Other aspects unready... but the competition uniforms are ready (definitely).
Counting down from today, only one week remains until the flame in the torch bowl at Rajamangala National Stadium will be lit.
This flame symbolizes the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games, which will officially begin from 9-20 December.
Thailand is hosting again after 18 years, using three major cities as venues: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Chiang Mai.
Unfortunately, Songkhla Province was hit hard by severe flooding, forcing the cancellation of all sports scheduled there, moving them instead to Bangkok.
However, some SEA Games sports will start earlier, beginning this Wednesday, including men's football and polo riding.
Instead of reporting fully on the athletes' readiness to chase gold medals,
we are faced with nearly every aspect being unprepared by the Thai organizers, causing great frustration.
Many sports journalists from various agencies have expressed their dissatisfaction with the upcoming SEA Games.
They say it looks like it will be a complete mess if those responsible continue to allow things to remain as they are.
Issues include competition venues and athlete allowances, which have problems in nearly every federation.
The government has had frequent changes in the sports minister—three or four ministers—causing confusion and requiring preparations to start over repeatedly, creating chaos.
Meanwhile, national sports organizations like the Olympic Committee, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the SEA Games committee do not coordinate well, working in different directions and confusing the media greatly.
The most failing aspect appears to be publicity, which lacks public awareness.
Finding any information is difficult; the official SEA Games website is ineffective and lacks important updates to inform the public.
Competition schedules remain unstable, even though the events are about to begin.
Media accreditation cards have still not reached journalists, so how are they expected to work, I ask?
I urge the Sports Minister, Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, who is from my hometown in Chachoengsao, to come and see what problems are occurring onsite.
He should not just give overenthusiastic interviews from air-conditioned rooms telling people to wait and watch the opening ceremony, which frankly seems inappropriate.
Speaking of the 2025 SEA Games, many preparations appear unready, uncoordinated, and unsettled as they should be.
But there is one thing I am confident about: our Thai sports teams are ready and stand out more than any other ASEAN country.
That is the "Thai national team uniforms," still designed and produced by Grand Sport, the legendary Thai brand.
They were unveiled more than two months before the competition began.
Under the concept "Made in Thailand, Made with Spirit," because everything is done with the heart and spirit of Thai people.
The Thai national team uniforms for the 33rd SEA Games were inspired by Thai architecture, a unique and proud heritage.
This inspiration is reflected in the contemporary design of the uniforms, incorporating the essence of traditional Thai shapes perfectly.
The design also aligns with the Green SEA Games concept, featuring polo shirts and volleyball uniforms made from recycled fibers and environmentally friendly packaging.
Since the launch, the best-selling uniform is the Thai national football team shirt in three colors: blue, red, and white.
It features a Khanok Thai pattern combined with flames, symbolizing power, courage, and fighting spirit.
This reflects the heart of the Thai national football team players, who never give up and are ready to fight for victory.
The flame pattern shades from top to bottom, creating dimension and prominence, with a woven collar enhancing elegance.
On the left chest is the "Tricolor Flag - the Thai national flag," representing the pride of the entire nation.
"Big Zong" Thiti Prukschaum, Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of Grand Sport Group Co., Ltd., said,
the Thai national team uniforms for this SEA Games are not just sportswear but are works of a Thai brand reflecting Thai identity combined with fashion leadership.
They use modern technology, consider the practical needs of athletes, and emphasize sustainability.
All of this is a source of pride for Thai people, with Thai products standing firm on the international stage as truly Made in Thailand.
One can say that the 2025 SEA Games at home may still seem unready in many ways.
Except for the clothing, the athletes' uniforms by Grand Sport.
These are what we can wear with pride among our ASEAN neighbors, no shame at all, definitely!!!
Bee Bangpakong
joggingboy_be@yahoo.com