SEA Games 33 will not be postponed, only adjusted after the passing of the Queen Mother of Thailand.

The death of Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand on October 25 has raised concerns that the 33rd SEA Games later this year could be postponed or canceled altogether.

Thailand will not postpone the 33rd SEA Games, but will make some adjustments to accommodate the national mourning - Photo: THAIRATH

On October 24, Thailand received sad news when Queen Mother Sirikit passed away at the age of 93. King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordered a state funeral, with the most solemn ceremony and highest honor according to Royal tradition.

The Queen Mother's body will lie in state at Dusit Maha Prasat Hall in the Bangkok Grand Palace, where the Royal Family and the public will pay their respects.

The king also declared a one-year period of national mourning for the Royal Family and Royal Court officials, starting on October 24.

According to Thai media, entertainment and sports activities are also required to be scaled down or even canceled during the national mourning period. This puts the 33rd SEA Games, which will take place in December in Thailand, at risk of being postponed.

Some rumors say that the largest sports event in the ASEAN region could be postponed to 2026, or even canceled.

However, on October 25, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, spoke up to reassure, saying that the 33rd SEA Games will still be held as scheduled.

However, this event still requires some adjustments to suit the circumstances, as well as to show respect for the late Queen Mother. Mr. Sirilathayakorn said the format of the SEA Games opening and closing ceremonies will be changed. The rest of the competition will still take place as usual.

Aside from the SEA Games, Thailand’s domestic sporting events will also see some changes. For example, the country’s Thai-League will have to hold a minute of silence before each match.

Players and referees must wear black armbands to show their condolences. And fans are asked not to bring noise-making objects such as drums and trumpets onto the field.

DUC KHUE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sea-games-33-khong-hoan-chi-dieu-chinh-sau-khi-vuong-thai-hau-thai-lan-qua-doi-20251025140823814.htm