The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 2025), hosted by Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025, kicks off tonight with its opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. This multi-sport event features over 540 competitions across 40 sports, involving more than 12,000 athletes from 11 Southeast Asian nations in Pattaya and Bangkok. The ceremony, themed around unity and regional heritage, is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time (19:00), following gate openings at 6:00 PM. Registration for attendees starts at 2:00 PM, with entry from 3:00 PM. It will be broadcast live on Thai channels including PPTV, T-Sport 7, NBT, and TrueVisions, highlighting cultural performances, the torch relay (with lighting still at Sanam Luang), and athlete parades.
Thai officials, particularly at the government level, have expressed significant concerns about athlete safety during the Games, focusing on potential risks stemming from ongoing border disputes with Cambodia. Some officials have voiced particular worry for Cambodian athletes, prompting directives for enhanced security protocols. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Capt. Thammanat Promphao, who oversees the event, acknowledged these concerns today, stating that the PM instructed stricter measures, including deploying additional security personnel and military units to competition sites.
He stated that while Cambodian fan presence in stadiums is minimal (mostly limited to athletes), all venues are under tight surveillance with integrated agency coordination and a dedicated war room for rapid issue resolution. Thammanat also affirmed 100% readiness for the ceremony, noting that international oversight from bodies like the SEA Games Federation ensures impartial monitoring.
Photos: Jomtien Beach preparations for the games from PR Pattaya.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
