Thailand triples security personnel, sends intelligence forces to accompany Cambodian sports delegation to SEA Games 33

TPO - The Cambodian sports delegation has arrived in Thailand to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games. They appeared in the context of the tension between the two countries' borders, forcing the 33rd SEA Games organizing committee to raise security to the highest level.

Kongsak Yodmanee, head of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), has revealed plans to ensure the safety of Cambodian athletes and sports officials. Accordingly, security forces will be increased 2-3 times compared to other delegations. The team protecting the Cambodian members will include police officers, plainclothes security officers and intelligence forces.

“Regarding the safety of Cambodian athletes, we have met with the Royal Thai Police. This issue needs to be resolved based on the actual situation. Security measures will be increased two to three times. Intelligence units will be involved,” said Mr. Kongsak.

We are confident that there will be both uniformed and plainclothes police accompanying the Cambodian delegation. Although they may not be visible, they will be present and on duty, blending in with the crowd. This is a challenge but we are confident that the host country can handle it.”

Mr. Kongsak Yodmanee, head of the Sports Authority of Thailand

Currently, the Cambodian delegation is in Thailand, showing that they are still committed to participating in 12 events in the program of the Games. However, the host side still leaves open the possibility that Cambodia will not participate, withdrawing at the last minute.

“If Cambodia continues to withdraw from the SEA Games, the organizing committee will have to prepare to adjust the program to solve the problem of the lack of athletes competing. However, the events that Cambodia withdrew from will still compete, even if there are only three participating countries. This is to ensure fairness for athletes from other countries who have trained for the event,” Mr. Kongsak said.

Not stopping there, the organizing committee also installed metal detectors and X-ray machines at locations where the Cambodian delegation appeared, such as competition venues, hotels, etc. to eliminate the risk of terrorism.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/thai-lan-tang-gap-3-nhan-vien-an-ninh-cu-ca-luc-luong-tinh-bao-thap-tung-doan-the-thao-campuchia-du-sea-games-33-post1802750.tpo