The decision was made at a meeting yesterday (Nov 26) atttended by chairman of 33rd SEA Games committee Chaiyapak Siriwat, Tourism Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn and representatives from each country taking part, Chalitrat Chantarubeksa, deputy secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT), said.
All 10 sports with 109 gold medals at stake originally scheduled in the disaster-struck southern province would now be relocated to venues in Bangkok - boxing, pencak silat, football, chess, judo, kabaddi, karate, wrestling, petong and wushu, reports the Bangkok Post.
In addition to concerns whether the flood water would recede in time, the likely condition of the previously designated venues was of major concern, Mr Chalitrat said.
Some countries were also worried about the possible spread of flood-related disease.
Each sports association was now looking to select a new venue in the capital for the affected events. As host country, Thailand would also consider how to compensate the participating nations, as some competitors had already booked flights and accommodation in Songhkla, Mr Chalitrat said.
The official announement would be made after infroming the National Olympic Committee tomorrow, he said.
Following yesterday’s announcement Cambodia confirmed it had officially withdrawn from eight of the 21 sports it had earlier confirmed to compete in, citing “significant security concerns.”
In a letter signed by National Olympic Committee of Cambodia secretary-general Vath Chamrouen, Thai organisers were informed that the country was withdrawing from eight sports - judo, karate, pencak silat, wrestling, wushu, petanque, football and sepak takraw.
“The adjustment has been made due to significant security concerns, which pose challenges to ensuring the safety and protection of our athletes and officials,” the letter said.
However, the Cambodian NOC confirmed that the country will still compete in swimming, athletics, e-sports, fencing, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, equestrian, jet ski, teqball, triathlon and volleyball.
With Songkhla now out of the running, the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025 will take place from Dec 9-20 at venues in Bangkok and Chonburi.