The Southeast Asian Games - the 33rd SEA Games - will take place in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla, Thailand, from 9/12/2025 to 20/12/2025.
On 26/7, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, sparked controversy when he said the government was considering banning the Cambodian sports delegation from the 33rd SEA Games following border conflicts between the two countries.
In response, SEA Games Council President Chaiyaphak Siriwat confirmed that Thailand has no right to ban Cambodia, even if there is political conflict or instability between the two nations. He emphasized that any decision must be based on the Olympic Charter, the principles of political neutrality, non-discrimination, and protection of the rights of all participating countries.
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SEA Games Council President, Chaiyaphak Siriwat. Photo: Thairath |
SEA Games Council President, Chaiyaphak Siriwat. Photo: Thairath
"The Thai organizing committee, or even the SEA Games Council, does not have the right to ban any member country from participating in the games if that country is still a member and has not received any official penalties," Siriwat affirmed to Thairath.
He also confirmed that the issue will be discussed again, scheduled for a meeting on 20/8/2025 and 21/8/2025, with 11 Southeast Asian member countries.
Cambodia is actively preparing for the 33rd SEA Games. Athletes in several sports, such as swimming, athletics, and gymnastics, have been sent to train long-term in China. The men's U23 football team went to Japan before returning to participate in the ongoing U23 Southeast Asian tournament in Indonesia.
At the 32nd SEA Games, hosted by Cambodia, conflict arose in the martial arts of Kun Khmer and Muay Thai. Ultimately, Thailand did not send athletes to compete in Kun Khmer at that event.
Following the border conflict, some Cambodian football teams severed ties with Thai jersey sponsors. NagaWorld FC and Phnom Penh Crown FC have temporarily reverted to using their old jerseys while waiting for a new brand.
Other clubs are no longer choosing Thailand as their pre-season training destination, breaking with past tradition.
SEA Games, short for South East Asian Games, is the largest sporting event in the region, bringing together member countries to compete in various sports. The games take place every two years and are hosted on a rotating basis by different countries.
This year's SEA Games sports are again divided into three categories: athletics and swimming are in group one - compulsory. Group two consists of at least 15 sports from the Olympics, Asian Games, or the Asian Indoor Games, such as football, volleyball, shooting, archery, and more. Group three includes more local sports where the host country has strengths, but they can only choose a maximum of two sports with a total of eight events.
Duc Dong
