Just Awaiting Cabinet Approval! Sports Authority Chief Confirms Thailand Ready to Host 2030 Youth Olympics
Thailand awaits cabinet approval to finalize its bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, with the International Olympic Committee set to announce the winner on June 25th after inspecting facilities in Bangkok and Chonburi next month.
The director of the Sports Authority of Thailand disclosed that the International Olympic Committee is still awaiting clarity regarding Thailand's government budget allocation for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games bid. All necessary information has been submitted, with only cabinet approval pending before hearing the decision on June 25th.
Following Danka Bartekova, chair of the IOC's Youth Olympic Games 2030 working group, and an IOC delegation's official visit to Thailand, they will conduct inspections in Bangkok and Chonburi from April 28-30, 2025, to assess readiness. Thailand is one of three finalists competing to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games alongside Asunción, Paraguay and Santiago, Chile.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Sports Authority of Thailand director, revealed that Thailand has been selected as one of the final three candidates and has provided all information confirming government support. The proposal is currently being processed for cabinet approval and will be discussed with the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand places great importance on national sports and youth development programs held annually, reflecting the Sports Authority's long-standing vision. The facilities are fully prepared and Thailand aims to inspire children and youth toward sports goals through its "Sports Build People, People Build Nation" policy.
Public transportation infrastructure will soon include underground rail access through the Sports Authority venue, along with police presence and anti-harassment campaigns for athletes. Thailand's Youth Olympic Games bid is not new, with preparations beginning in 2019, but this visit reaffirms to the IOC Thailand's readiness to host.
"While we cannot predict with complete certainty since we don't know what our two competing nations will present, discussions have been positive," said the official. "We will travel to Lausanne, Switzerland to hear the decision on June 25th."
Following the IOC team's inspections at the Sports Authority's Huamark facility, the Thai-Japanese Youth Center at Din Daeng, Chulalongkorn University Sports Center, and the National Stadium on April 28, inspections continue in Chonburi on April 29. On April 30, a joint meeting between the Sports Authority and Thailand's Olympic Committee will be held, chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenvorakul.
