Suwit says Malaysia was the only country to oppose the inclusion of the sport in the biennial event. It requires the approval of at least six member countries to add a sport in the regional sporting event. With five nations already expressing their support, Thailand are hoping Vietnam will follow suit.

Suwit says Thailand wanted to popularise the sport in the country and was therefore keen to include it in the SEA Games.

"Thai bodybuilder Sitthi Charoenrit had proved his worth on the world stage by winning the world championship. Others will follow, if we stage big events," said Suwit.

Suwit says Thai Bodybuilding Association president Pakapong Kriangsak will meet him in the next two days to talk about the sport's prospects.

Earlier, the SEA Games Confederation had insisted that bodybuilding, kabaddi, snooker and dance sports would not be included in the Games.