Picture courtesy of Khaosod

As many as 10 cases of sexual harassment involving female athletes and sports personnel were reported during the 33rd SEA Games, according to a senior Thai Olympic official. The incidents were disclosed on January 27, 2026, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening safeguarding in sport. The cases were handled internally during the Games, with officials intervening to support those affected.

The SEA Games were hosted by Thailand from December 9–20, 2025, bringing together athletes and officials from across the region. Suwanna Silpa-archa, vice-president of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, said the complaints emerged during the event and involved both Thai nationals and foreigners. Those affected included female athletes and team liaison officers, with one case involving a foreign female athlete.

Suwanna said the incidents ranged in nature and severity. “The incidents ranged from verbal and psychological harassment to attempted physical sexual assault,” she said. She added that in every case, a working team stepped in to provide support, as some athletes were psychologically affected.

According to Suwanna, all 10 complaints were managed internally by the Olympic Committee of Thailand. None were reported to police and none resulted in financial compensation. “We facilitated discussions to create mutual understanding. The perpetrators said they had no ill intent, while the victims felt they had been harassed,” she said.

She explained that officials resolved the situations by adjusting duties and separating those involved to reduce contact. The cases varied in seriousness, but organisers chose to manage them quietly during the competition. “We did not want drama during the competition, so we worked through the problems discreetly,” Suwanna said.

However, she stressed that the issue required a more systematic response. “This is a serious issue that must now be addressed more systematically,” she said. When asked to identify the sports involved in the most serious cases, Suwanna declined, saying the matters had already been resolved.

Khoasod reported that she also refused to disclose the nationality of the foreign athlete involved, citing the need to protect those affected. The disclosure followed the signing of a new MOU at the Olympic Committee of Thailand, designed to raise safeguarding standards. The agreement aims to protect athletes and sports personnel from all forms of harassment and violence, and to promote a safe and respectful sporting environment in future competitions.

Key Takeaways

• Up to 10 sexual harassment complaints were reported during the SEA Games held in Thailand in December 2025.

• All cases were handled internally by the Olympic Committee of Thailand without police involvement.

• A new safeguarding MOU has been signed to strengthen protection for athletes and sports staff.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-28

 

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The perpetrators said they had no ill intent, while the victims felt they had been harassed,” she said.

and therein lies the problem. Women nowadays feel violated if you comment that they look beautiful.

I'm not downplaying that these incidents may be serious, but women, get a backbone and stop using the harassment card every time.

I wonder how many of the alleged perpetrators were women.

Since " me too" you can't say anything to a woman anymore ... Everything seems to be insulting or harassments... and if you ignore them they feel that are not good enough and are angry again too....

1 hour ago, hughrection said:

and therein lies the problem. Women nowadays feel violated if you comment that they look beautiful.

I'm not downplaying that these incidents may be serious, but women, get a backbone and stop using the harassment card every time.

You are downplaying these incidents harassment. Very low.

7 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Since " me too" you can't say anything to a woman anymore ... Everything seems to be insulting or harassments... and if you ignore them they feel that are not good enough and are angry again too....

Yep, another kneejerk reaction. Blaming women for getting harassed. You are clearly part of the problem.

1 hour ago, KireB said:

Yep, another kneejerk reaction. Blaming women for getting harassed. You are clearly part of the problem.

I don't blame anybody.... and I am not a part of the problem.. But you have to be sooo very careful nowadays as almost everything said or done is because of "me too" harassment or insulting...

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

Since " me too" you can't say anything to a woman anymore ... Everything seems to be insulting or harassments... and if you ignore them they feel that are not good enough and are angry again too....

There's another thread running concurrently indicating Thailand's birth rate is at an all time low, and I can't help but wonder if that's just one of the unintended consequence of the "me too" or "believe all women" movements.

For any romance/marriage/family creation to happen, someone has to risk rejection and initiate contact. It seems that's no longer allowed...

When I was engaged in competitive rowing,

I was never sexually harassed,

Even though we wore VERY short, shorts,

With leather bottoms.

6 hours ago, KireB said:

You are downplaying these incidents harassment. Very low.

So ....... the fact that I actually said that I am NOT downplaying these incidents, has actually gone over your head!

I suppose getting all those hormones activated will have a result but misogyny thinking the women are to blame is silly.

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I don't blame anybody.... and I am not a part of the problem.. But you have to be sooo very careful nowadays as almost everything said or done is because of "me too" harassment or insulting...

This sums it up perfectly ....... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GOekroDtGxg

The 10 female victims' nationalities were not disclosed. OK

What about the perpetrators:

How many? What genders? What country of origin? Disclosing that will help with solutions...

Basic good manners should be sufficient for most of us to know at what point our attention is unwelcome- and then we should stop out of respect

Good manners and social awareness is not rocket science really is it?

3 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

The 10 female victims' nationalities were not disclosed. OK

What about the perpetrators:

How many? What genders? What country of origin? Disclosing that will help with solutions...

