Surat thani: The 8th National Senior Games, "Tapi Games 69," concluded with remarkable success, drawing the curtain on a week filled with memorable moments and significant achievements. The closing ceremony took place at the Surat Thani Provincial Stadium, led by Ms. Wanida Phansaaad, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and attended by Mr. Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand for Elite Sports and Sports Science. The ceremony featured cultural performances highlighting Southern Thai traditions, followed by the athletes' procession. The event concluded with the ceremonial passing of the Games flag to Surin Province and the extinguishing of the Olympic torch flame.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok continued its dominance by winning the most gold medals for the seventh consecutive time, amassing 131 gold medals, alongside 110 silver and 98 bronze medals. Surat Thani, the host city, secured the second position with 81 gold medals, while Chiang Mai claimed third place with 43 gold medals.
Mr. Preecha Lalun praised Surat Thani for its exceptional organization of the Senior Games, which ensured success across various facets, including athlete safety and facility management. The event witnessed significant improvements in performance, with records in 291 events, marking a 53.69% increase, and 199 new records being set, with 106 in athletics and 93 in swimming. Additionally, Surat Thani experienced a more substantial economic impact than Chonburi, the previous host city.
Governor of Surat Thani Province, Mr. Chumpot Wannachatsiri, expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of Thailand and the 16,888 participants of this year's Senior Games. Under the theme "Games of Friendship, Games of a Good City," the event successfully boosted the provincial economy, generating 288,575,993 baht.
The success of this year's competition sets the stage for the 9th National Senior Games, "Muang Chang Games," to be hosted by Surin Province from April 3-10, 2027, with the theme "Friendship Across Generations, Uniting the Muang Chang Games."