The Southeast Asian Games in Thailand descended into deeper turmoil on Wednesday after Cambodia abruptly pulled out its athletes, adding a dramatic new twist to a regional sports meet already dogged by controversy over rule changes.
Just a day after the opening ceremonies, Vath Chamroeun, secretary general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, informed SEA Games Federation CEO Dato’ Seri Chiayapak Siriwat that the entire Cambodian contingent was being withdrawn “for safety reasons.”
Chamroeun said families of athletes and officials had raised “serious concerns” amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and urged their relatives to “return home immediately.”
The withdrawal comes as both countries are once again locked in a violent border conflict that reignited Monday, the second flare-up since a July truce. Thousands have been displaced as fighting intensified, with heavy exchanges of fire reported near contested border zones.
Cambodia’s delegation had participated in Tuesday night’s opening ceremonies in Bangkok, but the deteriorating security situation pushed Phnom Penh to take emergency action.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this early departure may cause and remain grateful for your understanding and support,” the Cambodian Olympic Committee said in its letter to organizers.
The walkout casts a shadow over the 33rd SEA Games, which had already sparked criticism over sudden rule revisions and last-minute adjustments to event formats. Cambodia’s exit adds a geopolitical crisis to sporting tensions, raising questions about the ability of the Games to proceed normally amid regional instability.
