Thailand to give Laos 2.9 million dollars for SEA Games

BANGKOK - Thailand will give Laos 98 million baht (2.9 million dollars) to help it organise the region's biggest sports event next year, a Thai government spokeswoman said. The Southeast Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Vientiane at the end of next year. "The money will be given to help Laos organise the 25th SEA Games, to improve stadiums and train staff," spokeswoman Weerinthira Nathongborcharas said in a statement. Laos desperately needs funds to improve its infrastructure. Without experience in organizing international sports event, it will host the biannual 25-sport games on December 3-12, 2009. Thailand will send referees to train Laotian personnel in 12 sporting events and offer further training courses in Bangkok in four other events. It will also lend Laos sports equipment from the previous SEA Games... [read full story]