Attakorn Assures SEA Games 2025 Opening Ceremony Will Be Successfully Executed, Acknowledges Mistakes for Correction

Attakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, acknowledged the controversy, accepted the mistakes for correction, stated he was not assigned tasks by the previous government, plans to discuss the AI poster issue with those responsible, and emphasized that the SEA Games 2025 opening ceremony will definitely be well executed.

5 Dec 2025 GMT+7 Mr. Attakorn Sirilakthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports. He gave an interview at Sanam Luang regarding the controversy over the organization of the 33rd SEA Games. Thailand's lack of readiness to host the event. Before the interview, Attakorn expressed some frustration, saying he actually wanted to stay low-profile and not be well-known, but over the past 2–3 days many people have talked about him. He then addressed concerns about SEA Games readiness and its impact on Thailand's image, stating. He has taken the best approach to push forward the organization and hosting of the SEA Games.

Regarding suspicions that the problems stemmed from tasks assigned by the previous government, Attakorn stated. He believes it was not an assigned task. Since he took office, many things had not yet occurred, so they had to review each part and duty to determine how to proceed if something was missing, who should be responsible. He believes all aspects have been addressed, but mistakes occurred due to individuals which should not have happened and must be accepted.

On the subject of the AI poster issue, which was seen as demeaning to designers, Attakorn said he has already seen it. He is checking who is responsible and who took on the task. He will provide feedback that those who accept such work should evaluate themselves regarding future collaboration with the government.

When asked if he is confident the opening ceremony will restore the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ image, Attakorn replied. The opening ceremony will be well done. There may still be problems occurring during this time because. Over the past 2–3 days, almost all criticism has been directed at him alone, which seems somewhat unnatural. However, every criticism and concern will be used to improve management of hosting and organizing the SEA Games.

When asked about issues at competition venues, including stadium lighting and the national anthem playback, Attakorn revealed that these will be corrected properly. There are several issues, such as the anthem not being played on 4 Dec 2025, which the Sports Authority of Thailand governor has already addressed. As hosts and organizers, they expressed regret to the two neighboring countries affected by this mistake. Afterwards, management and those involved were called in for clarification, including all associations organizing competitions, to ensure such incidents do not happen again. This involves collaboration between the Sports Authority of Thailand and those responsible for event organization.