Cambodia has dramatically scaled back its participation in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, citing concerns for athlete safety. The decision, announced by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, comes just weeks before the Games open on 9 December in Songkhla and other venues.

 

Originally, Cambodia planned to send 333 athletes across 21 sports. That figure has now been cut to around 150 competitors in 13 disciplines, following government guidance to minimise risks in flood-affected areas and reduce exposure to injury.

 

In a formal statement, the NOCC stressed that “the safety of athletes and sportsmen is the top priority,” describing the move as a “difficult but responsible decision.” The announcement means Cambodia will withdraw from eight sports, including men’s and women’s football, judo, karate, wrestling, wushu, petanque, pencak silat and sepak takraw. Most of these are team-based events, where participation numbers are highest.

 

The sudden withdrawal has immediate consequences for the Games schedule. Football fixtures, in particular, will need to be redrawn, as Cambodia had been due to face host nation Thailand. Thana Chaiprasit, head of the Thai athletes’ delegation, admitted the decision came with “virtually no prior warning,” leaving organisers scrambling to adjust tournament plans.

 

Despite the setback, Cambodia will still compete in swimming, athletics, fencing, volleyball, bodybuilding, jiu-jitsu, e-sports, kickboxing, taekwondo, horse riding, jet skiing, triathlon and table tennis. Officials emphasised that the reduced delegation reflects a “proactive spirit” to ensure safe and meaningful participation, urging the public to understand the necessity of the move.

 

The SEA Games, running from 9–20 December, remain a major regional sporting showcase. Cambodia’s scaled-down presence underscores the challenges of balancing ambition with athlete welfare in unpredictable conditions.

 

 

-2025-11-27

I feel sad for the Cambodians who are now unable to compete.

On 11/27/2025 at 10:23 AM, geovalin said:

Football fixtures, in particular, will need to be redrawn, as Cambodia had been due to face host nation Thailand.

 

Just imagine the hostile atmosphere there would have been at this game, with these nasty sabre rattling ultra Thai nationalists among the home supporters!

 

Well done Cambodia, common sense prevails!

 

No further comment from me.