SEA GAMES

Burma set for Korat trip despite unrest

KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT

The political situation in Burma will not force the country to withdraw from the 24th SEA Games, according to U Thaung Htike, secretary-general of Burma's Olympic Committee. In a letter to the Bangkok Post, the Burmese official admitted that his athletes were affected by the political problems but there was no reason for the country to withdraw from the Games to be held in Nakhon Ratchasima from December 6-15.

He said Burma hoped to win at least 17 gold medals _ the same number they won in the previous Games in 2005.

''Our aim is to win at least the same number of gold medals we won in the last Games in the Philippines,'' he said.

In 2005, Burma finished seventh overall in the 11-country event with 17 golds, 34 silvers and 48 bronzes.

Adm Suravudh Maharom, chairman of the 24th SEA Games organising administration committee, said that sports should be free from politics.

Member countries would not be happy if Burma are forced to withdraw due to their domestic political problems.

Meanwhile, Thailand's athletics coach Supanus Ariyamongkol said his athletes could win up to 15 gold medals as expected by the athletes' preparation committee.

''We can win at least 13 golds but 15 is not too difficult,'' he said.

The Thai athletics team grabbed 11 gold, 11 silver and 18 bronze medals in the 23rd SEA Games.

There are 45 golds up for grabs in athletics at the Nakhon Ratchasima Games. The Kingdom's rivals are expected to be Burma, Indonesia and Vietnam.