Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the Games Organising Committee, introduced the three components of the Games and presented awards to the creators.

A Siamese cat has been selected as the chief mascot. The cat wears "Pha Khao Ma", a traditional Thai towel, and plays a "Kaen", a northeastern-style mouth organ. The mascot was created by Sa-ard Jomnagrm, who got a Bt200,000 cheque for his design.

The cat was named "Can'' by an eight-year-old girl, Piyathida Sreewimon, whose winning entry got her a Bt50,000 cheque.

"We choose Siamese cat because the cats have originated in Pimai district in Nakhon Ratchasima. The cat is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity and it is known the world over,'' Suwat said about the mascot.

The official emblem commissioned by Prasith Noonsung has three sailing boats in yellow, red and blue colours and the Pimai Historical Park. The sailing boats are to mark the 40th year since His Majesty the King won a gold medal in a sailing competition in 1967 when the event was called SEAP (South East Asian Peninsular) Games. Prasith won Bt50,000 for his design.

"Spirit, Friendship and Celebration" is the theme of the competition. Composed by the organising committee, the theme signifies spirits and amity of the South East Asian people and the celebration of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday next year.

Suwat, vowing to stage the most successful Games, said there would be a Kick Off Campaign to promote the Games in Nakhon Ratchasima on August 19.

A budget of Bt1.5 billion has been kept to host the Games in Thailand for the first time since 1995 where the 18th edition was held in Chiang Mai. While Nakhon Ratchasima is the main city that hosts the Games, Chon Buri and Bangkok will also be the venues for some sports.

The Games are due between December 6-15 next year and will feature around 39 sports disciplines.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation