The Athletics Association of Thailand has taken on the responsibility of contributing 17 gold medals to the Thai tally when the Kingdom hosts the 2025 Southeast Asian Games from Dec 9-20.
A total of six national sports governing bodies, including track and field, were invited to the first “Meet the Press” event on Tuesday at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium. They told the media they hoped to deliver between 24 and 36 gold medals at the biennial tournament.
National Olympic Committee of Thailand president Pimol Srivikorn presided over the event and noted that the 2025 Games will feature 50 official sports, three demonstration events, and one “economically impactful sport”.
Over 2,000 Thai athletes are expected to compete, while Cambodia will send around 300 athletes — fewer than initially planned due to safety concerns, he said.
“I am confident that Thailand will win the overall title at this year’s SEA Games and make us proud,” Pimol added.
Sports Writers and Photographers Association of Thailand president Phaitoon Chutimakornkul, who co-chaired the meeting, expressed hope that the nine scheduled press briefings would help Thai sports fans assess the nation’s readiness and expectations ahead of the Games.
Pol Maj Gen Naphanwut Liamsanguan, vice president of the Athletics Association of Thailand, reaffirmed the goal of 17 gold medals in track and field, surpassing the 16 won previously.
He added that the association has enlisted an American sprint coach to help athletes improve their times.
The Thai Modern Pentathlon Association expects to claim two of the six gold medals up for grabs.
The Thailand Triathlon Association also hopes to win at least two of the 11 gold medals, though the host nation faces stiff competition from Cambodia, which has recruited top athletes from France and China.
The Thailand Equestrian Federation confirmed it is aiming for five golds and believes six are within reach, while the Thailand Polo Association is confident of sweeping both gold medals.
The Thai Cycling Association revealed that the sport will offer 17 gold medals across four disciplines, with Thailand expected to win six titles.
The second “Meet the Press” session is scheduled for Thursday, with badminton, tennis, squash, table tennis, gymnastics, shooting, and weightlifting set to present their plans and medal targets.