ALTHOUGH two days have passed since the 33rd SEA Games was launched problems still persist including incorrect flag display and barely-sufficient food with the head of Thai delegation Mr. Thana Chaiyaprasit, aka Big Tom, urging the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) to quickly resolve them, TV Channel 7 said today (Dec. 11).
Thana along with Dr. Supit Samahito and Mr. Wisut Tangwarithorn, deputy leaders of the Thai delegation, held a meeting today with the leaders of delegations from all 10 nations, as the 11th country Cambodia has withdrawn, with several countries saying they still faced unresolved issues.
Vietnam reported that an incorrect flag was displayed during the gold medal ceremony and that they did not want this to reoccur. Similarly the Malaysian representative complained that despite the host country promising halal menus, the portions were insufficient.
There are also transportation issues with some athletes having to wait two to three hours for shuttle buses to take them from Suvarnabhumi Airport to their accommodations. Furthermore, representatives of national teams have also complained about errors and confusion in room assignments at hotels in Chiang Mai, where the first round of football matches are being held.
Promising to take urgent action was Dr. Meechai Inwood, SAT’s deputy governor, who has acknowledged all the problems raised.
Thana expressed concern and emphasised that SAT, as the chairperson of the organising committee and the venue, should assign responsible personnel to ensure that procedures are strictly carried out.
He underscored that if such problems persist it could negatively impact Thailand as the host of the 33rd SEA Games.
The next and final meeting of the heads of the delegations is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7.30 a.m. to follow up on resolution of these issues and ensure maximum satisfaction for the athletes and officials from all 10 nations.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – A sports fan cheering the Thai delegation. Photo – PPTVHD36
Insert – Mr. Thana Chaiyaprasit, second from right, raising SEA Games problems at today’s meeting. Photo – TV Channel 7
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