Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and permanent vice-chairman of the Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), urged all of the committees that are responsible for preparations of the 2023 SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games to be hosted by Cambodia to monitor their progress and identify any challenges that may compromise the smooth running of the games.

At a December 20 meeting of CAMSOC and ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (CAMAPGOC), held at the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) headquarters, Khon reviewed the work of each committee in detail, according to CAMSOC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun.

“Khon reviewed the progress of all specialised committees and their challenges, then told them to reorganise so they could address the challenges,” Chamroeun said following the meeting.

Khon, who is also president of the NOCC, listened to the reports of each committee and made recommendations to address and clarify the work that has not been completed.

“The main areas he focused on were accommodation, food, hospitality and competitions. We have already provided guidance on any shortcomings, so at the end of December we will inspect the joint committee and make our final evaluations,” Chamroeun said.

According to Chamroeun, Khon recommended that the final assessment be thorough and that from January onwards, all specialised committees should begin working directly with each other at the joint headquarters building in the Morodok Techo National Sports Complex.

“We have to make sure that our preparations are complete, as this is an event of national significance. We need to have a clear timeframe,” Chamroeun said.

“[Khon] appreciates that 70 to 80 per cent of the work of our commission is complete. There are a few minor issues to address, or issues awaiting final solutions, but this will be done efficiently,” he added.