Songkhla, one of three provinces slated to co-host SEA Games 33 alongside Bangkok and Chonburi, is currently in a state of disaster. All 16 districts within the southern Thai province are experiencing widespread flooding due to continuous heavy rainfall, submerging residential areas and threatening civilian lives. The province was initially scheduled to host 10 sports, including men's football group B, petanque, wrestling, and martial arts such as muay Thai, pencak silat, chess, judo, kabaddi, karate, and wushu, with a total of 109 gold medals to be awarded.

The Thai Sports Authority (SAT) activated its contingency plan on 24/11, preparing to relocate events to other venues. Today, Chaiphak Siriwat, vice president of the Thai Olympic Committee and chief executive officer (CEO) of SEA Games 33, convened a meeting with Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, and representatives from the participating nations.

Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla was set to host men's football group B for SEA Games 33 before its relocation due to historic floods. Photo: Thairath.

During the meeting, representatives from the participating nations voiced concerns about the impact of the floods on sports facilities and Thailand's ability to complete repairs in time. They also raised fears of potential disease outbreaks affecting athletes once floodwaters recede. Consequently, the host nation decided to move the 10 sports initially scheduled for Songkhla to Bangkok and Chonburi.

CEO Chaiphak Siriwat is scheduled to present this decision at the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee meeting tomorrow. He will then officially inform the Olympic committees of the participating nations on 28/11.

Flooding in Hat Yai city, Songkhla province, southern Thailand, on 25/11/2025. Photo: Khaosod.

Sports federations responsible for the affected disciplines have been instructed to prepare new venues while maintaining the original competition schedule. Men's football group B is now expected to be held at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, co-located with group A. The opening match between Vietnam and Laos is also anticipated to be brought forward by one day, to 3/12, coinciding with the Thailand versus Timor Leste match.

As the host nation, Thailand is considering compensation for participating countries, as some teams had already booked flights and hotels in Songkhla. While acknowledging the floods as a force majeure event, Thailand affirmed its commitment to providing the best possible solutions in upcoming meetings.

Flooding is a recurring issue in southern Thailand, including Songkhla, during the monsoon season from October to March of the following year, leading to annual evacuations. However, the situation this year has become extremely severe. Hat Yai, the largest city in Songkhla province, has recorded its worst flooding in 300 years.