The President of Mahidol University revealed readiness in every aspect, including sports venues and expert medical teams, emphasizing that the 5.7 billion baht budget is a long-term investment that will return multiple times its value to the state, while also attracting tourists and inspiring Thai youth.
On 3 May 2026, Professor Dr. Piyamit Srithra, President of Mahidol University, stated that the university is fully prepared to support Thailand’s bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. Currently, Mahidol University has all the necessary facilities—including venues, personnel, and medical and sports science teams. He pointed out that if Thailand becomes the host, there are many benefits, such as energizing the youth and generating enormous economic value. Although the 5.7 billion baht budget may seem large, it is a long-term domestic investment; the money will circulate within the country, ultimately returning many times over to the government.
Professor Dr. Piyamit Srithra, President of Mahidol University, revealed that the university is fully ready to support Thailand’s bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. At the Salaya campus, Mahidol has international standard football, athletics, basketball, tennis, and badminton courts, along with a fitness center, sports science laboratories, and athlete accommodations, all ready for use.
Regarding personnel, Mahidol is an institution with expertise in health sciences, with experienced staff supporting sports activities and collaborating continuously with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This includes doctors, nurses, physical therapists, sports scientists, and security personnel—crucial roles for sports event management. Additionally, students can serve as volunteers and coordinators, with some student volunteers able to act as interpreters in multiple languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese, and others.
In terms of medical and sports science, Mahidol’s capabilities allow it to assemble medical teams and physical therapists from Siriraj and Ramathibodi Hospitals as well as the Faculty of Physical Therapy to provide comprehensive care for athletes. The Faculty of Sports Science assists with fitness testing and rehabilitation for competitors. Moreover, Mahidol houses a sports doping control center, one of 26 centers certified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
“If Thailand hosts the event, there will be many benefits, including motivating youth to exercise, developing national youth athletes, and fostering training and preparation over the next four years. Domestic competitions will emerge as a foundation for the senior national team, increasing youth interest in sports. Economically, it will generate tremendous value through tourism, involving hundreds of thousands of athletes and their entourages, plus millions of tourists visiting Thailand as a capable Olympic host, even if only for the Youth Olympic Games. Although the 5.7 billion baht budget may seem large, it is a long-term domestic investment paid over several years, not a lump sum. The money will circulate within the country, and ultimately the government will receive returns many times over, including from global sponsors supporting preparations throughout the four-year lead-up. It is known that Chile and Paraguay, our competitors, have boldly offered more funding than Thailand,” said Professor Dr. Piyamit Srithra.