Goodbye Cambodia, see you again in Thailand.

Beginning with the performance of "See You Again , " the land of temples sent a heartfelt message to its regional friends. Although the 32nd SEA Games have ended, the country that left such a lasting impression expressed its desire to meet its regional friends again.

At the closing ceremony of the Games, the host country also took the opportunity to showcase unique cultural aspects, such as a presentation on the traditional martial art of Bokator. This was the first time this martial art became an official competitive sport at the SEA Games, and it was also a sport in which the host country achieved great success at the Games.

The Vietnamese sports delegation parades at the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony was also an opportunity for the regional sports delegations to review their achievements at these SEA Games, with the Vietnamese sports delegation leading the overall medal count with 136 gold medals, 105 silver medals, and 118 bronze medals. Thailand ranked second with 108 gold medals, 96 silver medals, and 108 bronze medals.

The Organizing Committee of the Games also honored outstanding athletes at the Closing Ceremony. Among them was athlete Bou Samnang. Although this Cambodian athlete finished last in the 5,000m race, she became a star of the Games with her touching image of crying while running alone in the pouring rain to reach the finish line.

Outstanding artistic performances at the Closing Ceremony

Outstanding athletes at this SEA Games were also honored at the closing ceremony. These included female athletes Quah Ting Wen (Singapore) and Pal Chhor Raksmy (Cambodia). Ting Wen is the SEA Games' most decorated athlete with six gold medals, including four in individual swimming events. Raksmy is the host country's most decorated athlete with four gold medals in Vovinam performance events.

At the closing ceremony, Cambodia, the host country of the 32nd SEA Games, also handed over the flag to Thailand, the host country for the next Games. Accordingly, the 33rd SEA Games will take place in December 2025 in three Thai cities: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla.

The 33rd SEA Games will be held in Thailand.

The 32nd SEA Games was a regional sporting event hosted by Cambodia for the first time, attracting over 12,400 members of sports delegations from 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Timor Leste, competing in 37 sports with 581 events.

With the slogan "Sports - Living in Peace ," the 32nd SEA Games truly brought satisfaction to most guests in Cambodia's first time hosting the SEA Games.

THU SAM; photo: QUY LUONG (from Cambodia)

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