Cambodia announced it is withdrawing from SEA Games 2025 a day after the opening ceremony, citing "serious concerns" from the families of athletes after border conflict with host Thailand raged for a second day.
Cambodia has withdrawn from the SEA Games 2025, a day after the opening ceremony and after border battle against host Thailand continued for a second day.
In a statement sent to the Southeast Asian Games Federation, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia said it is withdrawing all its athletes from the games, citing "serious concerns and requests" from relatives to return home for safety reasons.
"This decision was not made lightly. We greatly appreciate the hospitality, warmth, and spirit of sportsmanship extended to our athletes by THASOC and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand throughout their stay. We apologize for any inconvenience this early departure may cause and remain grateful for your understanding and support," a statement sent by NOOC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun read.
The Sport Authority of Thailand has yet to comment.
The announcement came a day after the SEA Games opening ceremony, which a handful of representatives from Cambodia attended.
The opening ceremony had a theme of "We Are One - Connected By the Sea", emphasizing unity and regional connection.
Safety concerns were cited, as a fierce border battle between Thailand and Cambodia expanded for its second day on Tuesday, with both countries reportedly accusing each other of shelling civilian areas.
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top adviser to Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet late on Tuesday told Reuters his country was "ready to talk at any time", but Thailand's foreign minister in an interview said he saw no potential for negotiations, adding the situation was not conducive to third-party mediation.
On Wednesday, no Cambodians were present in sports events such as artistic gymnastics and extreme water sports.
For tennis, Cambodia withdraw last November 28 "due to politics". No letter was sent to Thailand since the decision was made internally in Cambodia.
The Philippine Sports Commission though assured there was no cause for concern when it came to the Philippine athletes.
[ALSO READ: PSC assures nothing to worry about in SEA Games amid border tensions: ‘Sports is peace’]
“Alam mo, nakakalungkot na may ganyan silang problema. Pero at the end of the day, you know, tayo sports is peace. Tayo sa Philippines, syempre hinihikayat natin sila na magkasundo na sila. Kasi one ASEAN ito, di ba? Lalo na tayo ang host ng ASEAN Summit in 2026.” said PSC chairman Pato Gregorio on Tuesday.
(With reports from Luisa Morales/One Sports, Denise Tan, Belle Gregorio, Denisse Valdesancho/Cignal)
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.