The SEA Games 33 media conference, held today in Bangkok, Thailand, saw representatives from various television and news agencies across nine Southeast Asian countries. The hottest topic was the 20,000 USD participation fee for broadcasters.
This regulation, issued by the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF), applies to all television broadcasters. Each country's television stations must register through their national Olympic committee, which then submits the application to the SEAGF for accreditation.
The 20,000 USD fee is separate from any other agreements with the host broadcaster, Thailand. Additionally, live broadcasts on social media platforms by individuals or unofficial entities are prohibited.
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The SEA Games 33 media conference opened on 8/9 in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Siamsport |
The SEA Games 33 media conference opened on 8/9 in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Siamsport
This fee is unprecedented in SEA Games history, making this year's games in Thailand a potential precedent. However, the issue has sparked backlash from regional broadcasters. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), addressed these concerns, stating, "We are still working with the Southeast Asian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Committees of each country. We will provide broadcasters with an answer regarding potential fee reductions as soon as possible".
The conference also announced that at least 25 sports are expected to be broadcast live. For sports not broadcast live, other stations can negotiate additional broadcasts to meet their country's specific needs. In Thailand, six channels, including One31, Thairath TV, Channel 3, Amarin TV, NBT and T-Sport 7, have already signed up, with several others expressing interest. Live broadcasts will also be available on other platforms, including cable and online, to ensure the widest possible audience reach.
Despite changes in the Thai government and the appointment of a new Minister of Tourism and Sports, who heads the organizing committee, Governor Yodmanee confirmed that preparations for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games remain on track. The SAT, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and the Paralympic Committee of Thailand are working diligently to ensure seamless execution. The new minister may introduce some policy adjustments and additions, aiming to enhance the hosting experience.
"Three months before the SEA Games, we confirmed that the Green SEA Games plan is still in place. The opening and closing ceremonies remain unchanged. All parties are working diligently to ensure the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games are as complete and successful as possible," Yodmanee affirmed.
The SEA Games (South East Asian Games) is the largest sporting event in Southeast Asia, bringing together member nations to compete in various sports. The biennial event rotates among different host countries.
This year, the games will take place in three locations in Thailand: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla, from 9/12/2025 to 20/12/2025. Athletes will compete in 50 sports, vying for 574 medals. Thailand plans to send a large contingent of 2,134 athletes, participating in every sport. Besides aiming for dominance in football, the host country aims to win 234 gold medals (40%) to top the medal table.
Dong Huyen
