Flag error persists: Thana reveals four issues at 2025 SEA Games urgently needing fixes after multiple nations have lodged complaints.
On 11 Dec 2025 GMT+7, two official days into the 2025 SEA Games, medal events have been nearly completed across both Bangkok and Chonburi provinces. However, problems remain unresolved: flags are still displayed incorrectly, food supplies are almost insufficient, transportation is delayed, and accommodations remain disorganized.
Regarding preparations for the 33rd SEA Games, although the competition passed its first day, recurring problems remain unresolved. Recently, Thana Chaiprathit, head of the SEA Games athlete delegation, together with Dr. Supit Samahito and Wisut Tangwarithorn, deputy heads of the Thai athlete delegation, convened a meeting with heads of delegations from 10 countries. Cambodia had withdrawn earlier, but many nations still reported persistent issues that have not been adequately addressed.
Thana Chaiprathit disclosed that Vietnam reported the national flag was still incorrectly raised during gold medal ceremonies and expressed a desire to prevent this issue from recurring. Similarly, regarding food, Malaysian representatives complained that although the host promised to provide halal meals exclusively, the quantity was so limited it was nearly insufficient for daily consumption.
Concerning transportation, vehicles picking up athletes from Suvarnabhumi Airport to accommodations caused waits of 2 to 3 hours. Additionally, regarding lodging, representatives complained about errors and confusion over room allocations at hotels in Chiang Mai province, where the first round of football matches are held.
Nevertheless, Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, acknowledged all these issues and pledged to expedite their resolution promptly.
Thana Chaiprathit, head of the Thai athlete delegation, expressed concern and urged the Sports Authority of Thailand, as the organizing chairman, along with venue officials responsible, to manage these matters strictly. He emphasized the importance of preventing recurring problems, fearing they could directly harm Thailand’s reputation as the SEA Games host.
The next and final meeting of the heads of athlete delegations will take place on Sunday, 14 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at 07:30, to monitor problem-solving progress and ensure maximum satisfaction among athletes and officials from all 10 countries.