Without saying too much, "Which country of origin?" was my first thought.

On 1/28/2026 at 12:06 PM, ikke1959 said:

I don't blame anybody.... and I am not a part of the problem.. But you have to be sooo very careful nowadays as almost everything said or done is because of "me too" harassment or insulting...

I agree with you. The same actions can be perceived as both courtship and harassment. The only difference is whether the woman likes it or not. However, a man can't read a woman's mind and know for sure.

21 hours ago, Legal Lifeline said:

Good manners and social awareness is not rocket science really is it?

It is when the goal-posts keep getting moved. What upsets one woman, may not be the same for another. One lady may be triggered by the most innocent of remarks or gestures. It changes daily. Women get upset when men are attracted to them.

They dress provocatively, and then get upset when men look. It is an absolute minefield. When they don't get attention, they then complain that they are being ignored in a man's world! :)

23 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

What about the perpetrators:

What genders?

The "experienced" lesbians in professional women's tennis are known to be extremely sexually aggressive toward the younger players, especially if they just joined the league. I think that's part of what was going on here, thus the silence.

On 1/28/2026 at 12:26 PM, impulse said:

There's another thread running concurrently indicating Thailand's birth rate is at an all time low, and I can't help but wonder if that's just one of the unintended consequence of the "me too" or "believe all women" movements.

For any romance/marriage/family creation to happen, someone has to risk rejection and initiate contact. It seems that's no longer allowed...

You just gave all the information about why any woman should never be involved with you. It's ok to force yourself on someone you must force intimate contact. No wonder many women choose to stay single these days.

1 hour ago, Issan girl said:

You just gave all the information about why any woman should never be involved with you. It's ok to force yourself on someone you must force intimate contact. No wonder many women choose to stay single these days.

You do understand that asking for a date or a phone number (or a LINE ID) is not actually sexual assault, right?

A lot of woke influencers apparently think it is, playing the victim card.

On 1/28/2026 at 12:26 PM, impulse said:

There's another thread running concurrently indicating Thailand's birth rate is at an all time low, and I can't help but wonder if that's just one of the unintended consequence of the "me too" or "believe all women" movements.

For any romance/marriage/family creation to happen, someone has to risk rejection and initiate contact. It seems that's no longer allowed...

Rising infertility rates are common in other southeast Asian nations. Nothing to do with "me too".

58 minutes ago, impulse said:

You do understand that asking for a date or a phone number (or a LINE ID) is not actually sexual assault, right?

A lot of woke influencers apparently think it is, playing the victim card.

Correct, it's not sexual assault. However, an unsolicited request for contact information is harassment.

On 1/30/2026 at 8:53 AM, davb said:

The "experienced" lesbians in professional women's tennis are known to be extremely sexually aggressive toward the younger players, especially if they just joined the league. I think that's part of what was going on here, thus the silence.

"Are known to be.. " Known to who? A citation would be handy.

1 hour ago, impulse said:

You do understand that asking for a date or a phone number (or a LINE ID) is not actually sexual assault, right?

A lot of woke influencers apparently think it is, playing the victim card.

Of course I do. This is not the case in the VAST majority of women reporting sexual harassment. That idea is just a myth that people perpetuate. Try actually listening to women. Obviously, probably something you would not do as that might make you "woke" - some undefinable, scary thing that might involve critical thinking and possibly compassion. Oh the horror!

42 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Correct, it's not sexual assault. However, an unsolicited request for contact information is harassment.

If "unsolicited" was the benchmark, I'd have never had a date in my life. Every single time, someone had to conjure up the nerve to ask. 99% of the time, that's historically been the guy... Except on Sadie Hawkins day.

22 minutes ago, impulse said:

If "unsolicited" was the benchmark, I'd have never had a date in my life. Every single time, someone had to conjure up the nerve to ask. 99% of the time, that's historically been the guy... Except on Sadie Hawkins day.

Me too! .........

Until I came to SEA, then it's always been them soliciting me, and on many occasions me refusing them.

46 minutes ago, Issan girl said:

Of course I do. This is not the case in the VAST majority of women reporting sexual harassment. That idea is just a myth that people perpetuate. Try actually listening to women.

My favorites to listen to are the ones that complain that guys don't even approach them any more. According to swipe left statistics from the dating sites, 95% of us tired of being called perverts because we're not the Chads they want to approach them.

20 minutes ago, impulse said:

If "unsolicited" was the benchmark, I'd have never had a date in my life. Every single time, someone had to conjure up the nerve to ask. 99% of the time, that's historically been the guy... Except on Sadie Hawkins day.

In my dating prime, I would get their contact information after the exchange of bodily fluids and only if we had both a great time and both considered a repeat performance.

A dinner date was a secondary incentive.

53 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Correct, it's not sexual assault. However, an unsolicited request for contact information is harassment.

