SEA Games opening venue shifted over security concerns

SEA GAMES: The organising committee for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games has agreed to move the venue of the opening ceremony from Sanam Luang to Rajamangala National Stadium, citing safety concerns for athletes from all participating nations.

A view of Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium, which will now host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2025 SEA Games. Photo: Bangkok Post

The decision was announced during a meeting on Tuesday (Aug 5), chaired by Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, with senior executives, including Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, and members of the organising committee in attendance.

The Rajamangala National Stadium will now serve as the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 33rd SEA Games, while Sanam Luang will be used as the site for the Games flame, reports the Bangkok Post.

The 13^th ASEAN Para Games will be held at HM the King’s 80^th Anniversary Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima, with Ya Mo Square serving as the torch lighting point.

Concerns about Cambodia’s participation in the competition amid the border tensions have also been raised, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has suggested that organisers wait for the outcome of a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, which is being held in Malaysia, before assessing the next steps.

Organisers have also agreed to waive expenses for 450 athletes from Myanmar participating in the Games on the condition that Myanmar sends at least 850 athletes.

The 33^rd SEA Games will take place between Dec 9-20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla.

A total of 574 gold medals in 50 sports will be up for grabs in the tournament.

The 2025 SEA Games will be the seventh time Thailand has hosted the event, with Bangkok having previously hosted in 1959, 1967, 1975, and 1985. It will also be the first time Chonburi and Songkhla will serve as the main host cities of the biennial tournament.

Preparations for tennis event

The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) will submit its final SEA Games squad to the Olympic Committee of Thailand in the middle of this month.

LTAT president Suchai Pornchaisak-udom has said Thailand, as the host nation, will participate in all seven tennis events of the Games, which are the men’s and women’s singles, doubles and team competitions along with a mixed doubles contest.

Suchai added that the selection of the team would be based on world rankings and the LTAT planned to name the squad well before the Sept 1 entry-by-name deadline.

The tournament will take place at the International Tennis Federation-certified National Tennis Development Centre (NTDC) in Muang Thong Thani.