Nakhon ratchasima: Thailand has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering a safe and successful 13th ASEAN Para Games scheduled from January 20 to 26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). This assurance follows concerns about tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, which officials say will not impact the Games' preparations or hosting.
According to Philippines News Agency, the declaration was made at the second Coordination Committee (CoComm) Meeting between the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) and the Thailand Sports Organizing Committee (THASOC), which concluded on August 31 at the Sima Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima. Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Krisda Tanterditit, emphasized that safety is of paramount importance, ensuring peace and security for all athletes, contingents, and visitors.
Key officials from APSF and THASOC discussed critical organizational areas during the three-day meeting, which featured a hybrid Chef de Mission Seminar attended in person by contingents from countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, and Timor Leste, while five others participated virtually. APSF President, Maj. Gen. Osoth Bhavilai, highlighted the centrality of athlete welfare to the Games' delivery, expressing confidence in the commitment of THASOC and local authorities to safeguard all participants.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Kanatchanon Sricharoen, Permanent Secretary of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and Amnuay Klinyu, President of the Thailand Blind Sports Association. Dr. Gongsak announced plans for test events approximately one month prior to the Games to evaluate venue accessibility, competition systems, and operational readiness.
Deliberations spanned a wide range of functional areas, such as sports and technical operations, venues and facilities, athlete classification, anti-doping, ceremonies, logistics, transportation, accreditation, broadcasting, promotion and marketing, and Games IT infrastructure. Delegates also inspected all 18 competition venues in Nakhon Ratchasima, noting that para tenpin bowling will take place in Bangkok.
APSF Secretary-General, Senior Colonel Dr. Wandee Tosuwan, reaffirmed the focus on safety, welfare, and the seamless delivery of the Games, while also addressing recurring challenges faced by members. The first CoComm meeting occurred last March, with a 1st Technical Delegates' Meeting scheduled for September 15 to 17 to further discuss technical matters and test event preparations.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games will feature events such as para athletics, para badminton, para swimming, para shooting, wheelchair basketball, and several others, under the theme 'ASEAN Moving Together' and 'Create Pride Together.' The tournament marks the return of the Games to Nakhon Ratchasima after 18 years.
