit expressed his disappointment that the entire team was replaced with just over a month left to prepare for the opening ceremony. He said he regretted the efforts of dozens of people who had worked together for many months. The collapse of the project left him feeling stuck in his creative spirit and raised many questions about how the system worked.

He said that implementing a national-scale program in just over a month was “incomprehensible” and hoped that the final results of the SEA Games would not embarrass the country or damage Thailand’s cultural and sporting image in the eyes of international friends.

Although he is no longer involved in the project, Ruangrit still sends his best wishes to the new team who are taking on a large part of the work in a short period of time, and hopes that the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games will take place safely, smoothly and bring fame to the country.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dao-dien-thai-lan-to-bi-huy-dot-ngot-toan-bo-du-an-khai-mac-sea-games-soc-nang-185251203084204584.htm