July 29, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Chaiyaphak Siriwat, president of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Federation Council, has made it clear that as host of the 33rd SEA Games in 2025, Thailand has no authority to bar Cambodia from participating, regardless of any political disputes or tensions between the two countries.
His remarks were in response to recent comments by Sarawong Thianthong, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, who told Thai media that he may propose excluding Cambodia from the upcoming SEA Games due to ongoing border clashes. He said he intended to raise the issue with the other 11 ASEAN member states.
According to a report by SiamSport over the weekend, Sarawong expressed concern that Cambodian athletes traveling to Thailand might face safety risks, given the current state of public sentiment. He emphasised the need to give the Thai public time to emotionally heal.
“As a minister, I need to consult with the SEA Games Council president. If discussions about the conflict are serious, I believe a boycott proposal [towards Cambodia] is warranted because the matter is significant,” he told Thai media.
Although he acknowledged that Thailand’s sports ministry has no direct authority to ban a country from participating, he argued that such decisions fall within the jurisdiction of the SEA Games Council, which would need to carefully consider the matter.
Chaiyaphak Siriwat, president of the SEA Games Federation Council, has confirmed that Thailand cannot bar Cambodia from competing at this year’s SEA Games. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
“As a Thai representative, I may support a ban on Cambodia at the end-of-year 2025 SEA Games, but ultimately, it’s not up to Thailand alone. The SEA Games Council must review Cambodia’s eligibility,” he added.
However, the SEA Games Council president dismissed Sarawong’s proposal, stressing on Sunday that all decisions must be guided by Olympic principles, which emphasize political neutrality, non-discrimination and the right of all member countries to participate.
“The SEA Games Council or Thailand’s organising committee has no right to prohibit any member nation (including Cambodia) from competing in the SEA Games, as long as they remain members of the council and face no official sanctions,” Chaiyaphak stated.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged the issue will be discussed at the upcoming SEA Games Council meeting, scheduled for August 20–21, 2025, where all 11 member nations will gather to reaffirm guiding principles aligned with the Olympic Charter.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has made no changes to its preparations. All sports teams continue training as usual in anticipation of the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled from December 9–20, 2025. Cambodian sports authorities maintain their strong commitment to the values and spirit of the Olympic movement, refusing to politicise sport or allow external issues to affect their participation.