Thailand need to think twice before bidding for World Beach Games
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Hosting the 4th Asian Beach Games in Phuket has put the spotlight on Thailand's desire and capability to seek a bigger challenge in staging the inaugural World Beach Games in 2017.
However, they might have to think twice before getting the idea off the ground.
Meanwhile, Thailand will bring the curtain down on the Asian Beach Games today where their athletes had some outstanding achievements and unforgettable memories.
For sure, the host nation, which landed the overall Games title for the first time in Oman four years ago, will repeat the feat as they left powerhouse China a distant second on the penultimate day of the competition yesterday.
Furthermore, the hosts hugely impressed with a spectacular opening ceremony that had magnificent fireworks and fantastic performances, all under a modest budget of Bt25 million. The residents of Phuket and Thai people in general provided warm hospitality to foreign visitors.
The organisers got a big thumbs up for the facilities they provided to anybody involved with the Games. The high-speed internet system and the information technology offered to the reporters and officials were truly world class.
General Yuthasak Sasiprapa, the president of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, said he would support the bid of either Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan or Samui in Surat Thani to become the candidate to host the 2017 World Beach Games.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said Thailand won praises from high-ranking officials of the Olympic Council of Asia, including its president Sheikh Almad al-Fahad al-Sabah, for hosting an “excellent” Asian Beach Games, which emphasised its capability to host the World Beach Games.
However, to host such as world-class competition, the availability of information technology, high-speed Internet and the friendly smiles of the locals are not enough.
Russia, Japan and South Korea sent their observers to the Phuket Games as the three nations are determined to host the World Beach Games at Thailand’s expense. To make that happen, Thailand has to convince the Association of National Olympic Committees that they can be a good host.
Phuket has guaranteed safety measures for all participants at the 4th Asian Beach Games, but just a day ahead of the beach volleyball competition, a Tajikistan coach was hit by a van while she was crossing the beach road in front of the venue. She was rushed to the hospital and needed 10 stitches to seal a forehead wound.
The hosts also promised a smooth transportation system during the Games, but many athletes and officials complained about the “unfair” and “expensive” transportation fees they were forced to pay.
Perhaps, Thailand should lay out an effective long-term plan and conduct a feasibility study on hosting the World Beach Games.
Gains and losses should also be taken into consideration. It’s a matter of making the Games a success, not just having the chance to host it.
