The SEA Games begin in Bangkok under a cloud of border tensions with Cambodia and organisational issues, including venue changes and athlete withdrawals
BANGKOK: The Southeast Asian Games officially open on Tuesday against a backdrop of chaotic organisation and fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
The Games run until 20 December in Bangkok and Chonburi province, featuring thousands of athletes from 11 nations across events from football to pencak silat.
World-class athletes include Olympic weightlifting champions Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines and Rizki Juniansyah of Indonesia.
Organisers have faced criticism for embarrassing stumbles before the opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium.
National anthems failed to play before a men’s football match between Vietnam and Laos last week, leaving teams to sing unaccompanied.
The head of Thailand’s Sports Authority blamed an audio system glitch and apologised, according to local media.
Thailand then played East Timor in a largely empty stadium after fans boycotted over ticket registration rules and seating allocations.
Authorities said the registration is necessary for security and will continue.
Deadly flooding last month forced a late relocation of a dozen sports from Songkhla province.
Cambodia, involved in fresh border clashes with Thailand on Monday, last month withdrew about half of their athletes, citing safety concerns.
They pulled out of eight events including football, wrestling, and petanque.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended his government’s efforts, noting last-minute venue changes and fresh costs.
Sports Authority governor Gongsak Yodmani admitted a tight budget and government transition had disrupted preparations.
“The opening ceremony might not be as grand, but it will be elegant and dignified,” he said.
Thailand is hosting the SEA Games for the first time since 2007.
The Games are known for including regional sports like sepak takraw and pencak silat.
Controversy at the Games is nothing new.
The 2023 edition in Cambodia ended in chaos when Indonesia beat Thailand in a football final featuring seven goals and multiple brawls. – AFP
