Cambodia Withdraws 8 Sports From SEA Games in Thailand Over Flood, Safety Concerns

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 26, 2025) — Cambodia will send a reduced delegation to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand after withdrawing eight sports over safety concerns tied to severe flooding in Songkhla Province and heightened public sentiment amid ongoing border tensions.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia said Wednesday that only 13 sports will proceed, cutting the national delegation to 150 athletes from the original plan of 333 across 21 events.

The withdrawn sports — men’s and women’s football, judo, karate, pencak silat, pétanque, wrestling, wushu and sepak takraw — were all scheduled in Songkhla, one of the provinces hardest hit by flooding. Officials said damaged infrastructure could pose risks to participants and spectators, while large crowds and intense fan activity raised concerns about potential disorder.

Cambodia will continue competing in swimming, athletics, bokator, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, equestrian, jet ski, triathlon, table tennis, volleyball and e-sports, all staged in Bangkok, where facilities and security are considered stable.

Deputy Prime Minister Hangchuon Naron said the decision balanced safety with regional responsibility. “With border tensions and public sentiment running high, withdrawing entirely could damage Cambodia’s standing in ASEAN,” he said.

The SEA Games open Dec. 9 at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok and run through Dec. 18.