Thailand aims to break SEA Games record with 241 gold medals while Malaysia, Singapore set no target

The design of the Thailand's SEA Games 33 medals. Photo by SAT

If Thailand achieves this target, it will secure the top spot in the overall medal tally and break the record for the highest number of gold medals won by a nation in a single SEA Games.

The current record belongs to Vietnam, which won 205 gold medals at SEA Games 31 on home soil in 2022.

Thailand's best previous achievement was 183 gold medals in 2007.

Thailand is backing its goal with a delegation of 1,531 athletes. To reach 241 gold medals, the nation's federations have set specific high targets: rowing and canoeing aim for 18 gold medals, athletics 17, while Muay Thai and ju-jitsu 10 each. Sepak takraw and football will seek total domination with 11 and 4 golds.

However, Thailand will face fierce competition from other participating countries.

Vietnam aims for 90 to 110 gold medals, while Indonesia seeks a top-three finish with at least 80 to 85 golds.

The Philippines wants to surpass its previous achievement, aiming for more than 58 gold medals.

Singapore, while not setting a general target, has its swimming team aiming for 20 gold medals. Malaysia did not announce its target.

In terms of delegation size, Thailand leads, followed by the Philippines (1,168), Malaysia (1,166), Indonesia (996), Singapore (930) and Vietnam (841). Cambodia, which was initially expected to send more than 500, has reduced its number to around 100 due to ongoing security concerns with Thailand at the border.

SEA Games 33 features 50 sports competing for medals across 574 events. An additional six sets of medals will be awarded in four demonstration sports: aerial sports (paragliding), flying discus, tug of war, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

The Games will start on Dec. 3 with men's football and equestrian polo. The opening ceremony will take place on Dec. 9 and the closing ceremony will be on Dec. 20. The two main host cities are Bangkok and Chonburi.