Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Eight Thai national athletes who recently competed at the SEA Games were rushed to hospital after falling ill with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, prompting an urgent medical response in Chon Buri province. All eight experienced abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, with some also suffering diarrhoea, raising immediate concerns over a possible food or water related illness. Emergency services transported the athletes to hospital for treatment and further examination.

 

The incident occurred at around 19:00 on 12 December 2025, when the Tri Khunatham Rescue Unit in Chon Buri received an emergency call reporting multiple patients at a residence in Nong Mai Daeng subdistrict, Mueang district. Rescue workers were dispatched to the location to assess the situation and provide assistance. Upon arrival, they found that all of the patients were members of Thailand’s SEA Games national team who had recently returned from competition.

 

According to rescue officials, the group comprised eight athletes, including two women and six men. All complained of nausea and dizziness, while several also reported diarrhoea in addition to vomiting and abdominal pain. The severity and similarity of the symptoms among the group prompted rescuers to classify the situation as a medical emergency.

 

The athletes were transferred to Chon Buri Hospital, where doctors began treatment and initiated examinations to determine the cause of the illness. Medical staff are investigating whether the symptoms may have been linked to food or drinking water consumed during the SEA Games competition period. No official diagnosis had been announced.

 

Rescue personnel confirmed that their role was limited to providing emergency transport and ensuring the athletes reached hospital safely. Further responsibility for identifying the cause of the illness rests with medical professionals. Authorities have not reported any additional cases linked to the same residence or team at this stage.

 

The incident has raised concerns over athlete welfare following international competition, particularly regarding food safety and post-travel health monitoring. However, officials have not indicated whether the illness occurred immediately after the athletes’ return or developed gradually over time. No statements from sports authorities or team officials were included in the initial report.

 

Khoasod reported that doctors at Chon Buri Hospital are expected to continue monitoring the athletes and conducting tests to establish the exact cause of their symptoms. Updates on their condition and any confirmed findings are anticipated once medical assessments are completed.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Eight Thai SEA Games athletes were hospitalised on 12 December 2025 with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

• The athletes fell ill at a residence in Mueang district, Chon Buri, and were taken to Chon Buri Hospital.

• Doctors are investigating whether food or drinking water during competition caused the illness.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-14

 

Did the Cambodians spike their meals?

2 hours ago, Mason45 said:

Did the Cambodians spike their meals?

The Cambodians withdrew from the event days ago.

32 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

The Cambodians withdrew from the event days ago.

Maybe a Trojan casserole? 

4 minutes ago, Emdog said:

Maybe a Trojan casserole? 

They withdrew due to safety concerns over border conflicts.

Any Russians around there ?     

Don’t want to ass-u-me—could be cook not washing hands after… —but the Thai penchant for exotic and spicy foods is all pervasive, athletes included. Tempting to blame the Cambodians, but they’re not that clever or devious at the person level, are they? 
  - apologies to SJWs for prejudice. 🙂

8 hours ago, brian69 said:

Any Russians around there ?     

 

Only the Red under your bed. 

Spare a thought for those who had to mop up the feces and vomit. 

14 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

Spare a thought for those who had to mop up the feces and vomit. 

Thanks, I'll skip breakfast

This is going to go down as the worst SEA games in history.  Has not been a good look for Thailand. Then again Thai people will never know

22 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Don’t want to ass-u-me—could be cook not washing hands after… —but the Thai penchant for exotic and spicy foods is all pervasive, athletes included. Tempting to blame the Cambodians, but they’re not that clever or devious at the person level, are they? 
  - apologies to SJWs for prejudice. 🙂

i run quicker after a Thi curry

Vietnamese revenge for having their flag replaced by China's.

On 12/14/2025 at 6:09 AM, Mason45 said:

Did the Cambodians spike their meals?

Taht is in poor taste IMO

On 12/14/2025 at 2:36 AM, Georgealbert said:

Doctors are investigating whether food or drinking water during competition caused the illness.

 

For reference (Google)

 

Details of the Incident

• Number of athletes: Eight (six men and two women). Seven of them were identified as floorball players.
• Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea.
• Location: They were transported by rescue workers from their lodging in Nong Mai Dang subdistrict, Mueang district, Chonburi province, to Chonburi Hospital for emergency treatment.
• Cause: The head of the medical department for the Thai Sports Delegation stated the illness was caused by a boxed lunch the athletes consumed from an outside vendor earlier that day. The meal was not part of the official catering system provided by the SEA Games organizing committee, which has faced separate public criticism for general organization issues.
• Current status: All athletes have recovered well and are being monitored by the medical team to ensure their fitness for the remainder of the games

 

 

Bangkok Belly from bad street food?