SEA Games pose new test for govt

All eyes are turning to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, which officially kick off this Tuesday.

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Regrettably, the focus is not on the love of the game or our national athletes.As the clock ticks down, complaints of mismanagement and glitches have multiplied online and captured media attention.

The grievances span a wide range of issues. Design enthusiasts have criticised organisers for altering the previously approved SEA Games logo. Netizens have pointed to the inconsistent appearance of banners — in Nakhon Pathom, the faces of politicians appear on them. Event organisers and suppliers complain of last-minute contractual changes, while subcontractors say they have not been paid.

Voices of discontent have also emerged from the stadiums. Sports reporters covering matches have complained about the lack of shuttle buses to take them from the central news centre to the venues.

Organisers made an embarrassing mistake by placing national flags incorrectly. At the Laos-Vietnam football match on Dec 3, a loudspeaker malfunction forced players to sing their national anthems, while uneven lighting at the venue drew complaints from staff and fans alike.