Senator Chamlong Anantasuk, spokesman for the Senate Committee on Tourism and Sports, has raised alarm over Thailand’s readiness to host the tournament, scheduled for Dec 9–20, citing poor management by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
Mr Chamlong said that during an inspection two days earlier at the National Sports University in Chon Buri, he found serious shortcomings, reports the Bangkok Post.
He said the hockey field was still being resurfaced, with only a few workers laying new artificial turf after the old surface had been removed. The women’s football stadium, he said, required further upgrades, with dilapidated seating still in place. Weightlifting and judo venues lacked curtains, air-conditioning, and proper lighting, he added.
“With just over a month to go, preparations should already be complete, not under construction,” the senator said, questioning why the SAT had allowed such delays.
He also criticised the lack of clear signage and publicity, noting that banners in Chon Buri only welcomed visitors to the SEA Games without specifying which sports were being held at which venues.
Mr Chamlong further urged organisers to work on safety, traffic management, and proper facilities before the event begins.
The senator’s crticism comes despite an official Coordination Centre for the tournament being officially unveiled on July 2 which Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said at the time would “be an important part of operations and coordination domestically and internationally to facilitate and increase work efficiency for both games.”
Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla will host the SEA Games.
The ASEAN Para Games will take place Jan 20–26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima.