Poll Reveals Majority Regret Government's Decision to Withdraw from Hosting 2030 Youth Olympic Games
A majority of Thais regret the government's decision to withdraw from hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, citing missed opportunities to boost the country's international image and economy, according to a poll of 1,219 respondents.
After the Cabinet decided against Thailand hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games due to economic concerns, despite preparations reaching the final review stage of the International Olympic Committee, the KBU SPORT POLL—conducted by Kasetsart University's Center for Human Capital Development Innovation in partnership with the Sports Management Institute for Sports Organizations (WISDOM) and the B Bang Pakong page—surveyed public opinion on the "Bangkok Youth Olympic Games 2030 phenomenon." The survey was conducted online and via telephone interviews between May 6-8, 2025, with 1,219 respondents aged 18 and above from across the country, comprising 704 men (57.75%), 417 women (34.20%), and 98 LGBTQIA+ individuals (8.03%).
Regarding the government's withdrawal from hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, 55.10% of respondents expressed regret, 28.90% were not bothered, 10.20% were indifferent, and 3.80% offered no opinion.
When asked about the consequences of withdrawing, 28.50% felt the country lost an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities and readiness, 25.00% believed athletes and youth missed a chance to showcase their abilities, 23.11% thought foreign confidence in Thailand's ability to host international sports events in the future would diminish, 19.90% noted the country would lose potential revenue and added value, and 3.49% cited other reasons.
Regarding potential benefits had Thailand hosted the event, 27.00% cited elevating the country's international image, 23.10% mentioned stimulating the economy through tourism and job creation, 22.65% highlighted youth and public engagement, 14.50% pointed to international recognition, 10.70% mentioned infrastructure development and modernization, and 2.05% cited other benefits.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattapong Bunnyanumart, Director of the Center for Human Capital Development Innovation, noted that the survey results reflect public regret over Thailand losing the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities and enhance its international image while boosting tourism and employment. He emphasized that the decision represents a significant missed opportunity for Thai sports and the nation, and could potentially diminish international confidence in Thailand's ability to host international sporting events in the future.