"However, an unsolicited request for contact information is harassment."

And therein lies the mine-field that men today must navigate. Btw, I would consider that to be a very "neo-liberal Western" view which is why attempting to date in the West nowadays is simply dangerous.

Courting used to be a thing in my day and age. Example:

In the 1950s and early 1960s (the "classic" era often nostalgically recalled), courtship was highly formalized with clear gender roles and etiquette rules:

• Men initiated everything — A man asked a woman out (women rarely made the first move, as it was seen as "forward" or improper). He called her home phone (often speaking to parents first), picked her up at her door, and met/chatted with her family.

• Chivalry and provider role — He opened doors, pulled out chairs, paid for the entire date (dinner, movies, soda fountains, dances), and walked her home. Splitting the bill or a woman paying was rare and could be seen as emasculating.

• Group activities and early stages — Many started with group hangouts (ice rinks, bowling, youth clubs, school dances, or soda shops) before one-on-one dates. First dates were often casual (movies, diners, drives) with limited physical contact—no kissing on the first date was common.

• "Going steady" — After several dates, couples often became exclusive ("going steady"), marked by tokens like a class ring, letterman jacket, or ID bracelet worn on a chain. This was like "play-marriage" with expectations of regular calls, dates, and monogamy, often aimed toward eventual marriage (people married young, often in their early 20s).

• Modesty and supervision — Physical intimacy was limited (petting might occur later, but premarital sex was taboo for most "respectable" couples). Parents or chaperones often supervised, especially for teens. Women were expected to be demure (e.g., not ordering food themselves at restaurants—the man ordered for her).

• Clear progression — Dating had stages toward commitment, with marriage as the goal. Breaking a date required a valid reason, and direct face-to-face communication ended things respectfully.

But in this "modern, liberal" era the playing field has changed. Examples:

Several behaviors common in courtship 50+ years ago (especially the 1950s–early 1960s era) would now frequently be viewed as harassing, inappropriate, sexist, controlling, or major red flags by many modern, liberal women (and their progressive male allies). This stems from shifts toward consent, equality, autonomy, and recognition of power dynamics—amplified by #MeToo, feminist critiques of "benevolent sexism," and emphasis on mutual respect.

Here's a breakdown of key ones from that era that often cross lines today:

• Men always initiating and pursuing (women rarely or never making the first move) — Seen as reinforcing outdated gender roles where women must be passive. A persistent pursuer ignoring signals of disinterest can now register as harassment or "not taking no for an answer," especially if it involves repeated unwanted advances.

• Showing up unannounced or unexpectedly (e.g., at her home, workplace, or without prior confirmation) — This would often be labeled stalking behavior or boundary violation today. Modern norms demand clear communication and consent for contact; surprise appearances feel intrusive or controlling.

• Ordering for her at restaurants (without asking her preference first) — Viewed as patronizing and assuming she can't speak for herself. Many see it as a subtle assertion of dominance ("benevolent sexism") rather than courtesy.

• Always paying for everything (and refusing to let her contribute) — Can signal financial control or an expectation of transactional dynamics. In progressive circles, insisting on paying every time is often critiqued as reinforcing inequality or creating obligation/power imbalance.

• Walking her to her door / offering his coat / heavy chivalry gestures — While some appreciate politeness, others interpret these as implying women are fragile/weak and need protection, which ties into benevolent sexism critiques. If done presumptively (without gauging comfort), it can feel condescending.

• Limited or no physical contact early on, but with strong expectations around "petting" or progression — The era's rigid "no sex before marriage" norm often came with pressure once exclusivity was established. Today, any non-consensual escalation (even mild) or shaming for boundaries is inappropriate/harassing.

• Parental/family supervision or heavy involvement (chaperones, meeting parents early, parental approval required) — In adult dating, this level of external oversight would feel infantilizing or controlling, violating personal autonomy.

• "Going steady" tokens (giving class ring, jacket, etc., as markers of possession/exclusivity) — Can resemble possessive or territorial behavior now. Modern equivalents (like demanding quick exclusivity or markers) often raise red flags for control.

• Honk from the car instead of coming to the door (or strict rules against it) — While minor, rigid etiquette enforcement around "respect" could feel performative or judgmental today.

Young men who were raised in conservative households now risk being labelled as "sexually aggressive," predatory, and a harasser for emulating the courting behaviors that were the norm 50 years ago. Example - "making a pass" was a legitimate way to make contact with a young woman and was considered a part of courtship. Nowadays it could get you thrown into jail.

One thing I have noticed in my family as well as the families of my conservative friends - there kids usually hook up with partners from other conservative families, and they tend to now be the exception where they actually want family and children.

8 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

In my dating prime, I would get their contact information after the exchange of bodily fluids and only if we had both a great time and both considered a repeat performance.

A dinner date was a secondary incentive.

Try that today and you'd better have a signed consent form. And even then, they may try to ruin your life if they change their mind after the deed.