As the 33rd SEA Games approaches, Mahidol University has quickly become the center of attention, as it is considered a pillar of the clean sports ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
Drawing of the new National Institute of Doping Control and Analytical Sciences at Mahidol University's Salaya campus, slated to become the most advanced anti-doping laboratory in Southeast Asia
Thailand will welcome more than 12,000 athletes from 11 Southeast Asian countries from December 9 to 20, competing in 50 sports.
Home to ASEAN’s only WADA-accredited laboratory, the National Doping Control Centre (NDCC) is positioning Thailand as a regional leader in fair and transparent competition, providing world- class testing capabilities, scientific expertise and upgraded infrastructure to safeguard the integrity of the region’s largest multi-sport event.
WADA Director of Intelligence and Investigations Gunter Younger described Thailand as an important regional hub, not only because of its accredited laboratory but also because of its staff and technical readiness. He noted that Mahidol’s NDCC is an essential partner in WADA’s intelligence and investigations programs, including its cooperation efforts with Interpol.
"The agency is confident that the upcoming SEA Games will reflect the highest standards of fairness and transparency," he stressed.
Dr. Somsak Leesawadtrakul, Director of the Executive Council of the National Doping Control Center and President of the Mahidol University Alumni Association under Royal Patronage, said the Games were more than just a sporting milestone. He stressed Thailand’s determination to lead the region in promoting sports integrity.
“Winning must reflect effort, honesty and human dignity, but anti-doping work is becoming increasingly complicated due to the emergence of performance-enhancing substances and increasingly sophisticated evasion methods,” said Dr. Somsak Leesawadtrakul, a prominent business leader and one of the country’s most influential sports patrons.
His long-standing commitment to strengthening the Thai sports ecosystem, including significant personal support for anti-doping infrastructure and athlete development, has contributed to the country becoming a regional force in clean and fair competition.
Therefore, continuous government investment in WADA-accredited laboratory infrastructure is essential, not only to ensure rigorous testing but also to promote analytical and research technologies, thereby strengthening public confidence in clean sport worldwide.
Associate Professor Dr. Sithiwat Lertsiri, Vice-Chancellor of Mahidol University, which houses and operates the WADA-accredited laboratory, highlighted the university’s decades-long focus on making real-world impact in areas beyond medical and social development.
He noted Mahidol's sustained cooperation with WADA and Interpol, saying the SEA Games provided Thailand with an opportunity to demonstrate that its sports standards were transparent, accountable and worthy of the region's trust.
The commitment to clean sport is shared by the sporting community. Varawut Silpa-archa, former social development minister and executive board director of the Thai Speed and Figure Skating Association, said Thailand’s WADA-accredited laboratory has significantly enhanced the country’s credibility. He believes the SEA Games will allow Thailand to demonstrate its ability to host clean, fair and credible competition on the international stage.
That ambition is backed by significant investment. Thailand has made rapid progress in its anti-doping capabilities over the past five years, with the NDCC being a key driver, said Associate Professor Dr. Siripong Thitamadee, Director of the Institute of Sports Science and Doping Analysis. Construction of a new, large-scale laboratory complex is underway, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
The project is supported by government funding and private donations, including 50 million baht contributed by Dr. Somsak Leesawadtrakul and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. When completed, the facility will be one of Asia’s most advanced anti-doping centers, extending beyond the scope of mandatory WADA testing to include additional analysis and specialized detection technologies, providing comprehensive protection and confidence for athletes.
Athletes also welcomed the assurance. National badminton player Nuntakarn Aimsaard said: Fair play is the foundation of sport. The presence of a world-class anti-doping centre in Thailand ensures that any medals won at the SEA Games will truly reflect the athletes’ ability and dedication.
Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/mahidol-dan-dau-no-luc-the-thao-sach-cho-sea-games-20251128143200499.htm
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