Bangkok: Khunying Pathama has been appointed as an advisor to the committee studying the readiness of Thailand's bid to host the 5th Youth Olympic Games in 2030. This significant development follows Thailand's expressed interest in submitting a bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games. Mr. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has signed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Order No. 54/2025, which officially appoints a committee to evaluate the country's readiness to host the event.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet meeting on October 6, 2020, resolved to allow Thailand to postpone its bid to host the 5th Youth Olympic Games from the original year 2026 to 2030. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is tasked with considering opinions from the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Board, in line with the authority under Section 20 of the Government Administration Act B.E. 2534 and its amendments. The newly appointed committee is responsible for assessing the readiness to bid for hosting the 2030 event, with Khunying Pathama Sisawattrakul, an IOC member, serving as an advisor.
The committee's leadership comprises the advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports as the chairman, and the governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) as the vice-chairman. Other key members include the Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, representatives from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Education, the Budget Bureau, and the Department of Physical Education. Mr. Ton Na Ranong, the Deputy Governor of the SAT for Sports Excellence and Sports Science, serves as a committee member and secretary, supported by the Director of the SAT Sports Excellence Development Department and the Director of the SAT Policy and Planning Department as assistant secretaries.
The committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive study on the readiness and suitability of bidding for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. This includes evaluating various aspects such as competition guidelines, venues, athlete accommodation, transportation, budget considerations, and other related matters. The findings will be reported to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, the National Sports Policy Committee, and subsequently submitted to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Previously, Khunying Pathama Leeswadtrakul was appointed by Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, to serve as an advisor to the organizing committee for the 33rd SEA Games, set to be hosted in Thailand from December 9-20, 2025. This appointment highlights her extensive experience and involvement in sporting events, alongside Colonel Ekkachaiphak Siriwat and other key figures in the field.