SEA Games 33 preparations threatened as key venues flooded in Thailand

A view of Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand. Photo by Songkhla FC

According to Astro, several sports venues in Songkhla City have been affected by flooding. The main football venue, Tinsulanon Stadium, is currently submerged in floodwater.

Photos and reports indicate that the stadium's pitch and surrounding area are completely flooded, potentially delaying the crucial progress of pitch repairs and facility preparations ahead of the SEA Games, which starts on Dec. 9.

Other competition venues have also been heavily affected. The venues for Muay Thai at the Phru Khang Khao Sports Centre and Pencak Silat at the Chira Nakhon Sports Complex reported flooding in several areas, causing difficulty for moving equipment, safety checks and facility preparations.

Vehicles parked on an elevated road to keep them out of flood waters in Hat Yai in Thailand's southern Songkhla Province, as severe flooding affected thousands of people in the country's south following days of heavy rain, Nov. 25, 2025. Photo by AFP

Local authorities and SEA Games 33 organizing committee are coordinating emergency solutions to reduce the damage. This includes urgently pumping out water, checking the structural integrity of the buildings and assessing the overall safety of each venue.

Officials confirmed that contingency plans, including changing the venue or adjusting the competition schedule, are being actively discussed to ensure SEA Games 33 can still proceed as planned.

SEA Games 33 will take place from Dec. 9 to 20 in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla, featuring 50 sports. This marks the seventh time Thailand has hosted the Games. The ASEAN Para Games will follow, scheduled from Jan. 20 to 26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima.