Mahidol leads clean sport drive for SEA Games

Mahidol University's WADA-accredited laboratory takes centre stage ahead of the 33rd SEA Games, strengthening Southeast Asia's clean-sport ecosystem with world-class testing, scientific rigour and regional collaboration.

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Dr Somsak Leesawadtrakul, a business tycoon and philanthropist who chairs the National Doping Control Centre's Executive Board addresses participants at the international anti-doping workshop.

With the countdown to the 33rd SEA Games underway, Mahidol University has moved decisively into the spotlight as the backbone of Southeast Asia's clean-sport ecosystem.

Thailand will host more than 12,000 athletes from 11 nations from December 9-20, competing in 50 sports.

As home to Asean’s only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, the National Doping Control Centre (NDCC) is positioning Thailand as a regional leader in fair and transparent competition, providing world-class testing capabilities, scientific expertise and upgraded infrastructure that will safeguard the integrity of the region’s largest multi-sport event.

Gunter Younger, Director of Intelligence and Investigations at WADA, described Thailand as a crucial centre for the region, not only for its accredited laboratory but also for the strength of its personnel and technical readiness. He noted that Mahidol’s NDCC has been an essential partner in WADA's intelligence and investigation programmes, including collaborative efforts with Interpol.

“The agency is confident the upcoming SEA Games will reflect the highest standards of fairness and transparency,” he said.