| Size | 170 |
|---|---|
| Host city | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Nations | 18 |
| Athletes | 1,945 |
| Events | 142 in 16 sports |
| Opening | 9 December |
| Closing | 20 December |
| Opened by | Bhumibol Adulyadej King of Thailand |
| Torch lighter | Suthi Manyakass[1] |
| Stadium | National Stadium |
| Previous | Jakarta 1962 |
| Next | Bangkok 1970 |
The 1966 Asian Games, also known as the V Asiad or Bangkok 1966, were a continental multi-sport event that was held from 9 to 20 December 1966, in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 142 events in 16 sports were contested by athletes during the games. Taiwan and Israel returned to the Asian Games, reversing the decision taken by Indonesia in the previous Asiad to debar the two countries. A total number of 2,500 athletes and officials from 18 countries, were involved in this Asiad.
The 5th Asiad was the first one where women's volleyball was played.
Venues
National Sport Complex
- Suphachalasai Stadium (Opening & Closing ceremonies, Athletics and Football)
- Chantanayingyong Gymnasium (Volleyball)
- Thephasadin Stadium (Hockey)
- Nimibutr Indoor Stadium (Basketball)
- Tennis Stadium (Tennis)
- Wisutarom Swimming Pool (Diving, Swimming)
Sport Authority of Thailand Sport Complex (Hua Mark)
- Indoor Stadium (formerly Kittikachorn Indoor Stadium) (Badminton and Boxing)
- Shooting Range (Shooting)
- Velodrome (Cycling)
Chulalongkorn University Sport Complex
- Chula Football Stadium (Football)
- Sala Phrakieo (Table Tennis)
- Chula Swimming Stadium (Water Polo)
Thammasat University (Thaprachan Centre)
- Thammasat Gymnasium (Volleyball)
Other Venues in Bangkok
- Cultural Hall (Weightlifting)
- Amporn Garden Hall (Wrestling)
Participating nations
- Afghanistan (34)
- BIR (70)
- CEY (43)
- Hong Kong (21)
- India (259)
- Indonesia (257)
- Iran (254)
- Israel (90)
- Japan (296)
- MAL (150)
- Nepal (61)
- Pakistan (42)
- Philippines (173)
- ROC (306)
- Singapore (103)
- South Korea (268)
- Vietnam (141)
- Thailand (host) (307)
- Number of athletes by National Olympic Committees (by highest to lowest)
| IOC Letter Code | Country | Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| THA | Thailand | 307 |
| ROC | ROC | 306 |
| JPN | Japan | 296 |
| KOR | South Korea | 268 |
| IND | India | 259 |
| INA | Indonesia | 257 |
| IRN | Iran | 254 |
| PHI | Philippines | 173 |
| MAL | MAL | 150 |
| VNM | Vietnam | 141 |
| SIN | Singapore | 103 |
| ISR | Israel | 90 |
| BIR | BIR | 70 |
| NEP | Nepal | 61 |
| CEY | CEY | 43 |
| PAK | Pakistan | 42 |
| AFG | Afghanistan | 34 |
| HKG | Hong Kong | 21 |
Medal table
Japan led the medal table for the fifth consecutive time, and they gained a new record for the most gold medals in a single Asian Games since 1962 in Jakarta. The top ten ranked NOCs at these Games are listed below. The host nation, Thailand, is highlighted.
References
- ^ "The Bangkok miracle". The Straits Times. 10 December 1966. p. 22. Retrieved 11 January 2026.