Bangkok: Athakorn Sirilathayakorn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, has assured that Cambodian athletes will receive equal treatment at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games being hosted by Thailand. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and providing convenience for all participating athletes, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship that should prevail above conflicts.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthakorn addressed the readiness to care for Cambodian athletes during the games. He stated that discussions with executives from the Sports Authority of Thailand have been conducted to ensure that Cambodian athletes are treated on par with those from other countries. He reaffirmed that the focus is on providing the best possible care in terms of facilitation and safety for all visiting athletes.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for disruptions by Cambodian athletes, similar to incidents seen at beauty pageants. Mr. Atthakorn responded by emphasizing the need to view the athletes as competitors first, noting that good sportsmanship and competitive spirit are their primary responsibilities. He reiterated that safety measures are in place for athletes from all countries equally.

In response to inquiries about athlete withdrawals, Mr. Atthakorn noted that while approximately 300 Cambodian athletes were initially expected, some have recently chosen to withdraw. He refrained from commenting on the preparedness of other nations but assured that Thailand is committed to its role in ensuring equal protection for all participants. Discussions have been held with both the police and the Sports Authority of Thailand to finalize plans, including accommodations tailored to various sports.

Addressing questions about potential symbolic gestures by athletes related to border issues, Mr. Atthakorn acknowledged the concern but stressed that political matters should not be intermixed with sports competitions.