Peping hopes Thai coup won’t affect 2007 SEAG

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco yesterday aired hopes that the military-backed coup in Thailand won’t have any effects on the country’s hosting of next year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Cojuangco issued a statement amid the possibility that the Thai Olympic Committee might have a change in leadership after the bloodless coup that ousted long-time Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"But we’re confident that they will not cancel it," said Cojuangco of the biennial meet scheduled late next year. The Philippines hosted the event last year and emerged the overall champion.

"Our only concern is the composition of their NOC (National Olympic Committee) and that its top officials might be replaced. We’re hoping that it won’t happen," added Cojuangco.

The POC president said preparations for next year’s SEA Games are in place since it will coincide with the 80th birthday of Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

It will be the sixth time that Thailand will host the SEA Games, from its inaugural staging in 1959 to 1967, 1975, 1985 and 1995. This year’s main hub is the northern province of Nakhon Ratahasima.

A $77 million sports complex is being built in the province.

Cojuangco said Filipino sports officials have had a strong relationship with their Thai counterparts. He said he hopes that the recent coup won’t affect this relationship in case changes come.

The military leaders of the Sept. 19 coup are said to be struggling to convince the international community that staging the coup was the only way to maintain democracy in the country.

Cojuangco specifically mentioned Thailand Olympic Council vice-president Chaiyapak Siriwat with whom he said the POC has built a good rapport.

"Siriwat was very apologetic to us during the SEA Games especially when Thaksin criticized the results of the games. He told us that he’ll repay the goodness of the Filipinos when their turn to host comes next year," added the POC chief.

Thaksin stirred a controversy at the height of the Manila SEA Games last year after questioning the conduct and officiating in a number of events.

Cojuangco said it was Siriwat who disclosed to them that prior to the Thailand delegation’s departure, the contingent requested Thaksin not to say something negative while the SEA Games was going on.