SEA Games open in Thailand amid chaos, high hopes for PH

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games officially open in Bangkok on Tuesday amid logistical missteps, venue changes, and regional tensions that have clouded the lead-up to the biennial sporting event.

The SEA Games will run from December 9 to 20 in Bangkok and Chonburi, featuring thousands of athletes from 11 nations competing in over 30 sports including skateboarding, sailing, fencing, and combat disciplines.

Team Philippines, led by Olympic weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz and tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala, is targeting at least 60 gold medals, aiming to improve on its 58-gold finish in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, according to a report by GMA News Online.

“Malampasan natin ‘yun, okay na. It’s a big accomplishment. So, kung maabot tayo ng 60, okay na,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

A record-high 1,600 Filipino athletes, coaches, and officials are participating in the Games, nearly doubling the country’s previous delegation.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the larger contingent increases the chances of podium finishes and provides critical international exposure for athletes.

Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas will serve as flag bearers during the opening ceremony at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium.

Thailand, hosting the SEA Games for the first time since 2007, has faced a string of issues in the build-up, including last-minute venue changes due to flooding and a reported withdrawal of half of Cambodia’s athletes over safety concerns.

Twelve events were moved from flood-hit Songkhla province, while Cambodia pulled out of eight sports including football, judo, karate, and petanque following renewed border clashes with Thailand.

The SEA Games began under a cloud after the national anthems failed to play during the Vietnam-Laos football match, forcing players and coaches to sing unaccompanied.

Thailand’s Sports Authority apologized and blamed the glitch on an audio system error, according to local media.

Football fans in Thailand also boycotted a match against East Timor over strict ticketing rules requiring ID registration and dissatisfaction with seat allocation.

Despite mounting criticism, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended the Games’ organization, pointing to unforeseen flooding and added costs under his recently formed administration.

“The opening ceremony might not be as grand, but it will be elegant and dignified,” said Sports Authority of Thailand governor Gongsak Yodmani.

The SEA Games are renowned for showcasing regional sports like sepak takraw and pencak silat alongside Olympic disciplines.

Controversy has long accompanied the Games, including the chaotic 2023 football final in Cambodia where Indonesia beat Thailand in a match marred by seven goals, four red cards, and two mass brawls.

Under Republic Act 10699, Filipino SEA Games medalists will receive PHP 300,000 (USD 5,374.93) for gold, PHP 150,000 (USD 2,687.47) for silver, and PHP 60,000 (USD 1,074.99) for bronze.