Cambodia sent a hot letter to the Organizing Committee, officially withdrawing from SEA Games 33: Thai media was shocked!

The Cambodian Olympic Committee has officially sent a letter to the Southeast Asian Games Federation, deciding to withdraw from the 33rd SEA Games.

Cambodia has officially submitted its application to the Organizing Committee of the 33rd SEA Games.

According to the Khmer Times , the letter was officially sent by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) to the Southeast Asian Sports Federation at 10:30 AM on December 10th, 30 minutes earlier than expected. In the letter, Mr. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, stated: “Dear Mr. Chaipak Siriwat, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT), President of the Southeast Asian Sports Council. I am writing this letter to discuss the early withdrawal of the Cambodian delegation for safety reasons.”

On behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), I would like to inform you that: Due to concerns and urgent requests from the families of the athletes who want their loved ones to return immediately, the NOCC is forced to withdraw the entire delegation to return to Cambodia early for safety reasons.

A letter of withdrawal has been sent to the Organizing Committee of the 33rd SEA Games.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

NOCC emphasized: “This decision was made with the utmost care. We deeply appreciate the welcome, hospitality, warmth, and sportsmanship that THAOC and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) have shown us throughout this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this early departure may cause and sincerely thank you for your understanding and support. We will coordinate with your office regarding the departure schedule and necessary procedures. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

Thai media were stunned!

After NOCC officially sent a letter to the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee, Thairath channel - one of the largest television stations in Thailand - used the title "Hot: Cambodia withdraws from SEA Games, does not send athletes to compete" to update the incident.

Thairath Channel commented: “The 2025 SEA Games will be held from December 9th to 20th in Thailand, following the official opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium. But despite having attended the opening ceremony last night, the Cambodian sports delegation has decided to withdraw from Southeast Asia's largest sporting event in 2025. This is truly a surprising decision, leaving many stunned by Cambodian sports.”

Thai newspapers expressed surprise when Cambodian athlete who had just participated in the opening ceremony withdrew.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

Meanwhile, Thailand's famous sports website - Siamsport also expressed surprise about the incident: "Hot! Cambodia withdrew from all sports at the 33rd SEA Games after only participating in the opening ceremony for one day", the journalist of Siamsport website expressed.

Siamsport commented: “Cambodian athletes have decided to withdraw from all 12 events at the 33rd SEA Games, despite having just participated in the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium on December 9, 2025. Reports indicate that the Cambodian delegation of 137 athletes and officials were warned by high-ranking officials to consider withdrawing due to the tense and escalating situation at the Thailand-Cambodia border. There are concerns that the issue could spread and affect their safety, including their return journey. The report also states that although Cambodia was impressed by the warmth and hospitality of Thailand, security concerns were the main factor leading to their withdrawal from the competition.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/campuchia-gui-thu-nong-den-btc-chinh-thuc-rut-khoi-sea-games-33-truyen-thong-thai-lan-soc-nang-185251210105058645.htm