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Controversial SEA Games conclude in Thailand as Malaysia named next host

By Staff reporters   December 20, 2025 | 05:09 am PT
The 33rd SEA Games came to a close in Bangkok on Saturday night, with Vietnam finishing third overall as Thailand dominated the medal table and handed hosting duties to Malaysia.
Fireworks explode at the end of the 33rd SEA Games closing ceremony in Thailand, Dec. 20, 2025. Photo by Bui Luong

Fireworks explode at the end of the 33rd SEA Games closing ceremony in Thailand, Dec. 20, 2025. Photo by Bui Luong

The closing ceremony, which began at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, featured cultural performances, a parade of national delegations and the formal transfer of the SEA Games flag from Thailand to Malaysia.

Malaysia is set to host the 34th SEA Games in September 2027. The program will largely mirror that of the 33rd edition, but several sports, including wrestling, rowing, and canoeing, will be excluded.

A performance by Malaysia, the next SEA Games host, at the 33rd editions closing ceremony in Thailand, Dec. 20, 2025. Photo by Bui Luong

A performance by Malaysia, the next SEA Games host, at the 33rd edition's closing ceremony in Thailand, Dec. 20, 2025. Photo by Bui Luong

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow delivered a speech at the ceremony but mistakenly referred to it as the "opening ceremony" while declaring the event closed, prompting lighthearted banter among Thai social media users.

After 11 days of official competition, the 33rd SEA Games concluded with the host nation finishing atop the medal table with a record-breaking 233 gold among their 499 medals. The event, however, was also marked by a series of controversies, ranging from the opening ceremony to referee issues during competition events.

Indonesia placed second with 333 medals including 91 gold.

Vietnam wrapped up SEA Games with a total of 278 medals, including 87 golds, finishing third overall.

Malaysia ranked fourth with 57 gold medals, followed by Singapore with 52 and the Philippines with 50. Myanmar, Laos, Brunei and Timor-Leste finished at the bottom of the standings, with none of the four delegations winning a gold medal.

In football events, Vietnam led the competition with two gold medals and one silver. Indonesia followed with one gold and one silver, while the Philippines claimed one gold and one bronze. Thailand placed fourth with two silvers and two bronzes, despite being the only team to win medals across all four football categories.

Kỳ SEA Games nhiều tranh cãi khép lại
 
 

Controversial SEA Games conclude in Thailand as Malaysia named next host

33rd SEA Games closing ceremony highlights

 
 
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