Thailand Withdraws from 2030 Youth Olympics Bid—Government Admits Lack of Readiness, Cites Massive 5 Billion Baht Budget
Thailand withdrew from its bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, citing lack of financial capacity and a required 5 billion baht budget that the government cannot commit to while addressing current economic crises.
Thailand's bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, which advanced to the final selection round alongside Chile and Paraguay for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), faces a critical setback. The IOC dispatched representatives last week to assess Thailand's readiness to host the competition.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Punthajerawkul announced today (May 5) that after presenting the proposal to the cabinet meeting and careful deliberation, the government determined that Thailand currently lacks the economic and financial capacity to host. The event would require a budget of 5 billion baht, leading the government to conclude it cannot commit the necessary funds at this time.
The minister stated the government will not submit a letter of commitment to the IOC by next week's deadline, as Thailand has determined it is not ready to proceed as host.
"We must acknowledge that the government currently needs to borrow funds to address the energy crisis and provide relief to the people," Surasak explained. "Therefore, we are not prepared to allocate the budget required for hosting this competition. Furthermore, contingency plans from relevant agencies remain unclear. I have consulted with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and we will present this matter to the cabinet shortly for review of our hosting proposal. Once the cabinet reaches a decision, we will send a letter to the International Olympic Committee explaining that Thailand is not ready to proceed, along with the reasons I've outlined."
