Thailand 100% Ready as International Broadcast Center and Media Hub Launched Countdown to the 33rd SEA Games Begins

Thailand has declared full readiness to host the 33rd SEA Games following the official launch of the International Broadcast Center (IBC) and the Main and Sub Press Centers (MPC/SPC). The Public Relations Department (PRD), in partnership with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), unveiled the facilities on 1 December 2025 at the NBT Connext Building, home of the Television Station of Thailand under the PRD. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Thun Wuttitham, (ธัณว์ วุฒิธรรม) Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Tourism and Sports; Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, (ก้องศักดิ์ ยอดมณี) Governor of the SAT; and Ms. Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of the PRD.

Ms. Sudruetai highlighted that the government’s establishment of the IBC and MPC/SPC is central to ensuring seamless international coverage of the Games. Built with a budget of one billion baht and located at the NBT Television Station on Vibhavadi Rangsit (วิภาวดี รังสิต) Road, the IBC will operate as the main transmission hub, receiving live broadcast signals from 25 sporting disciplines in Bangkok and Chonburi. These signals will be professionally packaged and distributed to both domestic and global broadcasters.

This edition will mark “the most extensively broadcast SEA Games in history”. NBT will serve as the host broadcaster, supported by T Sports 7 and a wide array of media partners to deliver coverage of more than 30 sports. In addition, sporting federations and associations will be permitted to broadcast their events for non-commercial purposes on their own digital platforms.

SAT Governor Dr. Kongsak noted that the MPC is a key mechanism for delivering accurate information, statistics, and compelling stories to international audiences. Designed to fully accommodate media professionals, the MPC offers comprehensive facilities and services, ensuring timely and effective news dissemination. He thanked media organizations for helping to share messages of friendship, unity, and sporting excellence among ASEAN nations.

Dr. Kongsak affirmed that Thailand is fully prepared to host the Games, returning as host after more than 18 years. The event will take place from 9 to 20 December 2025, comprising 50 sports, three demonstration sports, and one value-added sport, with a total of 574 gold medals at stake. Thai athletes have undergone rigorous training, supported by the SAT through training camps, sports science services, medical and psychological care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and performance testing. A dedicated “Thai House” and a mobile Sports Science Clinic will also provide on-site support throughout the Games. He reiterated that Thailand is “100% ready.”

Due to severe flooding in southern Thailand, competitions scheduled for Songkhla will be relocated to Bangkok and nearby provinces. The decision affects 10 sports and was made to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators. Dr. Kongsak assured that competition management will continue to meet international standards.

The newly opened IBC is a world-class, three-story facility featuring a basement parking area for 300 vehicles. It houses advanced broadcasting technology and fully equipped production spaces, including two major studios, a master control room, meeting rooms, a press briefing room, dining facilities, a social media command center, and integrated MPC/SPC work areas. These facilities will support media representatives from all 11 participating countries with real-time access to competition data.

There will be one main MPC in Bangkok on the first floor of the NBT Connext Building and another MPC in Chonburi at the NT Service Center 2, 3rd floor. An additional 19 SPCs will operate across major sports venues, including Chulalongkorn University Book Center (Sala Phra Kiao ศาลาพระเกี้ยว), the Rajamangala (ราชมังคลา) National Stadium Press Association Room, Island Hall at Fashion Island, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand in Nonthaburi (นนทบุรี), VS Sports Club & Siam Polo Park in Samut Prakan (สมุทรปราการ), the Nakhon Pathom (นครปฐม) Gymnasium Stadium, and the National Sports University in Chonburi (ชลบุรี).

The 33rd SEA Games will be held from 9 to 20 December 2025, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on 9 December at Rajamangala National Stadium. Official updates are available at the Games’ website and on the SEA Games Thailand 2025 Facebook page.