Bangkok: Following Cambodia's withdrawal from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, hosted by Thailand, after participating in the official opening ceremony on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that it is taking the best possible care of the Cambodian athletes and that the withdrawal was beyond its control. Mr. Nikorndej Plangkoon, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in an interview that the withdrawal was not coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; it is the responsibility of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
According to Thai News Agency, there is no comment on this matter, but what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can say is the facts. The Ministry has been instructed by the Prime Minister to separate sports matters from national security. In the past, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sports Authority of Thailand have had mechanisms in place to plan for maximum security, especially for Cambodian athletes. They fully guarantee police presence throughout the competition, clearly defined travel routes, and comprehensive planning.
Thailand has consistently emphasized that it would not allow any safety concerns to befall Cambodian athletes. Once they arrived in Thailand, the assurance was given that nothing would happen to them. However, the decision to withdraw is a matter for their country, which Thailand cannot interfere with. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that Thailand has fulfilled its duties as host country to the best of its ability in caring for athletes from all nations.