Despite her strong desire to compete in SEA Games 33, Thai swimmer Kamonluck Tungnapakorn, known as Kaopoon, has withdrawn from the national team after being diagnosed with bone cancer, requiring urgent surgery. She had previously earned a bronze medal with the 4x100m women's freestyle relay team at the 2025 Asian Championships in India in October.

The Thai Swimming Federation clarified that Kaopoon is not considered withdrawn or removed from the SEA Games team for the 4x100m freestyle and 50m butterfly events. She will receive full allowances, similar to other athletes. The federation also pledged comprehensive support for her medical expenses and encouraged her to focus on recovery for a future return to competition.

Kamonluck Tungnapakorn won one gold medal and one silver medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Age Group Swimming Championships.

In late July, the swimmer, born in 2005, experienced jaw swelling and pain. Initially, she attributed it to wisdom teeth and sought extraction. However, X-ray results prompted doctors to request a biopsy, which revealed a malignant bone tumor, a rare form of cancer.

Kaopoon then began intensive treatment, requiring weekly hospital visits. This came as she was just one semester away from completing her bachelor's degree. The 20-year-old athlete aimed to finish her university program in three years, adding to her pressure and fatigue.

Despite her diagnosis, Kaopoon was determined not to abandon her passion for swimming. She asked her doctor, "Can I train and compete in the SEA Games? What about the competition in India?" The doctor informed her that she must cease training and focus on treatment.

However, seeing her determination, the doctor emphasized that nothing was more important than her health. He suggested they would assess the results of the first chemotherapy round and her body's tolerance before making any decisions.

Thai swimmer Kamonluck Tungnapakorn (left) with her father shortly after being admitted for bone cancer treatment in 8/2025. Photo: Facebook/MrMooke Mooke

The first of six chemotherapy rounds took place in September. Kaopoon responded well, and doctors permitted her to train and compete at the Asian Championships at the end of the month. However, there were two conditions: she had to self-inject a white blood cell stimulating drug for six days, and prepare a wig, as hair loss was expected in India.

Kaopoon underwent endoscopic surgery to remove the tumor at the end of October. By late November, however, her cheekbone began to swell, her eyes became irritated, and she struggled to chew hard food or open her mouth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed the tumor was rapidly spreading under her left eye, prompting doctors to demand an immediate halt to training and urgent surgery.

Thai swimmer Kamonluck Tungnapakorn (right) after chemotherapy rounds and surgery in late 11/2025. Photo: Facebook/MrMooke Mooke

The findings and treatment plan were reported to her club. All parties agreed that Kaopoon should withdraw from competition, including SEA Games 33, to prioritize her treatment. This decision came just five days before the start of the swimming events at the Games.

"On behalf of Kaopoon, I sincerely apologize to the Thai Swimming Federation, Best Club, and our fans," Kaopoon's father wrote on his personal Facebook page. "We had no intention of concealing anything and have continuously collaborated with the hospital doctors and the Federation."

The SEA Games 33 swimming events are scheduled to take place at the Huamark Sports Complex Aquatic Center in Bangkok, from 10 to 15/12. A total of 150 athletes from 11 nations will compete across 38 events.

Thailand will field the largest swimming contingent with 26 athletes, followed by Malaysia (23), Indonesia (22), Singapore (21), Vietnam (16), Philippines (11), Laos (10), Myanmar (9), Cambodia (6), Brunei (4), and Timor Leste (2).

By Trung Thu