Thailand unexpectedly changed the venue of SEA Games 33: Indonesia was 'dizzy', Vietnam was...

The 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee has decided to move the Group A matches of the Thailand U.23 team from Songkhla to the capital Bangkok, where the Rajamangala National Stadium is located. Meanwhile, Group C with Indonesia U.23 team will likely be changed for the second time.

Reduce travel burden for Thai players

After the draw for the men's football at the 33rd SEA Games, host Thailand was placed in Group A along with Timor-Leste and Cambodia. Initially, Group A was scheduled to take place at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla Province. However, according to Thai media, this was changed after a meeting of the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee on October 30, chaired by Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn - Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand. Concerns about travel, which could cause fatigue for Thai athletes, were discussed.

Siamsport said that the organizing committee has officially decided that the matches of Group A will be moved to Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. "This is to facilitate and reduce the travel burden for the host athletes. This decision belongs to the organizing committee of the 33rd SEA Games and is not related to the Football Association of Thailand (FAT)," Siamsport emphasized.

U.23 Thailand was transferred to compete in the capital Bangkok.

PHOTO: NGUYEN KHANG

"This change is considered an important strategic move for the host country, giving priority to Thai players, before aiming for the gold medal. Thai football has failed to win a gold medal in 3 consecutive tournaments, since the last time in 2017," Siamsport wrote.

U.23 Vietnam still plays in Chiang Mai City

Also according to Siamsport , Group C, which includes U.23 Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines and Singapore, may be moved to Tinsulanon Stadium (Songkhla Province). Discussions will continue to be held to finalize the match schedule and make an official announcement.

Previously, Group C was originally scheduled to play at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai City, but was later changed to Rajamangala National Stadium (Bangkok).

Group B has U.23 Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos with no changes at this point. The organizers have arranged for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to play the group stage at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai City.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thai-lan-lai-bat-ngo-doi-san-dau-sea-games-33-indonesia-chong-mat-viet-nam-thi-185251030183043606.htm