The Thai government, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand under royal patronage, welcomed the Youth Olympic Games Working Group from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 28-30 April. They expressed confidence that this marks a significant step forward in Thailand's bid to host the Youth Olympic Games Bangkok 2030.
Bangkok, 30 April 2026 GMT+7 – The Thai government, represented by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand under royal patronage, welcomed Mrs. Danka Hrbékova, IOC Executive Board member and Chair of the Youth Olympic Games 2030 Working Group, along with her delegation during their official visit to Bangkok from 28 to 30 April.
This visit included meetings and inspections of key venues, concluding with a press conference summarizing the visit's outcomes. Thailand reaffirmed its full readiness to host the Youth Olympic Games 2030, emphasizing unity and cooperation across all sectors to ensure the success of this global sporting event.
Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated, “On behalf of Thailand, I warmly welcome everyone. Our bid to host the Youth Olympic Games 2030 reflects our national vision to position Thailand as a dynamic global hub for sports, youth development, and international events. We are committed to elevating Thailand as a premier sports tourism destination where world-class competitions, excellent hospitality, and memorable travel experiences blend perfectly.”
Thailand has a proven track record and experience in hosting international sports events continuously, supported by world-class infrastructure and a network of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society. All are ready to support organizing the event to meet all standards set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Hosting the Youth Olympic Games 2030 will create sustainable value for the people, the national economy, and enhance Thailand's global standing.
Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (administrative division), said, “The site visits to venues in Bangkok and Chonburi over the past two days provided an important opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate comprehensive system readiness. This includes not only international-standard competition venues but also management capabilities, coordination, and the ability to deliver a world-class sporting event efficiently.”
The delegation toured a variety of key venues, including the main stadiums for the opening and closing ceremonies, indoor arenas, training centers, urban sports areas, as well as water sports and outdoor activity sites in Chonburi Province. This showcased Thailand’s preparedness to accommodate diverse sports under a modern, flexible, and resource-efficient event concept.
In the Sports Authority of Thailand’s role, the focus extends beyond preparing competition venues to all elements behind the event’s success. These include venue management, athlete and staff transportation systems, technical planning, medical and sports science services, security, information technology, and facilitation at all participant touchpoints. Simultaneously, the authority is driving long-term Thai sports development through sports science, innovation, and modern knowledge to nurture new athletes, upgrade sports personnel, and strengthen the national sports system from youth to elite and professional levels.
Another crucial element is strong collaboration from all sectors — government agencies, sports associations, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society — which is essential for effectively aligning all plans. We are confident Thailand has full potential not only to host an internationally standard event but also to leverage this opportunity to create a sporting legacy, boost the economy, promote the sports industry, and inspire youth in Thailand and worldwide sustainably.”
Associate Professor Pimon Srivikorn, Chair of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand under royal patronage, said, “On behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, it is a great pleasure and honor to welcome the IOC representatives and the Youth Olympic Games 2030 Working Group on this important visit to assess Thailand’s readiness as part of the Youth Olympic Games 2030 host city selection process.”
“This visit marks a significant milestone for Thailand and offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the country’s capabilities, readiness, and commitment to hosting a global youth sports event comprehensively in all aspects — venues, transportation, accommodation, security, technology, personnel, and systematic, sustainable management.”
Thailand’s bid is driven by the vision “Inspiring Youth, Connecting South East Asia & Asia,” aiming to deliver an efficient, flexible, resource-conscious event centered on youth, aligned with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the IOC New Norm.
Bangkok, as the main host city, will serve as a hub connecting sports, education, culture, and urban lifestyle to create accessible, modern, and meaningful experiences for youth worldwide through three key strategies: first, organizing an efficient, streamlined, and agile sports event; second, promoting broad youth access and participation; and third, serving as a regional platform that empowers youth and strengthens Asia’s connectivity for the future.
During the site visit on 28 April, the delegation toured Bangkok, visiting the Sports Authority of Thailand, welcomed by Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority, and his team. They inspected Rajamangala National Stadium, designated for the opening and closing ceremonies, along with key competition venues such as the Extreme Sport Stadium, Indoor Stadium, climbing wall, shooting range, archery field, table tennis courts, gymnastics arena, football stadium, National Stadium, Nimibutr Sports Building, Thephasadin Stadium, as well as dormitories at Chulalongkorn University to serve as the Youth Olympic Village and the Urban Park Chulalongkorn University Square event area. On 29 April, they traveled to Chonburi Province, where Governor Narit Niramaiwong warmly welcomed them. They visited water sports and outdoor venues such as the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Jomtien Beach, The Navy House Hotel, and Ocean Marina Yacht Club.
Thailand is fully prepared to host the Youth Olympic Games 2030 and deliver a sports event characterized by high standards, innovation, sustainability, and inspiration for youth worldwide. The National Olympic Committee of Thailand agrees to proceed to the final bid submission stage within the designated timeframe, with all sectors reaffirming full cooperation to successfully secure Thailand as the Youth Olympic Games 2030 host in a complete and sustainable manner internationally.
Bangkok, Thailand has been selected as one of the three final preferred host cities, alongside Asunción (Paraguay) and Santiago (Chile), competing to host the Youth Olympic Games 2030. The International Olympic Committee plans to announce the official winner by June.