Thailand slams chaotic Asian Games organisation as 'musical chairs'

Thailand has joined other nations in criticizing the chaotic organization of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, comparing it to a game of musical chairs. Athletes have voiced concerns over subpar accommodation, prolonged delays at airports, and unreliable transport services. Shortcomings extend to transportation for training and venues, with buses arriving late or not at all. The event, the largest sporting showcase in the continent, has witnessed multiple issues in its initial week.

More than 17,000 athletes and officials have been affected by these problems. Some teams reported a shortage of rooms, while others criticized the quality of accommodation provided by organizers. Traditional athletes' villages were not constructed as a cost-saving measure; instead, participants are housed in temporary container-style huts, hotels, and the Costa Serena cruise ship moored in Nagoya port.

Deputy secretary general of Thailand's National Olympic Committee, Chalitrat Chandrubeksa, lamented the mismatch between the number of rooms available on cruise ships and hotels and the actual number of athletes. On the busiest day, 201 beds were required on the cruise ship, but only 170 were provided. The situation worsened as new athletes arrived, forcing previous occupants to move to other hotels, a situation reminiscent of the game of musical chairs.

Athletes have expressed their frustration online, with complaints also regarding the quality of food. Over 4,000 individuals are staying on the cruise ship in Nagoya's port, and 2,000 are housed in the wooden container huts, referred to as 'villas' by the organizers, in a tone devoid of irony. The Thailand team had to secure alternative accommodations and pay for food out of their own pockets due to the shortages.

The Thai team's medical staff had to relocate about an hour and a half away from Nagoya, requiring them to rent additional vehicles from Tokyo to attend to the athletes. Thailand's frustrations have emphasized the chaos, with the team hoping to successfully complete the mission. Games organizers acknowledged the issues and are working tirelessly to improve services for athletes, increasing shuttle buses to meet their needs, and setting up a complaint response system. They have assured that no significant impact has been made on the Games, with no events delayed.