Following the ceremony at the Huamark Indoor Stadium, over seen by The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, the first torch was ignited and the relay conducted through the streets of the capital, which will be one of the host cities for the 33rd edition of the SEA Games tournament between Dec 6-20.
Similar ceremonies were conducted simulatenously on Sunday in Chonburi and Songkhla, the two other SEA Games venues, and Nakhon Ratchasima, which is the host province for the 13th ASEAN Para Games next year.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt was the first carrier of the torch for the Bangkok relay, which began at the Huamark Indoor Stadium before following a designated route through the streets of the capital.
In true relay style, the torch was then passed onto a total of 73 other bearers along the route, which included athletes, government officials and sponsors, before concluding back at the Huamark Indoor Stadium at 8pm.
Additionally, there were over 1,000 runners who took part in a 3km Fun Run as part of the festivities, to provide support to the main event.
The Bangkok ceremony was attended by various diplomats from ASEAN member countries, in addition to several Thai digniatries, including: Noraphol Tantimontri, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports; Wanida Pansaard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok; Dr Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT); Prodpraon Samanmit, Deputy Governor of the SAT for Professional Sports and Boxing; Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor of the SAT for Sports Excellence and Sports Science; as well as selected executives, athletes and media.
In his opening speech Mr Atthakorn expressed sincere gratitude to His Majesty The King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua “for graciously bestowing the Royal Flame which will to bring good fortune and morale to the organisers and all athletes”.
“The Royal Flame symbolises the purity of the Games and reflects His Majesty’s commitment to promoting national sports and today’s invitation ceremony and torch relay are an occasion for us to share in passing on this flame of friendship,” explained Mr Atthakorn.
The relay was an opportunity for Thailand to showcase its sporting prowess and the friendship of the Thai people, Mr Atthakorn added.
The official opening ceremony for the SEA Games will be held on Dec 9 at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, while the ASEAN Para Games will be held from Jan 20-26, 2026. For more information, visit the Facebook Fanpage: SEA GAMES Thailand 2025.