Bangkok: The Thai athletics team is gearing up for a strong performance at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with aspirations to secure 17 gold medals and reclaim their title as gold medal leaders. Among the athletes, "Biew" Phuriphon Bunson, a promising sprinter, is particularly focused on clinching three gold medals, aiming to make a triumphant return after an injury setback in the previous games.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai national athletics team is preparing for the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled from December 9-20, 2025. Phuriphon Bunson, notable for holding the national record in the men's 100-meter and 200-meter races, is set to compete in the men's 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay. His previous attempt at these events during the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023 was thwarted by injury.
Phuriphon has expressed a strong determination to excel in all three events at the upcoming SEA Games, citing a full physical recovery and rigorous training alongside the men's 4x100m relay team under the guidance of Gentry Bradley, head coach of the American sprint team. This preparation aims to bolster the capabilities of the Thai athletes.
In a statement, the 19-year-old sprinter declared his ambition not only to secure gold medals but also to achieve a 100-meter sprint time of under 10 seconds. He emphasized his excitement to compete at the Supachalasai Stadium in Thailand, a venue he cherishes from his early competitions. He expressed a bold aspiration to run the 100-meter race in under 9 seconds.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), in collaboration with sports associations, evaluated the prospects for the 33rd SEA Games during the Meet the Press event, organized by the Sports Photographers Association of Thailand. The Athletics Association of Thailand is targeting a haul of 17 gold medals, aiming to maintain their status as the leading gold medalists.