Cambodia may be banned from attending the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand

Thailand - the host country of the 33rd SEA Games - is considering banning Cambodian athletes from participating in the 33rd SEA Games due to recent tensions at the border between the two countries.

Information posted by Thai PBS, quoting Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, said that the Thai government is carefully considering banning Cambodia from participating in the 33rd SEA Games taking place in December this year due to concerns about a possible boycott.

"I am concerned about the escalating conflict. This could affect Thailand's role as host of the 33rd SEA Games. Especially in matters related to the safety of Cambodian athletes during the games," said Mr. Sorawong.

Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong. Photo: Thai PBS.

Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong also recalled that Cambodia withdrew from the first SEA Games in 1959 and canceled plans to host the 1963 SEA Games, when the two countries had a dispute over the Preah Vihear temple.

Because of this, Mr. Sorawong said there is a high possibility that Cambodia will withdraw or be banned from participating in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.

Before the conflict broke out at the border between the two countries, the Cambodian sports industry estimated that about 1,515 athletes, coaches and officials would go to Thailand to attend the 33rd SEA Games.

In June, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) - Mr. Vath Chamroeun announced that the border disputes would not affect the plan to participate in the 33rd SEA Games and reassured the public that Cambodian athletes were still actively preparing according to plan.

But since the conflict, Cambodia has not made any further statements or commitments regarding its plans to participate in the 33rd SEA Games.

Source: https://znews.vn/campuchia-co-the-bi-cam-du-sea-games-33-tai-thai-lan-post1571792.html