According to Bangkok Post, the organizing committee of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games ) agreed to move the opening ceremony from Sanam Luang to Rajamangala National Stadium, citing safety concerns for athletes from all participating countries.
The decision was announced at a recent meeting chaired by Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, with the participation of senior executives, including Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand and members of the organizing committee.
Rajamangala National Stadium will now be the venue for both the opening and closing ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games, while Sanam Luang will be used as the venue for the Festival's lantern.
The 13th ASEAN Sports Festival for the Disabled will be held at the Stadium celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the King in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the sparkling location at Ya Mo Square.
The organizing committee also agreed to exempt costs for 450 athletes from Myanmar participating in the 33rd SEA Games on the condition that Myanmar must send at least 850 athletes.
The 33rd Southeast Asian Games will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025 in Bangkok, Chon buri and Songkhla.
A total of 574 gold medals in 50 sports will be awarded in the tournament.
The 2025 SEA Games will be the seventh time Thailand has hosted the event. Of which, Bangkok hosted it in 29, 1967, 1975 and 1985. As for buri Chon and Songkhla, this is the first time they have become the host city of the largest sports festival in the region.
As host, Thailand aims to win 234 gold medals at the 33rd SEA Games and top the group. In the last two SEA Games, the Vietnamese sports delegations have topped the total achievements.
