Thailand Sports Authority has explained the necessity of renting out sports stadiums, as the need arose due to the obligation to place funds in other sectors. SAT has to find new sources of revenue.

Is Thailand the country of stadiums?

Although Thailand is not closely associated with football, there are few stadiums there which are impressive. The biggest - Rajamangala Stadium - was built in 1997 as part of Thailand's preparations for the 1998 Asian Games. At that time it could accommodate 65,000 people thanks to benches and individual seats installed only at the main, west stand. That changed in 2006, this time in preparation for the 2007 Asian Cup. Since then the ground has been an all-seater.

After 1998 this place has hosted the largest events in the country. National team and Asian cup games of Thai clubs made there some football history, while other events - athletics, political rallies and concerts - have also taken place at the venue. Ironically, though, until 2010 there was no public transportation dedicated to the largest stadium of Thailand. This led to huge traffic problems on event days. To avoid that, many started watching football in their homes as well as betting on the best Thai online gambling site 2022 - เว็บไซต์พนันออนไลน์.com.

 © @khunron

Why do stadiums in Thailand need to be rented?

Thailand Sports Authority has explained the need for renting out sports stadiums, stating that its annual budget has been cut by 40% for two consecutive years. In response to criticism of allowing national sports venues to be rented for events, SAT Governor Kongsak Yodmanee said they needed to find new sources of revenue since 40 percent of its annual budget was reduced in order to help manage public health costs during the pandemic.

The SAT governor added that holding national sporting events is the agency’s top priority, and that authorities have already discussed the timetable with the Football Association of Thailand. However, the authority plans to continue allowing stadiums to be rented for events in order to sustain its operations, while reducing its reliance on the government for budgetary support.

Neighboring countries had funds to build or upgrade their national stadiums, while Thailand can only maintain its stadiums with its financial budget, prompting a shift in strategy to improve the situation. The governor also outlined business plans for the country's leading national stadiums, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and on attracting the private sector to help boost the sports sector.

 © @i.am.chalinee