The host of SEA Games 33 has faced significant criticism over organizational mishaps, with multiple issues arising across various stages of the event. Beyond logistical challenges, the organizing committee has also been criticized for inadequate hospitality and services provided to participating sports delegations. Even the host nation’s athletes have encountered inconveniences during their stay.
Recently, the Futsal Poonpoon page shared an image of a meal served to athletes, accompanied by the following comment: “Thailand’s women’s futsal team competing in SEA Games 2025 has been served boxed meals for every lunch. While competing abroad, they enjoy hotel buffets, but at home, they’re limited to boxed meals. We hope they receive more substantial meals in the coming days, especially on competition days. Dinner, however, has been satisfactory. The Thai women’s futsal team remains the only team to have won gold in every SEA Games edition.”
The boxed lunch image shared by Futsal Poonpoon alongside their statement.
Thairath reported that several delegations have complained about the nutritional quality of the meals, which fail to meet their dietary needs. Some teams have resorted to purchasing additional food from external sources to maintain their nutritional requirements during competition.
This is not the first time the host nation has faced criticism for inadequate and nutritionally insufficient lunch preparations. Previously, Thailand’s Sports Chief Thana Chaiprasit held an emergency meeting with representatives from participating nations on December 9 to address logistical issues. During the meeting, several delegations criticized the boxed lunches provided by the organizers, demanding a switch to a buffet-style meal service.
The inadequate lunch provided to competing athletes.
Thailand’s Sports Chief pledged that following the opening ceremony on December 9, the Thai Sports Authority would assign officials to coordinate directly with delegations, ensuring smoother operations and minimizing further issues. However, as of the second day of competition, no improvements have been observed by the participating teams.
According to budget details, the Thai Sports Authority allocated 247,167,200 baht (approximately 205 billion VND) for accommodation, meals, laundry, and transportation for both the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games. Of this, 17,208,000 baht (around 14 billion VND) was specifically designated for meals for athletes and coaching staff.
The catering provider was contracted to serve three hotel-standard meals daily, including halal options, for a minimum of 8,000 individuals. The cost per meal portion was approximately 239 baht (around 200,000 VND).
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