Bangkok: The SEA Games Committee has approved the relocation of the 33rd SEA Games venue following flooding in the southern region. Atthakorn emphasized that safety must come first and the competition will proceed in accordance with international standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired the second meeting of the organizing committee for the 33rd SEA Games 2025 and the 13th ASEAN Para Games 2025. The meeting included executives from the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Association, representatives of the National Sports Development Fund, and related agencies.
A key agenda item was the relocation of sports and adjustments to the competition venues following severe flooding in the southern region, particularly impacting Songkhla Province. As a result, several venues in Hat Yai and Mueang districts could not accommodate the competitions safely.
Mr. Atthakorn revealed that the venue changes are urgent measures to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators from all countries. He assured that Thailand has the capacity to host the competition according to international standards and will not let the flooding affect the event's image.
The committee agreed to move the competition venues for 11 sports from Songkhla Province and parts of Chonburi Province to Bangkok and other well-prepared areas. The new venues include Lumpini Boxing Stadium for Boxing, Rajamangala National Stadium for Men's Football Qualifying Round, and The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok for International Chess, among others.
Mr. Atthakorn emphasized the careful decision-making process behind the venue changes and thanked all agencies for their cooperation. "Although Thailand is facing a flooding crisis, we will not allow any risks to athletes and stakeholders. This SEA Games must be a safe, beautiful, and trust-building for all nations," he stated.
The committee confirmed that the revised plan will not affect the competition schedule, with Thailand ready to proceed with the SEA Games from December 9-20, 2025. Relevant agencies are tasked with expediting logistics, facilitation, and security planning coordination to ensure all new venues are fully prepared before the competition begins.