"A major event like the SEA Games lacked both a dress rehearsal and sufficient budget," Thairath quoted Chamroen on 13/12. "Officials repeatedly offered apologies. Anyone who witnessed the opening ceremony could clearly see it was far inferior to Cambodia's SEA Games opening ceremony in 2023."

Vath Chamroen, president of the Cambodian National Olympic Committee (CNOC), criticized Thailand's SEA Games organization. *Photo: Thairath*

Host Thailand began planning for the opening and closing ceremonies in March. However, a border conflict with Cambodia, a change in government, and severe local floods forced the Organizing Committee to alter its plans. This left them with only one month of preparation, leading to numerous issues during the opening ceremony on 9/12. Chamroen noted a series of technical errors and subpar performance quality at the ceremony.

Thailand's organizational efforts during the competition days also drew strong criticism. Furthermore, the CNOC president asserted that the Thai government and military undermined the Olympic spirit and noble sportsmanship by instigating a border conflict with Cambodia during the SEA Games period.

Despite his strong criticism of the Thai government and military, the CNOC president acknowledged the SEA Games Organizing Committee and the Thai Olympic Committee's good work in ceremonial and hospitality aspects. However, he maintained that these efforts could not be divorced from the state's actions.

"While the sports sector and the host organizing committee welcomed us respectfully, those in power in this country attacked our homeland, burned citizens' homes, and bombed our territory," Chamroen added. "How could we continue to compete under such circumstances?"

Cambodia became the first nation in history to attend an opening ceremony yet withdraw mid-competition. This decision garnered understanding and support from many ASEAN nations and athletes from other countries, who voiced concern for the safety of Cambodian athletes.

The CNOC president also expressed regret for the Cambodian athletes, acknowledging their two years of hard training that ultimately went unrewarded in competition. He stressed, however, that athlete safety remained the highest priority.

Vy Anh