The truth about host Thailand banning Cambodia from participating in SEA Games 33

(NLDO) - There is certainly no way that Cambodian sports will be banned from participating in the 33rd SEA Games held in Thailand even though the two countries are having a border conflict.

That is the assertion of Mr. Chaiyaphak Siriwat, Chairman of the SEA Games Sports Council, when he said that Thailand has no right to ban Cambodia from participating in the 33rd SEA Games held in the Land of the Golden Pagoda, despite border conflicts or diplomatic instability between the two countries.

SEA Games Sports Council President Chaiyaphak Siriwat talks about the future of Cambodian sports

The statement came after Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong said in an interview with Thai media that Cambodia could be banned from participating in the 33rd SEA Games due to the current unstable situation at the border between the two neighboring countries.

Mr Chaiyaphak Siriwat stated that any decision must be based on the Olympic Charter, based on the principles of political neutrality, non-discrimination and protection of the rights of all participating nations.

The 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee of Thailand, and even the SEA Games Sports Council, do not have the right to ban any member country from participating in the competition if that country is still a member and there is no official punishment.

Cambodia hands over SEA Games hosting flag to Thailand in May 2023

A joint meeting will be held on August 20 and 21, with the participation of representatives of 11 countries, to discuss measures to comply with the Olympic rules and Charter if Cambodia is restricted in its activities. Mr. Chaiyaphak Siriwat also confirmed that Cambodia has announced the number of athletes who will go to Thailand to attend the 33rd SEA Games with 1,515 people.

Mr. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), affirmed that the current border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand will not affect the 33rd SEA Games.

He assured the public that the Kingdom of Cambodia's athletes are continuing their preparations as planned.

Secretary General of the Cambodian Olympic Committee Vath Chamroeun affirmed that Cambodian sports are still preparing to participate in the 33rd SEA Games.

He said that NOCC representatives attended the recent SEA Games Sports Council meeting, regarding the 33rd SEA Games, and there were no changes related to the games.

Asked whether the tensions between Cambodia and Thailand could disrupt the SEA Games, Vath Chamroeun said: "In the Olympic movement, even in times of crisis, conflict or war, athletes are not excluded from the games. We have seen athletes from war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan still being allowed to participate in the Games. That is the Olympic spirit - it transcends war or peace."

The 33rd SEA Games will be held in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025, with 3 host cities including Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thuc-hu-viec-chu-nha-thai-lan-cam-doan-campuchia-du-sea-games-33-196250728133438355.htm