Opening Ceremony of SEA Games 33: Unprecedented, World-Class

Despite facing many difficulties and challenges, the organizing committee of host country Thailand affirmed that they would deliver a colorful and meaningful SEA Games opening ceremony with many unprecedented performances.

The Thai beauty queens became the center of attention.

At the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games, taking place on the evening of December 9th (7 PM), 11 world-class beauty queens from Thailand will appear at the Rajamangala National Stadium. These beauties will be tasked with carrying nameplates and leading the parade of the 11 Southeast Asian sports delegations, an indispensable ritual in the opening ceremony of the Games.

The most notable face is Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the first Thai beauty queen to win a global beauty pageant, having claimed the Miss World 2025 crown in May. Also noteworthy is Chatnalin Chotjirawarachat, the second Thai beauty queen after First Wang to win the Miss Intercontinental pageant (in 2023).

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the first Thai beauty queen to be crowned Miss World in 2025.

The lineup of beauty queens also includes Anchilee Scott-Kemmis (Miss Universe Thailand 2021), Nicha Poolpoka (2nd Runner-up Miss Universe Thailand 2023), Channigan Supitayaporn (Miss Thailand 2023), Dinsosee Panida Khuenjinda (Miss Thailand 2024), Cat Atitiya Benjapak, Saffron Maya Snook (Miss Global Thailand 2026), Vanessa Wenk (Miss Intercontinental Thailand 2025)...

According to the script revealed by the press, the opening ceremony will be presided over by the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, and the Queen. The event will begin with a video tribute to the recently deceased Queen Mother Sirikit. The opening ceremony will consist of five main performances, each recreating the journey back to the roots of the SEA Games, igniting a passion for competition, showcasing cultural unity, demonstrating sportsmanship, and ultimately honoring regional friendship, carrying the common slogan of this year's Southeast Asian Games: "We are one".

Many famous Thai artists, beauties, and martial artists appeared at the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games.

Following the ceremony was the entertainment segment featuring performances by top Thai artists. This included appearances by the very popular Thai-born K-Pop singer Bam Bam, rappers F.Hero and Tong Twopee, and Belgian-Thai singer Violette Wautier. In addition, the appearance of many leading Thai artists and a special performance by Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek were sure to make a strong impression. Finally, the SEA Games torch lighting ceremony was kept secret until the last minute, expected to create a big surprise for viewers.

It will definitely be exciting.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn affirmed that, despite facing obstacles, the preparations for the 2025 SEA Games, and especially the opening ceremony, are highly anticipated and will not disappoint.

The head of Thailand's sports sector emphasized: "The opening ceremony will combine modern technology with Thai culture, featuring five or six performances conveying our message. Some performances will be unprecedented, with collaborations from renowned domestic and international artists. More importantly, we are focusing on reducing pollution, in line with the 'Net Zero' theme of the green SEA Games."

“The Organizing Committee hopes that the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games will be a stage showcasing the stature of the Thai people through many aspects such as performing arts, music, orchestra, T-POP, visual displays, and unique designs. In particular, the technology used in the opening ceremony will be the most advanced, which will surely create excitement for the viewers.”

SEA Games 33 is ready. Photo: SN

Thailand's goal is to create "a new standard" that many might not expect. I think it's a standard that is both modern and world-class, while still preserving the roots and charm of Thai culture," added Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn.

At the opening ceremony, the Vietnamese delegation is expected to consist of approximately 200 members. The two flag bearers will be Le Thanh Thuy and Le Minh Thuan. The Vietnamese delegation participating in the 33rd SEA Games comprises 1,165 members, including 842 athletes, 189 coaches, and 19 experts, competing in 47 out of 66 sports, with a total of 443 out of 573 events, aiming to win 90-110 gold medals.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/khai-mac-sea-games-33-chua-co-tien-le-dang-cap-the-gioi-2470608.html