Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: SEA Games 33 organizing committee remains 'inactive'

Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border are escalating, with clashes and casualties confirmed on both sides. This has raised concerns that the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand this December will be disrupted.

Will SEA Games 33 take place on schedule?

At the moment, tensions in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia are still escalating. On July 24 and 25, forces from both sides engaged in fierce clashes with mortars and small arms. Both Thailand and Cambodia have announced casualties.

Thailand is the host country of the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 19, 2025. This is the third Southeast Asian Games hosted by the land of golden temples in the 21st century, with the expectation of a grand and professional organization.

However, the current conflict has left the public and the regional sports community with a big question: Will the 33rd SEA Games encounter problems? In addition, whether the Cambodian sports delegation will be restricted or even unable to participate in the 33rd SEA Games is also a topic of interest.

According to Thanh Nien Newspaper, up to now, the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee and the host Thailand have not yet made any announcements about postponing, moving or adjusting the number of participants. Preparations are still proceeding as usual, and member countries have not received any official warnings regarding changes in the organization schedule.

SEA Games 33 was held from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.

PHOTO: Organizing Committee

It is known that the conflict is taking place in the border area of ​​Suri and Sisaket provinces of Thailand. Meanwhile, the 33rd SEA Games will be held in 3 localities in Thailand: Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla. These three localities do not have borders with Cambodia.

In fact, major sporting events have been affected by political situations many times, but the cancellation of a SEA Games is unprecedented. Ensuring the safety of athletes, coaches and fans of all countries is a mandatory requirement. However, when one of the member countries has a direct conflict with the host country, the organization not only faces logistical barriers but also faces a crisis of image and regional solidarity.

In that context, whether the 33rd SEA Games will take place as planned or not, and whether all 11 countries will participate or not, will depend largely on the ability to control the situation and the determination to maintain the sportsmanship of both sides.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xung-dot-bien-gioi-thai-lan-campuchia-btc-sea-games-33-van-an-binh-bat-dong-185250726151711238.htm