In June, the Thai cabinet approved a budget of 2.055 billion baht to host the SEA Games 33 and ASEAN Para Games 13. Local administrative units were also invited to contribute funds or support other activities as proposed by the organizing committee.

However, as of 9/9, with just 90 days to go until the SEA Games 33, Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) director-general Kongsak Yodmanee reported that disbursement is incomplete.

Sports Authority of Thailand director-general Kongsak Yodmanee speaks at the 90-day countdown ceremony to SEA Games 33, in Bangkok, Thailand on 9/9/2025. _Photo: SEA Games Thailand 2025_

"The SEA Games budget is still short 459 million baht. Part of this is due to cuts by the Bureau of the Budget," Kongsak told Thai media. "However, we have requested these funds to host the games, due to additional sports, athletes, and higher operating costs."

The funding delay may be due to recent changes in the Thai government, including the resignation of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on 8/9.

Kongsak expressed confidence that whoever replaces Thienthong will be fully committed to the SEA Games. The SAT has prepared all necessary information for reporting should any urgent issues arise, and the organizing plan remains on schedule. All preparations are being coordinated with the Bureau of the Budget, including the establishment of a new organizing committee in light of the government changes.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong (right) cries as he bids farewell to members of the ministry on 8/9/2025. _Photo: Khaosod_

The SEA Games 33 will take place from 9/12 to 20/12 in Bangkok, Songkhla, and Chonburi. Approximately 12,500 athletes from 11 Southeast Asian countries will compete in 574 events across 50 sports.

Thailand aims to top the medal table for the first time since 2015. In the previous four games, the top countries were Malaysia (2017), the Philippines (2019), and Vietnam (2021, 2023).

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Khunyingpatama stated that achieving this goal requires close cooperation between member federations and the unified strength of the SAT. A secondary goal is to foster national awareness and spirit among the Thai people. "We believe that SEA Games 33 will be an impressive event, inspiring athletes from Southeast Asia and the world", Khunyingpatama told Siam Sport.

Hieu Luong