SEA Games 33: Host Thailand determined to win at least 241 gold medals despite "not having a good start"

The 33rd SEA Games is just a few days away from officially opening in Thailand, with many competitions having begun in Bangkok and Chonburi. As the host country after many years of waiting, Thailand is speeding up preparations and aiming to lead the entire delegation. However, the consecutive incidents that occurred right before the G-hour have made the regional media worried.

SEA Games 33: Chủ nhà Thái Lan quyết tâm

Many areas in Bangkok are still being repaired to serve the 33rd SEA Games.

The Thai sports delegation attended the 33rd SEA Games with a strong force of 1,531 athletes, aiming to win 241 gold medals and rank first overall - a number considered a record, demonstrating the determination to "goldenize" the games at home.

Venues in Bangkok and Chonburi were announced as complete, especially Rajamangala Stadium, which will host the men's football matches and the opening ceremony.

This project was upgraded with a large budget. The accommodation arrangements for the delegations were also confirmed by Thailand to be up to standard.

The competition areas of the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok are racing against time.

Thai media continuously introduced key figures, creating a lively atmosphere ahead of the Games. Thai sports officials hope that the 33rd SEA Games will be a boost to help the tourism industry recover strongly.

The 33rd SEA Games is an opportunity for Thailand to assert its position as the "locomotive" of Southeast Asian sports, but a series of incidents from the very beginning have significantly affected the image of the host country. The determination to lead the entire delegation is commendable, but professionalism in the organization is the decisive factor for the success of the games.

Thailand needs to urgently fix technical problems, improve facilities and stabilize the mentality of its athletes. Only by doing so can Bangkok deliver a complete 33rd SEA Games, in the spirit of solidarity and honoring Southeast Asian sports.

A series of incidents disappointed fans

However, the organization of SEA Games 33 is leaving many concerns.

The national anthem incident caused outrage.

In the opening match of the men's football tournament, the U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos teams were not allowed to play the national anthem, forcing the players of both teams to sing a cappella. Thairath newspaper called this an "unacceptable incident", raising concerns about the level of readiness of the Organizing Committee. The 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee later sent a letter of apology to the Olympic Committees of Vietnam and Laos, explaining that this was a technical error.

Inadequate facilities

Despite the upgrades at Rajamangala, problems still arose: the stadium lights were broken, the seating system was faulty, the MPC press centre was still in disarray as the opening ceremony approached, and many foreign reporters still did not have press badges.

The script for two important ceremonies was changed?

A shocking piece of information was that art director Rueangrith Suntisuk revealed that the script for the Opening and Closing Ceremony that he created was replaced just a few weeks before the congress took place, showing the passivity of the Organizing Committee.

Due to severe flooding in Songkhla — one of the host cities — a series of events (about 10 events ) were forced to change their venues to Bangkok and a few other places to ensure safety and organization standards.

Home team players owed wages

More seriously, many Taekwondo, Muay Thai and Thai Boxing athletes said they were owed more than 3 months of salary, leading to a "loss of motivation to compete". Some athletes shared that they had to "practice and cry at the same time", shocking Thai public opinion.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/sea-games-33-chu-nha-thai-lan-quyet-tam-gianh-it-nhat-241-hcv-du-dau-chua-xuoi-196251204143343708.htm