SEA Games 33 moves 10 sports to Bangkok, Cambodia withdraws 8 sports.
Thailand moved all 10 events from Songkhla to Bangkok due to flooding; Cambodia requested to withdraw from 8 events. Men's football adjusted: Singapore U22 moved to Group A instead of Cambodia, the format remains 3 groups of 3 teams.
The 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to take place from December 9 to 20, 2025 in Thailand, has seen a series of urgent adjustments: the host country has moved all 10 sports originally planned for Songkhla to Bangkok due to prolonged flooding; Cambodia has submitted a request to withdraw from 8 sports. In men's football, the Singapore U22 team has been moved to Group A to replace Cambodia, while the format of 3 groups, each with 3 teams, remains unchanged.
Relocation changed due to flooding in Songkhla.
According to the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT), all 10 sports scheduled to be held in Songkhla province will be moved to Bangkok due to prolonged heavy rains causing flooding, which are affecting safety and the competition schedule.
Mr. Chalitrat Chantarubeksa, Deputy Secretary-General of NOCT, said: “We have received many concerns from sports delegations regarding the condition of the venues after the floodwaters receded. Moving the competitions to Bangkok is necessary to ensure professional standards and the safety of the athletes.”
NOCT stated that options for financial assistance and compensation for groups that have already booked flights and accommodation in Songkhla are being considered.
Cambodia withdraws 8 sports, causing a ripple effect on the schedule.
While in the process of adjusting post-disaster plans, the organizing committee faced further disruption when Cambodia unexpectedly withdrew from eight events. This decision necessitated adjustments to the scheduling and group assignments in several events to ensure fairness and timely progress.
Men's football: Singapore U22 moves to Group A, maintaining the same 3 groups of 3 teams.
Men's football has undergone specific adjustments: U22 Singapore, initially seeded 4th in Group C, has been moved to Group A to replace Cambodia. The format remains three groups of three teams each, ensuring balance and competitiveness in the group stage.
Impact on Vietnam U22
According to reports, the Vietnam U22 team was not significantly affected by the change of venue. The team is still considered one of the contenders for the gold medal, alongside Indonesia U22 and Thailand U22.
The key points have been finalized.
- All 10 sports disciplines have been moved from Songkhla to Bangkok due to prolonged flooding.
- NOCT is considering providing financial support/compensation to groups that have booked services in Songkhla.
- Cambodia requested to withdraw from eight events, forcing the organizing committee to adjust the arrangements.
- Men's football: Singapore U22 moves to Group A replacing Cambodia; still 3 groups, 3 teams per group.
- The U22 Vietnam team was not significantly affected; they remain contenders for the gold medal along with U22 Indonesia and U22 Thailand.
The overall picture
With only weeks before the opening ceremony, the 33rd SEA Games faced a double challenge: overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and adapting to unexpected changes from member countries. Host nation Thailand was urgently making adjustments to ensure the smooth running of the Games, prioritizing competition safety and professional quality, while the teams – especially in men's football – awaited final updates on the schedule after necessary adjustments.
