Chaos in Thailand: Floods Force SEA Games Reschedule, Hat Yai Drowns in Filth

Severe floods in southern Thailand have caused major disruptions, affecting local waste management efforts and prompting adjustments to the scheduling of significant international events. In Hat Yai Municipality, the aftermath of the floods has resulted in a substantial amount of destroyed household belongings and goods from local businesses, including vendors at Kim Yong Market and other markets across the municipality. This debris includes wooden furniture, plastic waste, mattresses, clothing, and electronic equipment.

To manage the volume of waste, debris is first collected at temporary holding areas. From there, excavators load the rubbish into six-wheel lorries belonging to the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO). These lorries then transport the waste to Ko Taeo in Mueang District for proper disposal, including processing at a dedicated waste-to-energy facility.

Meanwhile, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has announced an updated schedule for the 33rd SEA Games, originally planned for 3-20 December 2025. Due to the ongoing severe floods, several events initially scheduled in Songkhla have been relocated to Bangkok and other venues, necessitating a revised competition schedule. The opening ceremony is set for 9 December 2025 at Rajamangala National Stadium, with the closing ceremony on 20 December 2025, also at Rajamangala.

The updated schedule includes key aquatic events:

• Swimming: 10-15 December at SAT Swimming Pool, Bangkok

• Diving: 17-19 December at Assumption University Suvarnabhumi Campus, Samut Prakan

• Water Polo: 15-19 December at Thammasat University Water Sports Centre, Rangsit

• Artistic Swimming: 10-13 December at Assumption University Suvarnabhumi Campus

• Open Water Swimming: 18 and 20 December at Jomtien Beach, Chonburi

Additionally, Archery competitions have been rescheduled:

• Compound Archery: 14-15 December and 18 December

• Recurve Archery: 14 and 17 December
  Both will be held at Football Stadium 1, SAT, Bangkok.

Athletics events are now planned for 10-13 December and 16-17 December at Suphachalasai Stadium, Bangkok, with an additional athletics event on 15 December at the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane, Bang Na.

These measures aim to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators while maintaining the integrity of the SEA Games despite the severe flooding challenges.