Bangkok: The preparations for the 33rd SEA Games petanque event have hit a hurdle as the venue owner has refused to allow the games to proceed until the organizers pay the required deposit. This development comes after the decision to move the petanque competition from Songkhla Province to the indoor field at Walailak University, which had been adapted with new roof and floor adjustments to meet the competition standards.

According to Thai News Agency, a dramatic incident unfolded on December 6th when the venue owner demanded an advance deposit for the 2025 SEA Games. In response, Mr. Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor for Sports Excellence and Sports Science at the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), acting on behalf of the SAT Governor, has already addressed the issue through a clarification letter sent to Walailak University on December 5, 2015.

The letter outlines that the Sports Authority of Thailand coordinated with the university to host the petanque competition in Songkhla, following recommendations from the central committee. Furthermore, the SAT coordinated and submitted a request to use the area and install the necessary field setup. The university responded by reporting the cost of using the field as 4 hundred thousand.

The SAT has acknowledged these expenses and confirmed that payment will be made by December 31, 2025. The university has also agreed to this payment timeline, allowing the preparations for the SEA Games to move forward.