Cambodia withdraws from Thailand SEA Games over ‘safety reasons’

CHONBURI, Thailand – Cambodia pulled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday, December 10, citing “safety reasons” following escalated border conflict with host Thailand.

The withdrawal came just a day after Thailand formally opened the 33rd edition of the regional showdown, with National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) Secretary General Vath Chamroeun writing to SEA Games Federation chief executive officer Chaiyapak Siriwat about the development.

“I regret to inform you that, due to serious concerns and requests from the families of our athletes to have their relatives return home immediately, NOCC must withdraw all of our delegation and arrange for their prompt return to Cambodia for safety reasons,” Chamroeun wrote.

Fighting erupted between Thailand and Cambodia on Monday, December 8, the second major flare-up between them this year, derailing a fragile truce brokered in July by US President Donald Trump.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by heavy exchanges of artillery from both sides and air strikes by Thai fighter jets. Officials say at least 14 people have been killed and 88 injured in this week’s clashes.

Cambodia, which hosted the previous SEA Games in 2023 and finished fourth overall with an 81-74-127 gold-silver-bronze medal haul, reportedly planned to send a delegation of over 1,500 members this year but significantly reduced that number as Thailand last month suspended de-escalation measures that were agreed upon at an October summit in Trump’s presence, after one of its soldiers was maimed by a landmine.

Ultimately, Cambodia cut its delegation to just a little over 100 athletes, with some even joining the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday, December 9.

“This decision was not made lightly,” wrote Chamroeun. “We apologize for any inconvenience this early departure may cause and remain grateful for your understanding and support.”

With Cambodia out, only 10 countries will duke it out in the two-week showdown that will run until December 20.

Thailand is seeking to capture the overall championship for the first time since the 2015 edition in Singapore. – with reports from Reuters/Rappler.com