Cambodia withdraws from 8 sports at SEA Games 33 due to security concerns following border tensions with Thailand

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) sent a formal letter on Wednesday to the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) and the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee (THASOC). The letter confirmed the country's withdrawal from football, sepak takraw, petanque, wrestling, judo, karate, pencak silat and wushu, Bangkok Post reported.

"The adjustment was made due to significant security concerns, which pose challenges to ensuring the safety and protection of our athletes and officials," NOCC stated.

The decision throws the football tournament schedule into chaos just over a week before kickoff. The Cambodia U22 team were put in Group A alongside host Thailand and Timor Leste, with their opener scheduled for Dec. 6. The women's team were also in Group A with Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, set to play the first match on Dec. 4.

THASOC must now coordinate with the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) to determine the next steps. Options include maintaining the current groups with fewer teams, adjusting the format or conducting a complete redraw.

Cambodia confirmed it will still compete in 13 sports: swimming, athletics, e-sports, fencing, gymnastics, ju-jitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, horse riding, jet skiing, triathlon, teqball and volleyball.

The withdrawal comes as a shock to the hosts. Just days earlier, on Nov. 24, Cambodia held a send-off ceremony at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh for 333 athletes and officials, presided over by Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hangchuon Naron.

The abrupt move follows strained diplomatic relations and border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. Public debate in Cambodia has been heated, with many citizens advocating for a boycott to ensure athlete safety.

Minister Naron admitted he carefully assessed the "ongoing border tensions" but argued against a full boycott to avoid damaging Cambodia's image.

"The decision to participate in the SEA Games is not an easy one," he said, as quoted by Khmer Times. "It requires balancing the issue of border disputes with the spirit of regional unity. We cannot allow a boycott to affect the relationships and opportunities of young people in ASEAN, and we must show the true spirit of sportsmanship."

Strict safety protocols have been implemented for the Cambodian athletes still attending. The NOCC has ordered daily roll calls, mandated that athletes travel only in groups, and required constant communication to ensure safety.