Opening of SEA Games 33: Unprecedented, world-class

Despite many difficulties and challenges, the organizing committee of the host country Thailand affirmed to bring a colorful and meaningful SEA Games opening ceremony with many unprecedented performances.

Thai beauty queens become the center of attention

At the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games taking place on the evening of December 9 (7 p.m.), 11 world-class beauty queens from Thailand will appear at the Rajamangala National Stadium. The group of beauties will be tasked with holding name tags to lead the sports delegations of 11 Southeast Asian countries in the parade, an indispensable ritual in the opening ceremony of the Games.

The most notable face is Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the first Thai beauty to win a global beauty pageant when she was crowned Miss World 2025 in May. There is also Chatnalin Chotjirawarachat, the second person after First Wang to win the Miss Intercontinental contest (2023).

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the first beauty from Thailand to be crowned Miss World in 2025 (Miss World 2025).

The Misses also include Anchilee Scott-Kemmis (Miss Universe Thailand 2021), Nicha Poolpoka (Miss Universe Thailand 2023 2nd Runner-up), 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 was presided over by the King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn and the Queen. The event began with a video tribute to the recently deceased Queen Mother Sirikit. The opening ceremony consisted of five main acts, each recreating the journey to the origins of the SEA Games, igniting the passion for competition, demonstrating cultural unity, demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship and finally 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.

After the ceremony, there will be a festival with performances by top Thai artists. Among them will be the appearance of the very famous Thai-born K-Pop singer Bam Bam, rappers F.Hero - Tong Twopee and Thai-born Belgian singer Violette Wautier. In addition, the appearance of many top Thai artists and a special performance by Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek will certainly make a strong impression. Finally, the SEA Games torch lighting ceremony will be kept secret until the last minute, expected to be a big surprise for the audience.

Sure to be exciting

Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn affirmed that despite the obstacles, the preparations for the 2025 SEA Games, especially the opening ceremony, were worth the wait and did not disappoint everyone.

The head of the Thai sports industry emphasized: "The opening ceremony combines modern technology with Thai culture, with five or six performances expressing our message. Some performances are unprecedented, famous domestic and international artists will collaborate. More importantly, we are raising the issue of 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 to show the stature of the Thai people through many aspects such as performing arts, music, orchestra to T-POP, visual animations and unique designs. In particular, the performance technology at the opening ceremony is the most advanced, which will certainly create excitement for the audience.

SEA Games 33 is ready. Photo: SN

“Thailand’s goal is to create a ‘new standard’ that many people may not expect. I think it is 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 sports delegation is expected to attend with about 200 members. The two flag bearers are Le Thanh Thuy and Le Minh Thuan. The Vietnamese sports delegation attending the 33rd SEA Games has 1,165 members, including 842 athletes, 189 coaches, 19 experts, competing in 47/66 sports, with a total of 443/573 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