Bangkok: Cambodia has officially requested to withdraw from the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, submitting a formal letter to the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and the CEO of the SEA Games Council. The decision arises from concerns over border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have raised safety concerns among athletes and officials.
According to Thai News Agency, Vath Chamroen, Secretary General of the Cambodian Olympic Committee, communicated the decision to Chaiyaphak Siriwat, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and CEO of the Southeast Asian Games Federation. Chamroen cited escalating tensions and violence between Thai and Cambodian soldiers along the border as the primary reason for the withdrawal. He emphasized the concerns of athletes’ families and officials regarding their safety, leading to the decision to withdraw the entire delegation and expedite their return to Cambodia.
The Cambodian Olympic Committee expressed gratitude for the hospitality and sportsmanship extended by the Thai organizers, while also apologizing for any inconvenience caused by their early departure. They assured continued coordination with Thai authorities to facilitate the athletes’ return and manage necessary formalities.
“Big Net” Chaipak Siriwat, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and CEO of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, confirmed Cambodia’s withdrawal from all sports at the 2025 SEA Games. The decision, prompted by the heightened border tensions, will affect athletes who have not yet arrived in Thailand, as their travel will now be suspended. Notably, this withdrawal is unrelated to any controversies surrounding the opening ceremony, with Cambodia having praised Thailand’s performance. Cambodian athletes are scheduled to return home tomorrow.