Bangkok, 4 December 2025 – The Main Press Center (MPC) of the 33rd SEA Games is located inside the headquarters of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand in Bangkok. This area is managed under strict security, and all journalists must pass multiple layers of inspection before entering.
On December 3, a reporter from SGGP arrived at the MPC—which is about a 45–60 minute car ride from Rajamangala Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies—to collect their press card. As expected, the journey offered a full experience of Bangkok’s infamous traffic congestion. After arriving, the reporter proceeded with the accreditation process to ensure access to all events during the Games.
The MPC is designed as a fully equipped working space, where journalists can write articles, update competition schedules, and access key information about each sport. The working area includes 30 desktop computers with stable internet access, along with printers to support daily reporting tasks. The organizers have also put up various notice boards and essential documents to assist the media while they work on-site.
Journalists working at the MPC are provided with free food at the buffet counter. Additionally, the cafeteria offers complimentary lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, giving reporters much-needed energy during their busy schedules throughout the SEA Games.
Although the 33rd SEA Games officially take place from December 9 to 20, several sports begin earlier, so many journalists from different countries have already arrived at the MPC to complete their accreditation and collect their press passes.
However, during the first match of U22 Vietnam, the organizers encountered a major issue with press card distribution at Rajamangala Stadium. Nearly 30 journalists—even though fully registered—were not issued their stadium access cards on time.
Due to verification errors and delays in confirming the final list, stadium security refused to allow these journalists into the working areas. As a result, many had to wait outside for hours, missing most of the first half, and some were unable to enter the stadium until after the match had ended.
This unexpected incident caused significant frustration, especially since this was one of the most anticipated early matches before the opening ceremony. The organizing committee later issued an apology and promised to review the accreditation process to ensure the same issue does not occur in future matches involving U22 Vietnam or any other events during SEA Games 33.
Huu Thanh – Thanh Tung
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