Kickboxing, gold fever, and TV rights: The stormy history of SEA Games

20 Sept 07:02 Key points summarised by AI

Host nations consistently leverage their advantage by selecting sports disciplines and adjusting medal counts to ensure they top the medal tally, aiming to boost national pride and government popularity.
The 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia ignited controversy by replacing 'Muay Thai' with the local 'Kun Khmer,' prompting protests and a boycott from Thailand due to the sport's lack of international recognition.
Cambodia set an unprecedented US$800,000 price for broadcast rights, significantly higher than any previous Games, leading to Thailand's refusal to pay and rare public unity against the exorbitant cost.

Cabinet approves ฿10.5bn central fund for flood relief

Yesterday 14:04 Key points summarised by AI

The Cabinet allocated 10.5 billion baht from the fiscal 2027 central emergency fund to provide financial relief for flood victims.
This funding will cover remaining compensation payments and relief operations for severely affected households, as fiscal 2026 funds have been exhausted.