Amidst Conflict, Thailand Guarantees Cambodia's Safety at the 2025 SEA Games

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Despite being overshadowed by conflict, Thailand assures equal treatment and security guarantees for Cambodia at the 2025 SEA Games. Meanwhile, Indonesia will prepare contingencies in case the Thailand-Cambodia conflict reignites during the 33rd edition of the SEA Games.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, affirmed Thailand's readiness to host the SEA Games 2025. Sirilatthayakorn stated that the government will ensure equal treatment, full security, and maximum comfort for all participating countries in the SEA Games, including Cambodia.

Sirilatthayakorn added that she had spoken with senior officials at the Sports Authority of Thailand and emphasized that Thailand does not discriminate between Cambodian athletes and athletes from other countries. "We view them as our athletes and guests. Our duty is to provide the best service for them, in terms of comfort, accommodation, and security," she said, as quoted by Thai media outlet The Nation on Tuesday (November 18, 2025).

Thailand and Cambodia are overshadowed by a border conflict that has lasted for more than a century. In July 2025, armed clashes occurred over a period of five days. The conflict resulted in casualties and forced residents to evacuate.

Thailand is doing its best. Security measures apply equally to everyone, coordinated with the police and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

Since the ceasefire came into effect on July 29, 2025, the situation has been relatively calm. However, both countries continue to accuse each other of violations.

Although a peace agreement was signed at the end of October 2025, Thailand suspended the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia in early November 2025. This decision was made after a landmine explosion at the border injured Thai soldiers.

Thailand and Cambodia share a land border of 870 kilometers. There are several disputed points along the border, particularly around the Preah Vihear Temple, which was declared to belong to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962.

In the midst of this situation, Sirilatthayakorn believes that the athletes understand the spirit of sports. If they come as professional athletes, he stated, their duty is to compete, while Thailand's responsibility is to ensure the safety of all countries equally, not just one country.

Sirilatthayakorn confirmed that there have indeed been several withdrawals, both from athletes and staff, totaling around 300 individuals. However, he declined to criticize the preparedness of other countries.

"Thailand is doing its best. Security measures apply equally to all, coordinated with the police and the Sports Authority of Thailand. Accommodation arrangements have been made to cater to each sport," said Sirilatthayakorn.

Thailand will host the SEA Games 2025 across 10 regions including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi, Rayong, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, and Ratchaburi. Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla will serve as the main regions hosting the event.

In terms of distance, Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla are relatively far from the Cambodian border. However, Songkhla in southern Thailand has a history of separatist conflict.

The Cambodian government has finally approved the dispatch of its delegation consisting of 333 members, including athletes and officials, to participate in the SEA Games in Thailand 2025. Previously, uncertainty arose regarding Cambodia's participation amid the conflict with Thailand.

Cambodia will compete in 21 sports, including athletics, swimming, equestrian, gymnastics, and judo. Meanwhile, the Cambodian Billiards Federation has openly stated that it will not participate in the SEA Games due to concerns over security and safety.

The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), Vath Chamroeun, stated that all members of the contingent will be accommodated in one hotel in Bangkok. Chamroeun also discussed the principle of non-discrimination within the Olympic movement.

"Sports competitions should not be used as a political platform, but rather should remain technical competitions that promote peace and harmony," Chamroeun said, as quoted by the Cambodian media outlet, Khmer Times.

Meanwhile, Indonesia will prepare anticipatory measures in the event that conflict erupts again. Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir emphasized that these measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the Indonesian contingent, which consists of 966 athletes.

"I hope the CdM (Chief de Mission/Contingent Leader) will start mapping which sports are located in which regions. So, the CdM really needs to look into this," said Erick in a press conference attended by Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono, Indonesia's CdM for the 2024 SEA Games Thailand, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Building in Jakarta on Friday (November 21, 2025).

"And I agree, in areas outside Bangkok or near the border, there needs to be anticipation," said Erick.

Erick also emphasized that the protection of athletes is a priority for the government. He also urged the leaders of sports organizations to be more active in ensuring the safety of each athlete while in Thailand.