Cambodia's sports delegation, comprising 137 members across 12 sports, withdrew from SEA Games 2025 in Thailand due to safety concerns amidst renewed tensions along the Cambodia - Thailand border. Delegation head Nhan Sokvisal confirmed the safe return of all athletes on the evening of 10/12, describing their participation as a "short but meaningful mission."

The decision to withdraw came the morning after the opening ceremony. On 8/12, members of seven teams, including swimming, jujitsu, taekwondo, table tennis, gymnastics, athletics, and jet ski, arrived in Thailand. Some representatives attended the opening ceremony at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on the evening of 9/12.

The Cambodian sports delegation returned home safely after participating in SEA Games 33 in Thailand on 10/12. *Photo: The Phnom Penh Post*

Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), revealed that the withdrawal was partly influenced by pressure from the athletes' families. "Athletes are central to participation, so when they expressed safety concerns, we had to respond," he stated, adding that Cambodian leaders had previously "given the green light" for the delegation to return if necessary. Kin Phea, Director General of the Cambodia Institute for International Relations, supported the NOCC's decision, noting its alignment with public worries. "We cannot fully trust the Thai side, even though they committed to protecting Cambodian athletes," he said.

Despite the early withdrawal, The Phnom Penh Post reported that Cambodia fulfilled its sports diplomatic obligations as an ASEAN member. The article highlighted the delegation's full participation in meetings of the Southeast Asian Olympic Council, the flag-raising ceremony, and the SEA Games opening ceremony, navigating political complications.

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*

The regional sports community expressed sympathy for Cambodia. According to The Straits Times, Elijah Philippe Claravall, a Filipino jujitsu athlete, hoped his colleagues were safe and understood Cambodia's decision.

The SEA Games, Southeast Asia's largest sporting event, is held once every two years, bringing together athletes from 11 countries. Typically occurring in odd-numbered years, the event features various Olympic and ASIAD sports, along with specific sports of the host country. For over 66 years, the SEA Games has symbolized regional friendship and served as an important platform for Southeast Asian sports to develop and affirm their identity.

Cambodia has a history of withdrawals from the SEA Games, including the first edition in 1959 due to political tensions with Thailand. The country also canceled its hosting of SEA Games 1963 and missed many editions between 1967-1993. Since 1995, Cambodia has participated regularly, notably hosting the most recent games in Phnom Penh in 2023.

Hong Duy (according to The Phnom Penh Post, Khmer Times, The Straits Times)