Thailand Eyes 2030 Youth Olympic Games Hosting Role as Multiple Nations Throw Support Behind Bid

Thailand is confident in its bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games with stronger prospects than rival candidates, following a visit from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president who met directly with the Prime Minister with full backing. Multiple nations are supporting Thailand's bid, expressing confidence in the country's preparedness. Prof. Pimol Srivikrom, chairman of the Thailand Olympic Committee, along with deputy chairs Maj. Gen. Chai Pakdi Sirivat and Thana Chaiyaprasit, held a press conference updating on Thailand's progress as host candidate after Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia and Qatar's Olympic president, visited Thailand and met with the Prime Minister on April 27.

Prof. Pimol stated that Sheikh Joaan's two-day visit had two objectives: visiting the Thailand Olympic Committee, which is a great honor as Thailand is only the second country he has visited since assuming the OCA presidency, and meeting with the Prime Minister, both of which went smoothly. The Olympic Committee discussions covered Thailand's future international role in sports, with Sheikh Joaan expressing that Thailand should host more sporting events and offer to host training camps for Asian taekwondo teams, which he enthusiastically accepted.

Regarding the Prime Minister's meeting, Pimol explained it focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Thailand's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. Sheikh Joaan expressed hope that the games would remain in Asia and offered full support, while the Prime Minister listened and inquired about details including the selection timeline and process. The International Olympic Committee will select the host at its assembly on June 25, 2026, in Lausanne, Switzerland, with three finalists: Chile, Paraguay, and Thailand.

The Prime Minister called in the Minister of Tourism and Sports and other officials to receive detailed briefings, pledged his commitment, and scheduled further meetings. When asked about obstacles, Prof. Pimol noted issues with government guarantee letters and accommodation guarantees for 5,000 rooms, though the Youth Olympic Games organizing committee understands due to the government transition. Thailand has significant advantages including excellent tourism infrastructure, culture, and accessibility, with many nations wanting to send athletes to train there.