SEA Games 33 will take place across three main cities: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla. This local alliance secured hosting rights after defeating seven other bidders. Thailand is investing approximately 63 million USD to host both the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games 2025. No new facilities are being constructed for the events.

This year's games mark the fifth time the SEA Games will be primarily held in the capital region of Bangkok. The city will utilize venues previously used for the 1985 SEA Games and the 1998 Asian Games. Bangkok is set to host 45 out of the 53 sports, including both official and demonstration events. These include key sports such as men's football, athletics, swimming, and volleyball.

Fifteen events will be held in Chonburi province, notably women's football, weightlifting, golf, and various water sports like canoeing, rowing, triathlon, and duathlon. This area previously co-hosted seven sports during the 2007 SEA Games.

Similar to the Games 18 years ago, several beaches in Chonburi have been chosen as competition venues. Jomtien and Samae beaches will host jet ski events, open water swimming, modern pentathlon, and windsurfing. Meanwhile, aquathlon, duathlon, and triathlon will take place at Laem Mae Phim. Organizers aim to highlight the region's coastal tourism through the SEA Games.

Songkhla province, for its part, has the opportunity to host a major sports event for the first time. The cities of Hatyai and Mueang Songkhla will host 10 sports, including men's football group stage matches, chess, and various martial arts such as kabaddi, pencak silat, karate, muay, wrestling, judo, and wushu. Additionally, Chiangmai and Ratchaburi will participate in a limited capacity, hosting men's football group stage matches and skeet shooting, respectively.

However, Songkhla is currently experiencing severe flooding, which significantly impacts the host's preparations. Key events might be relocated from Songkhla to Bangkok at the last minute if the situation does not improve.

Both the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Rajamangala Stadium, a venue that has hosted numerous important sports and cultural events in Thailand. This 37-year-old stadium, with a capacity of nearly 52,000 seats, will also host the men's football final. Initially, organizers planned an outdoor opening ceremony across multiple locations, inspired by the Olympic Games 2024. However, this plan was adjusted due to security concerns.

Rajamangala Stadium is part of the Hua Mark Sports Complex, which will host 12 sports at SEA Games 33. The Thais initially built a 15,000-seat arena here for the 1966 Asian Games. After decades of upgrades, this complex has become a leading sports facility in Southeast Asia, spanning nearly 50 hectares and accommodating dozens of different sports. For this year's games, the complex will host football, volleyball, beach volleyball, esports, swimming, boxing, shooting, track cycling, archery, skateboarding, 5-a-side baseball, and tug-of-war.

Athletics events will take place at Suphachalasai National Stadium. This facility was constructed in 1937 on the site of the demolished Windsor Palace. It has hosted many matches for the Thai national team and concerts by music stars like Michael Jackson and Black Pink. Suphalachasai Stadium was also the central venue for the 1966, 1970, and 1978 Asian Games.

Sanam Luang Square is a unique venue for this year's SEA Games. This open space is located in front of Wat Phra Kew temple and Thailand's former royal palace. According to initial proposals, it was considered the focal point for the opening and closing ceremonies. However, organizers later agreed to designate this area as a backup venue in case of issues at Rajamangala.

SEA Games 33 will feature 574 sets of medals across 53 sports, including three demonstration events.

The largest games to date are expected to gather approximately 12,000 athletes, coaches, and officials. SEA Games 33 will run from 9-20/12. Subsequently, the ASEAN Para Games will be held in mid-1/2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Vy Anh

*Photo: The Nation*