Futsal fever building in Thailand

On Thursday 20 September, the Tourism and Sports Commission from the House of Representatives conducted the latest inspection of the Bangkok Futsal Arena, which is being constructed for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012. Dr Teerachon Manomaiphibul, Deputy Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), reported that the work is keeping to schedule, with a team of construction workers on site day and night. “The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the FIFA Futsal World Cup will visit at the beginning of October and we are confident that the new Bangkok Futsal Arena will be finished as planned, and ready to hand over to FIFA on schedule,” Teerachon added. Later in the afternoon, Mr Sucahart Nopawon, Deputy Governor of Nakorn Ratchasima Province, met at the Mall Department Store to officially kick off the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 Trophy Tour. A crowd of thousands joined in the activities and queued up to have their photo taken with the trophy that was unveiled at the draw earlier this month. “The Government of Nakorn Ratchasima spent more than 30 million Bahts (US$1million) for public relations and advertising in every area to promote the most prestigious event of our hometown’s history,” the Deputy Governor said. Mr Sukhumbhand Boripat, the Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and guests joined media in the Thai capital for another event to help promote the forthcoming competition. The event started with a carnival-style parade from the heart of town, and ended with a press conference. The BMA will also host the Bangkok Futsal Championship 2012 in the last week of September. There will be a thousand teams taking part, including a hundred schools from 50 zones across the Thai capital. The first session will be on 25-26 September at Wachirabenchatat Park, next to Jatujak Sunday Market. The second session will be on 28-30 September at Central World Plaza. The BMA are also hoping to host an All Stars International Friendly Tournament in early October. FIFA