Thailand committed to deliver safe, successful ASEAN Para Games

By Jean Malanum, Philippine News Agency

Also present at the meeting were Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Permanent Secretary of Nakhon Ratchasima Province Kanatchanon Sricharoen, President of the Thailand Blind Sports Association Amnuay Klinyu, Preecha Laloon, the SAT Deputy Governor for Elite Sports and Sports Science and Senior Colonel Dr Wandee Tosuwan, APSF secretary general. (File photo: Dave Kim/Unsplash)

MANILA – Thailand has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering a safe and successful 13th ASEAN Para Games scheduled on Jan. 20 to 26, 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

The assurance was made during the second Coordination Committee (CoComm) Meeting between the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) and the Thailand Sports Organizing Committee (THASOC), which concluded on Aug. 31 at the Sima Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

Amid heightened concerns following tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports Krisda Tanterditit said the situation would not disrupt preparations nor affect the hosting of the Games.

“Safety remains our top priority. The Thai government is committed to ensuring peace, security and unity for all ASEAN athletes, contingents, and visitors,” he said in a news release on Tuesday.

Key officials from APSF and THASOC deliberated on key organizational areas during the three-day meeting held simultaneously with a hybrid Chef de Mission Seminar with Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, and Timor Leste contingents attending in person and five others virtually.

APSF President, Maj. Gen. Osoth Bhavilai, reiterated that the welfare of athletes must remain central to the Games’ delivery.

“We are expecting more than 2,000 athletes. In light of recent developments, I must stress that safety and welfare remain our utmost priority. I am reassured by the firm commitment of THASOC and the authorities to safeguard all participants,” Bhavilai said.

Also present at the meeting were Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Permanent Secretary of Nakhon Ratchasima Province Kanatchanon Sricharoen, President of the Thailand Blind Sports Association Amnuay Klinyu, Preecha Laloon, the SAT Deputy Governor for Elite Sports and Sports Science and Senior Colonel Dr Wandee Tosuwan, APSF secretary general.

Dr. Gongsak confirmed that test events will be staged about one month before the Games to assess venue accessibility, competition systems and operational readiness.

Deliberations covered a wide range of functional areas including sports and technical operations, venues and facilities, athlete classification, anti-doping, ceremonies, logistics, transportation, accreditation, broadcasting, promotion and marketing, and Games IT infrastructure.

Delegates also inspected all 18 competition venues in Nakhon Ratchasima, while noting that para tenpin bowling will be contested in Bangkok.

“While our focus is firmly on safety, welfare, and the seamless delivery of the Games, we are also committed to addressing recurring challenges faced by our members,” APSF Secretary-General, Senior Colonel Dr Wandee Tosuwan, said.

The first CoComm meeting was held last March.

Meanwhile, the 1st Technical Delegates’ Meeting scheduled on Sept. 15 to 17 will further discuss technical matters and test event preparations.

The 13th ASEAN Para Games features para athletics, para badminton, para swimming, para shooting, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, para powerlifting, wheelchair tennis, boccia, blind football, cerebral palsy football, goalball, wheelchair fencing, judo, para table tennis, chess, cycling (road and track), para archery, and bowling.

The tournament, carrying the theme “ASEAN Moving Together” and “Create Pride Together,” is returning to Nakhon Ratchasima after 18 years.