Thai sports minister guarantees spectacle and "surprise" at SEA Games opening
Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn is adamant that the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games on Tuesday would impress not only Thai people but also all foreign delegates from 10 other ASEAN countries, while keeping the highlight of the show, cauldron lighting, in secret.
Speaking at a press conference on the Games’ opening ceremony that will take place at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday’s evening, the sports minister was certain the show would wow spectators and all participants of the region’s biennial sporting event.
“The opening ceremony will certainly cause a surprise and make impression on all participating visitors. It would demonstrate Thai uniqueness and charms in several aspects. The key concept is to open a chance for Thai talents to be part of the show.
“There would be five to six performances, each of which features many of the country’s famed persons from various fields including sport from the past to present. They’re all willing to be part of this unique moment,” said Atthakorn.
Following the drama surrounding the controversial change of contractors for the opening ceremony, the minister reiterated his previous remarks that the show would prove doubters wrong.
“It (the opening ceremony) would prove whether what I said earlier is true or not. I only want to see all Thai people happy to watch the competition and support our athletes to achieve the success. Showing the world the country’s potentials in organising such a big international sporting event.”
Asked about the cauldron lighting, typically the highlight of the opening ceremony of any multisport tournaments, Atthakorn remained tight-lipped but hinted that it would surely be memorable for everyone.
Celebrities, dignitaries and other well-known figures expected to involve in the opening ceremony include “BamBam” Kunpimook Bhuwakul, a Thai member of GOT7, the world renowned K-pop band, pop singer Violet “Vee” Wautier, rapper Pitawat Pruekkit or Tong TwoPee.
The 33rd edition of the Games will run from Tuesday to December 20, featuring 50 official sports, three demonstration disciplines (Air Sports, Flying Disc and Tug of War) and one “value-added” sport (the mixed martial arts) with a total of 574 gold medals up for grabs.