Organisers of the Suan Luang Run event disclose the reasons behind its sudden collapse.
Disappointment and Chaos at the "Run for Destination 2025"
Thousands of runners who had gathered at Suan Luang Rama IX Park in Bangkok on May 25, 2025, were left in dismay as they found no organizing staff or event preparations for the much-anticipated race. The absence of any arrangements led to a flurry of complaints among participants, prompting some to file formal reports at the Prawet Police Station.
In the follow-up, the event's organizers, Suchanan and Monrudee, held a press conference after their questioning by police. They admitted fault in the event's execution and asserted accountability for the various issues that arose.
Originally launched in December 2024, the "Run for Destination 2025" had an initial date set for January 12, 2025. With only 300 registered participants, the event was postponed. The organizers granted full refunds or allowed participants to continue at half price. With new features added, the number of runners grew to around 1,300.
Due to a breakdown in communication with an event planner, logistics were not properly executed. The organizers attempted to handle the subsequent stage setup, tents, and race clock independently, but encountered complications due to a high number of running events on the same day. Vendors were either fully booked or charging rates beyond budget, leading to the event's collapse.
The organizers now face an uphill battle regarding compensation for affected participants. Before any forms of compensation can be provided, they will first consult with legal counsel to determine the best course of action. Prior investments in T-shirts, watches, and event materials are considered significant obstacles, with some missing items reportedly going astray post-disruption.
Actress Pitta Na Patalung, who was contracted as the event's master of ceremonies, voiced her support for runners receiving fair compensation. She arrived at the venue as scheduled but found early concerns about the event's organization due to a lack of a full emcee script.
An embarrassing error on the event's backdrop, displaying the year as 2028 rather than the correct 2025, gained significant attention online. Methapoom, the shop owner responsible for the production of the banner, explained his team worked from files sent directly by the organizers. Upon noticing the error, they called it to the attention of the organizers, who requested the banner be used as-is due to time constraints.
Following the incident, Methapoom contacted the organizers again, but was dismissed with the remark that the banner's error was the cause of participant dropouts. He stressed the importance of paying closer attention to details to maintain professional reputation.
"I sincerely hope the runners receive full and fair compensation. They deserve it," Pitta added.
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In the midst of the chaos, event organizers might consider turning to alternative revenue streams, such as investments in the stock market or starting a new business venture in sectors like science, health-and-wellness, or sports, to help cover compensation costs.
As they navigate this challenging situation, the organizers may find inspiration in mutual aid and community support, demonstrating that the spirit of camaraderie is not confined to sports events but manifested in the broader economy as well.
On a separate note, an unexpected error in the display of the event's backdrop, attributing the year to 2028 instead of the correct 2025, reminds us that simple mistakes can happen in any field, whether it's the sport, the economy, or even science and technology projects, emphasizing the importance of double-checking facts and details.
