Thailand ready to host SEA Games 2007

Thailand is getting ready to host this year’s South East Asian Games (SEA Games) and so far event organizers say that preparations are going well. The 24th SEA Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, from December 6th to 15th.

The chairman of the organising administration committee for the games, ADM Suravudh Maharom, said that Thailand would be ready in time.

"The stadiums are in good condition," said Suravudh. "Information center and broadcasting system are excellent."

The biennial event will see 11 nations competing in 45 sports and two demonstration events. The majority of the competitions will take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, in Thailand’s north east, however some events will be held in Pattaya and Bangkok.

Suravudh said that Korat was the perfect place to host the games as the local people love sport and it is this passion to play that is the heart of the event.

"It is not like the Olympic Games or the Asian Games but it is the biggest event in Southeast Asia," he said. "It is a good venue for the athletes in the region to prepare themselves for bigger events. More importantly it helps unite people in the region."

Most events requiring water, including Sailing and Wind-Surfing, Rowing, Canoeing, Traditional Boat Race, Triathlon and Duathlon, will take place in Chonburi, Pattaya, a beach location just south of Bangkok. The Equestrian competition will also be held there.

Many popular events will be held in Bangkok such as Baseball, Handball and Hockey. In addition, spectators can watch Lawn Bowls, Polo and the Skeet & Trap events of Shooting in the nation’s capital.