The Cambodian sports delegation, comprising 137 members across 12 sports, has pulled out due to escalating tensions at the border with Thailand, the host nation for SEA Games 33.

"Senior Cambodian officials warned the delegation to consider withdrawing," stated a report in the Thai newspaper Siam Sport. "Cambodia is concerned that tensions could spread and affect the safety of its members, including their return journey."

The Thai newspaper also noted that the Cambodian sports delegation expressed deep appreciation for Thailand's warmth and hospitality. An official letter of withdrawal is expected to be sent to the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee at 11h today, 10/12.

The Cambodian sports delegation at the opening ceremony of SEA Games 33 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 9/12/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been strained since border disputes erupted in july. This situation has led to public debate in Cambodia, with many advocating against participation in SEA Games 33 to ensure the safety of athletes.

Cambodia initially planned to compete in 21 sports. However, on 26/11, its National Olympic Committee (NOCC) sent a letter to the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) and the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee, announcing its withdrawal from eight sports: football, sepak takraw, petanque, wrestling, judo, karate, pencak silat, and wushu. One day later, they further announced their withdrawal from volleyball.

Cambodia's withdrawal necessitated adjustments to the men's football schedule by the SEA Games Organizing Committee. Singapore was subsequently moved from Group C to Group A as a replacement.

The 12 sports Cambodia had confirmed participation in included swimming, athletics, esports, fencing, gymnastics, ju-jitsu, kick boxing, taekwondo, equestrian, jet ski, triathlon, and teqball, involving 110 athletes.

Tensions intensified on 7/12, following renewed skirmishes between Cambodian and Thai military forces along the disputed border in Northeast Thailand. Despite this, the swimming, taekwondo, and ju-jitsu teams still arrived in Thailand on the morning of 8/12. Subsequently, team members participated in the flag-raising ceremony that afternoon and the opening ceremony last night.

The SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee had anticipated Cambodia's potential withdrawal. On the morning of 8/12, Gongsak Yodmani, Director General of the Sports Authority of Thailand, stated that two scenarios had been prepared. "If Cambodian athletes and officials arrive as originally scheduled, Thailand will double, even triple, its security measures to ensure maximum safety. Should they decide not to participate, we will adjust the competition schedule accordingly," he told the Thai newspaper Thairath.

The Organizing Committee will now need to urgently revise the schedules for competitions in swimming, ju-jitsu, taekwondo, and gymnastics, starting this morning.

Hieu Luong