The Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC) has confirmed that not only will all members of the public and international guests receive free entry to all events at the upcoming 32nd SEA Games and 12th Para Games – including the opening and closing ceremonies – but that the Kingdom will not charge foreign nations for broadcasting rights.
Following a March 31 plenary meeting at the Council of Ministers, CAMSOC released a notice confirming the decision.
“Admission to the opening and closing ceremonies and all sporting events at the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games will be free of charge, with no ticket sales for domestic or international guests,” said the notice.
It added that the government will also allow the event to be broadcast for free, both inside and outside of Cambodia.
“We have spent money on special technology for the ceremony, and have also invested millions of dollars in infrastructure to host these games, with our Chinese friends supporting the construction of the Morodok Techo National Stadium,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen on March 30.
“I absolutely have not agreed to permit ticket sales for the opening and closing of the games, nor any of the competitions,” he added.
In the last few days, several sports media websites had published alleged prices for the opening ceremony, suggesting that tickets may sell for as much as 200,000 riel ($50).
“Our people will be able to attend the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies and all of the sporting contests without having to pay any money. Anyone who defies this instruction will be accountable to me, and before the law,” he warned.
Hun Sen said the Kingdom’s efforts to make the games a success could not be spoiled by something like ticket sales.
