Date: 06-20 December 1998
Host City: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
NOCs Participating: 41
Athletes: Female 2,147/Male 4,407
Sports: 36
Disciplines: 44
Events: 376
DM: 2

5th, 6th, 8th and 13th. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, held yet another Asiad for the 4th time. With eventual hosting of the Olympic Games in sight, Thailand's effort to host 13th Asiad begun as far back as in 1988, during the Seoul Olympiad. This was the first time that Thailand bid for the event after it shouldered the two postponed hosting rights in 1970 and 1978.

Due to dwindling Asian economy that resulted in devastating Asian currency crisis of 1997 to 98, serious concerns were raised on feasibility of Thailand for staging the Games. However, galvanized with know-how of hosting three successful Asiad and dedication, Bangkok bounced back stronger than ever before to stage one of the greatest Asian Games. Also, it was the Games with comprehensive marketing plan for generating revenues shared by member countries/NOCs for promotion of sports. Altogether the Games attracted over 7,000 athletes from 41 countries/NOCs. Among 36 sports and 2 demonstration events, rugby, billiards & snooker and squash were added to the list.

China, Korea and Japan were top three contenders for gold medals (129, 65 and 52), followed by Thailand, Kazkhstan and Chinese Taipei. 

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