Floods trigger relocation of SEA Games’ Songkhla events to Bangkok
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The ongoing and severe flooding in southern Thailand led to the decision to relocate all SEA Games competitions from Songkhla to Bangkok.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BANGKOK – Events at the upcoming SEA Games that were originally scheduled to be held in Songkhla will now be relocated to Bangkok.
This came following concerns over the state of competition venues and the risk of potential disease outbreaks in the southern Thai region, which is experiencing its worst floods in years.
Songkhla was one of three main host regions for the Dec 9-20 Games in Thailand, along with Bangkok and Chonburi.
Deputy secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, Chalitrat Chantarubeksa, revealed that he received confirmation from Chaiyapak Siriwat, vice-president of the Olympic Committee of Thailand and chairman of the SEA Games Committee, that all the 10 sports originally set for Songkhla will now be moved to the Thai capital.
The sports are boxing, pencak silat, men’s football (Group B), chess, judo, kabaddi, karate, wrestling, petanque and wushu.
The collective decision to relocate these competitions came after a meeting with representatives from various nations at the SEA Games Committee and Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn.
All countries were concerned about whether the venues, especially in the southern region’s main sports city Pru Kang Khao, could be restored to international standards in time, given that there is less than two weeks to the Games’ opening.
Some nations raised concerns that after the waters subside, disease outbreaks might occur in the affected areas, which could pose further risks to athletes.
Asked for an update on the situation, a Singapore National Olympic Council spokesperson said on Nov 26: “We have received preliminary updates that the organisers are exploring alternative hosting solutions for the affected sports in Songkhla.
“As we await official confirmation, we appreciate the efforts of everyone in Thailand who is working to address the situation. It is an unfortunate circumstance, and we recognise the pressing challenges they are managing for those affected by the floods.
“We hope the situation stabilises soon and that suitable solutions can be finalised.”
Singapore Chess Federation chief executive Kevin Goh, who is among the Republic’s 14 chess players taking part in the biennial Games, said: “In such times of crisis, we just hope that the people afflicted by the flood will be safe and we are grateful to the organisers for having our interests in mind.
“With regard to the events, we can play any and everywhere and will cooperate fully with Team Singapore for all the administrative changes.”
Singapore wushu exponent Jowen Lim, who won a gold and a silver at the previous Games in Cambodia in 2023, said: “As long as there’s a space big enough for our competition carpet, we are good to go.
“And of course hoping that the people in Hat Yai can get away safely and that enough support are dispatched to help those in need.”
Mr Chalitrat also acknowledged that Thailand would need to consider compensating other nations for expenses incurred, as many had booked flights to and accommodation in Songkhla.
Although the flooding was an unforeseen event, he assured that, as a responsible host, the Thai government would engage in discussions to find the best way to compensate each country and minimise the impact.
THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Additional reporting by Melvyn Teoh
