Bangkok: Cambodia has withdrawn from all sports at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, citing concerns over escalating border clashes. The decision comes amidst rising tensions and violence between Thai and Cambodian soldiers along the border, leading to heightened concerns among athletes’ parents and officials.
According to Thai News Agency, “Big Net” Chaipak Siriwat, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and CEO of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, confirmed Cambodia’s decision to pull out from the event. The Cambodian Olympic Committee has formally requested withdrawal due to the ongoing conflict, which has raised safety concerns for participants. Athletes who have not yet departed for the games will also be suspended from participation. Meanwhile, Cambodia praised Thailand for its well-organized opening ceremony, indicating that the withdrawal decision is solely based on security concerns.
Initially, Cambodia had planned to participate in 12 sports, involving 137 athletes and officials, and had already taken part in the official opening parade. The Cambodian Olympic Committee is set to send an official letter to Mr. Chaiyaphak Siriwat, CEO of the Southeast Asian Games Council, at the Grand Fourwings Hotel Srinakarin to formalize their withdrawal.