Photo via Facebook/ กองประชาสัมพันธ์ กกท.

 

A 300-million-baht budget for renovating the SEA Games 2025 swimming pool has drawn public concern after details emerged about high equipment costs. The Facebook page Young Shark Thailand shared the costs of the renovation, raising questions about the expense. The figures are confirmed to be from the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)’s official procurement documents.

 

The Huamark Aquatic Centre, chosen for the SEA Games, received government approval for a full upgrade to meet international standards. The breakdown includes 3,118 grandstand seats at around 4.8 million baht and a 2.5 million baht LED scoreboard. High costs were noted for essential pool equipment like 28 swimming starting blocks, totaling 10.9 million baht.

 

Attention was drawn to a 140,000-baht bill for toilet signs and a movable pool bulkhead priced at 18.9 million baht. World-class touchpads intended for accurate timing were also a major expense, costing over 7 million baht. Young Shark Thailand encouraged public evaluation of these costs, emphasizing the figures' accuracy from SAT’s documents.

 

The expenditure disclosure prompted widespread discussion among Thai netizens. Many questioned if the 300-million-baht investment would be justified, expressing hope that it would result in a top-tier facility. Concerns emerged about the renovation budget amid broader critiques of SEA Games preparations.

 

In addition to financial scrutiny, controversies hit the SEA Games’ opening and closing ceremonies. A Thai visual designer accused the government of cancelling his contract without explanation after seven months of work. The designer claimed to have been replaced by a new team in October, lacking prior notice or clarification from officials, reported The Thaiger.

 

 

Key Takeaways

• The SEA Games swimming pool renovation costs are under public debate after the release of official financial documents.
• Netizens question the value of a 300-million-baht investment aimed at creating a world-class venue.
• Additional controversy surrounds the abrupt changes in ceremony planning teams, causing unrest among designers.

 

Related Stories:

Cambodia slashes SEA Games squad over safety fears

World Petanque Federation Bans 2025 SEA Games Event in Thailand

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-03

 

 

 

That's 5M for the renovations, and 295M in brown envelopes for all officials involved. Pretty disgusting!

The more people are involved the more expensive it will be as everybody want to earn big money on the project and there is no calculation and accountancy to check 

30 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

The more people are involved the more expensive it will be as everybody want to earn big money on the project and there is no calculation and accountancy to check 

Its called corruption 

6 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Its called corruption 

I wonder whether the Japs 7M Bht was in such an envelope.

Just now, Will Iam Not said:

I wonder whether the Japs 7M Bht was in such an envelope.

who knows !! but i have my doubt it will reach the  relief effort