Bangkok: “Athakorn” has firmly denied any involvement in the SEA Games controversy, asserting that he never signed a contract with any party. He emphasized that the budget for the games had only recently been approved and expressed uncertainty about the designer’s previous interactions.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, addressed allegations regarding the designer responsible for the 2025 SEA Games opening and closing ceremonies. The designer claimed that a sudden team change forced them to work without pay for seven months following the change in government. Mr. Atthakorn expressed that these accusations have caused reputational harm, as he was not given a chance to provide clarification. He stressed that he was unfamiliar with and did not hire the company that made the complaint.

Mr. Atthakorn clarified that he assumed office on October 1st, a time when the government had not yet sanctioned the SEA Games budget, specifically for the opening and closing ceremonies. The budget, totaling 450 million baht out of a 2.055 billion baht total, was only approved in mid-October. He asserted that it was “impossible” for any contracts to have been executed prior to this approval.

Mr. Atthakorn further stated, “If the designer claims to have been working on preparations for seven months and has actually spoken with government agencies, then they must be able to answer who they spoke with. The ministry had not yet established a hiring team or taken any action during that time. I’m being accused of withdrawing money for the opening ceremony, which is untrue, as no contract has ever been signed.”