Thailand SEA Games is facing a financial crunch with a short fall of more than USD 14 million and delay in the disbursement approved government funds.
Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) director Kongsak Yodmanee confirmed with Thai media that the disbursement of funds has not yet been completed.
The Thailand SEA Games is scheduled to start from December 9-20 across three cities – Bangkok, Songkhla and Chonburi.
Approximately 12,500 athletes are expected to compete in 574 events in 50 sports.
This will be followed by the ASEAN Para Games in January.
“The SEA Games budget is still short of 459 million baht. Part of this is due to cuts by the budget department. We have requested this additional amount to cover the expanded number of sports, athletes and higher operating costs,” Kongsak was quoted.
In June, the Thai cabinet approved a budget of 2.055 billion baht to host both the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games.
