90-Day Countdown to SEA Games!

Thailand’s uses 09/09 date to announce readiness as SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games host. The Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is hopeful, the 90-day countdown will encourage Thais to come together to cheer for victory at the regional games as Thailand is ready to impress visitors with what would be the most-watched sports competition in ASEAN history. The SAT affirms: the change of government will not affect the event, as preparations in various aspects have already been systematically put in place.

Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), presided over the press conference entitled “09/09, 90-Day Countdown: Uniting Thais to Cheer for Victory at the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games” held at Bangkok’s CentralWorld, on September 9. The event was attended by Mr.Thana Chaiprasit, Vice President and Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand; Mr. Natthaphon Na Songkhla, Director of the Cultural Diplomacy Division representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms.Peerpagamon Niamyai, a senior diplomat (advisor); Mr. Charnwit Munikanont, President of the Intellectual Disability Sports Association of Thailand and representative of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF); Ms. Prodporn Samanmit, Deputy Governor of the SAT for Professional Sports and Boxing; Mr.Thatchanart Thongprakob, Deputy Governor of the SAT for Strategy and Information Technology; national athletes; Thai and ASEAN media; and many Thai national athletes.

The event also featured two well-known artists: Nattawut “Golf” Srimhok, aka “F.HERO”, a top Thai rapper, and Violette Wautier, a Thai-Belgian singer-songwriter and actress, who promoted “1%”which is the official theme song of the games.

Six athletes representing Thailand at the 33rd SEA Games and 13th ASEAN Para Games also joined to share their readiness and raise awareness of Thailand as the host. They included Wareeya Sukasem (skateboarding), Warawut Saengsriroeng (jujitsu), Jomkhon Phumsinil (esports), Rungroj Thainiyom (table tennis, ASEAN Para Games), Sasiwimol Chanthavisuth, and Atcharaporn Kongyot (volleyball).

Dr. Gongsak stated that in the next 90 days, Thailand, together with Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla Provinces, as well as all Thais, will unite as gracious hosts for the 33rd SEA Games held between December 9–20, aiming to impress visitors. Preparations in every aspect have been ongoing continuously. Simultaneously, Thailand is also preparing to host the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima from January 20–26, 2026.

“These 90 days are crucial to building awareness and inviting Thais to join together as good hosts, to leave a lasting impression on visiting athletes, officials, and delegations from across Southeast Asia. After 18 years of waiting and with extensive experience in hosting major international sporting events, I believe this SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games will be the most-watched in history”, Dr. Gongsak said.

The SAT Governor also noted that earlier that day, ASEAN representatives and media visited Rajamangala National Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and the SEA Games football final. They also toured the media center and broadcast facilities at the Public Relations Department’s New Media Operations Center on Vibhavadi Road, which will house the International Broadcast Center (IBC) and Main Press Center (MPC). Mr. Supapong Chaolan, Director of NBT, welcomed the delegates.

The New Media Operations Center will feature three studios (1,000 sqm, 400 sqm, and 100 sqm) on the second floor for the IBC, while the MPC will use a 500 sqm press conference hall on the first floor. The complex also includes a food court and parking for 400 vehicles.

Dr. Gongsak emphasized that political changes in Thailand will not affect preparations during the remaining 90 days, as systems and planning have been running smoothly. He is confident the new government will fully support the games to ensure they leave a strong impression, with politics having no impact on the event.
Meanwhile, Mr.Thana Chaiprasit, Vice President and Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, said that athlete registration has closed, with more than 10,000 athletes signed up. Cambodia currently has 300 athletes registered, and if the political situation eases, more may join since the registration deadline has been extended to September 15, 2025. For other countries, athlete numbers are already finalized.

Article from SEA Games 2025