Thailand pushes Bangkok 2030 Youth Olympics bid as IOC working group visit set for April 27-30

Thailand’s National Olympic Committee (NOCT) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) held a joint meeting on Thursday to track progress on the country’s bid to host the Youth Olympic Games Bangkok 2030, and to review readiness ahead of an official visit by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Youth Olympic Games working group.

Thailand will host the IOC working group for an official visit from April 27-30, 2026, as part of the Targeted Dialogue process that will lead to the selection of the host city for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games.

During the meeting, participants reviewed all major components of Thailand’s bid, including the venue masterplan, infrastructure and transport readiness, operational planning, and the overall governance framework.

Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a global youth sporting event under the vision: “Inspiring Youth, Connecting Southeast Asia and Asia.” Bangkok, as the main host city, is expected to serve as the hub linking sport, education, culture and urban life to create an accessible and meaningful experience for young athletes.

Competition plans centre on two main clusters: Hua Mak Sports Complex and Chulalongkorn University. Meanwhile, Chon Buri is proposed as the venue for coastal and outdoor sports.

All parties reiterated full cooperation to push Thailand’s bid towards a successful and sustainable international hosting outcome. The host city for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games is expected to be selected in June 2026 at an IOC Session after the evaluation process is completed.

Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, president of NOCT, said:
“This meeting confirms that all parties are fully aligned in presenting a strong and credible bid for Bangkok 2030. We are committed to presenting a powerful vision to the IOC to deliver an outstanding Youth Olympic Games.”

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, an IOC member, said:
“Thailand has mobilised full readiness to host a Youth Olympic Games that will inspire young people worldwide. Our intention is to deliver a valuable and memorable experience, fully aligned with the values of the Olympic Movement.”

Preecha Laloon, deputy governor of SAT, said:
“Building on the success of the SEA Games, hosting the Youth Olympic Games would be an important opportunity for Thailand to showcase its capability to stage a world-class event, while giving Thai athletes the chance to compete in front of the Thai public.”

IOC working group visit schedule

• Tuesday, April 28, 2026: Site visits in Bangkok at the SAT Complex and Chulalongkorn University
• Wednesday, April 29, 2026: Site visits in Chon Buri to inspect coastal and outdoor venues
• Thursday, April 30, 2026: Workshop at the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, followed by an official press briefing