"Kongsak" Updates on 2025 SEA Games Opening Ceremony Amid Worries from Thai Public After Intense Controversy
On 5 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), gave his latest interview following the controversy surrounding the 33rd SEA Games hosted by Thailand from 3-20 Dec.
The 2025 SEA Games faced many issues: several lights at Rajamangala National Stadium went out with no replacements available, so lights had to be borrowed from the 80th Birthday Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima; the national anthem was not played, forcing Vietnamese and Lao athletes to sing live themselves; the ticket booking system did not match actual seat assignments; and the promotional Virtual Run event used AI but lacked detail.
Dr. Kongsak said, "We have learned many lessons from observations by the media and the public. We are working to fix and improve, but for some inaccurate reports, we must clarify the facts."
"The organization is not done solely by the Sports Authority of Thailand. There is a competition committee that systematically reviews everything. Even though some errors occurred in areas not directly handled by the committee, they delegated tasks to various associations. If mistakes happen, the committee takes responsibility."
Regarding the 2025 SEA Games opening ceremony, a key highlight closely watched by sports fans, despite widespread controversy causing concerns it might not match previous hosts, the SAT Governor assured it would not be so.
Dr. Kongsak revealed about the opening ceremony, "I have seen rehearsals involving over 500 students performing. They are talented and the show blends with the sports theme, emphasizing Thailand's sporting capabilities."
"But for now, please wait and see. I don’t want to reveal too much as it might spoil the fun or reduce the excitement. I have also seen other countries’ opening ceremonies, and I am confident ours will not be inferior to any."
