Gongsak stated this figure marks the highest generated since Thailand began hosting major sporting events. He also noted that the total live attendance for the competitions reached nearly 400,000 people.

"Currently, the SEA Games has generated an economic value exceeding 12 billion baht," the SAT director general told Thai newspaper Siam Sport. "I believe it can reach 14 billion baht by the end of the Games."

Approximately 10,000 spectators filled Huamark Arena in Bangkok during Thailand's 3-2 victory over Vietnam in the SEA Games 33 women's volleyball final on 15/12. Photo: TVA

Director General Gongsak attributed this economic impact to hosting 50 sports, involving over 12,000 athletes and officials. The SEA Games attracted a significant number of spectators, athletes' relatives, fans from various countries, and tourists to Thailand. Furthermore, the event generated at least 12,000 to 14,000 jobs across the construction, service, transportation, and sports sectors.

The SAT head's statistics were surprising, exceeding the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) pre-Games expectations by 2.5 times.

The economic value reported by SAT is more than six times the 2.055 billion baht budget approved by the Thai cabinet in June for the SEA Games and Para Games.

This budget is not Thailand's largest for a major sporting event. The 1998 ASIAD had a budget of 2.372 billion baht. Following that were the 2007 Student Games (1.843 billion baht), and the 2007 SEA Games and 2008 Para Games (1.463 billion baht).

The budget for this SEA Games and Para Games amounted to approximately 63.5 million USD. This figure is half of the 131 million USD Cambodia spent on the 2023 Games. The difference lies in Thailand's utilization of existing facilities, whereas Cambodia constructed much new infrastructure. Vietnam previously spent around 44 million USD on SEA Games 31 but did not host the Para Games. Neither Cambodia nor Vietnam disclosed specific revenue generated from their events.

SEA Games 33 faced several disruptions, including a change in the Thai government that stalled organizational efforts. Border tensions led Cambodia to withdraw all its athletes shortly after the opening ceremony, and floods prevented Songkhla province from hosting as planned. Additionally, issues concerning flags, maps, and ceremonies prompted organizers to issue multiple apologies to regional countries. Refereeing also drew criticism, with accusations of bias or serious errors.

SEA Games 33 concluded on the evening of 20/12. After 10 days of official competition, Thailand topped the overall medal table with 233 gold medals, breaking Vietnam's record of 205 golds set at the 31st Games on home soil. Thailand also secured 154 silver and 112 bronze medals.

By Trung Thu