SEA Games 2025: Opal Suchata Leads Thailand With Pride as Southeast Asia Arrives in Bangkok

Bangkok’s main international airport is increasingly busy as national delegations land ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Athletes, officials and supporters from across the region are arriving throughout the day, filling arrival halls with national colors, flags, and excitement. Among the most anticipated figures for the SEA Games Opening Ceremony, to take place on December 9th, is Miss World Opal Suchat, who has been selected to proudly lead the Thai team on the occasion. She has openly expressed her excitement, describing the opportunity as one of the most meaningful experiences of her reign so far. With the nation hosting such a significant event, Opal assumes a symbolic role of unity and national pride at a moment when Thailand welcomes the entire Southeast Asian sporting community. What are the SEA Games? IMG_1999 The SEA Games are a biennial multi-sport championship involving the 11 countries of Southeast Asia. Created in 1959, the Games aim to promote cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding through sport. Under the Southeast Asian Games Federation, and with IOC and Olympic Council of Asia recognition, the event is often described as “the Olympic Games of Southeast Asia.” The 2025 SEA Games represent the 33rd edition and take place in Thailand, mainly in Bangkok and Chonburi. Originally, part of the competition was planned for Songkhla, however weather and flooding caused the relocation of its sports programme. This is the seventh time Thailand hosts the SEA Games, and the fifth time Bangkok is the central city. Thailand expects this to be the largest SEA Games in history, with more than 12,000 athletes participating across all disciplines. Which country has won the most medals in history? IMG_2002 Thailand is also the most successful nation in SEA Games history. Across all editions, Thailand has earned more medals than any other country, consistently ranking among the top nations and holding the historical lead in total medal count. Hosting again this year, Thailand aims to reinforce its leading position, supported by home advantage and the largest delegation of athletes in the competition. The Top 5 countries with most medals. The Top 5 countries with most medals. How many sports and which ones? Teqball, a ball sport that is played on a curved table, combining elements of football and table tennis, is part of the 2025 SEA Games program. Teqball, a ball sport that is played on a curved table, combining elements of football and table tennis, is part of the 2025 SEA Games program. The 2025 programme includes 50 sports, ranging from Olympic-style disciplines such as athletics, swimming and football, to regional specialties including muay thai and traditional Southeast Asian sports. New and returning sports this edition include: Artistic swimming Open-water swimming Equestrian Ice sports such as figure skating and short-track speed skating Teqball, making its debut While the official start lists are large, the host nation brings 1,807 Thai athletes, the biggest delegation of all 11 nations. Thailand is aiming for over 200 gold medals, with particular strength expected in: Muay Thai. Muay Thai. Muay Thai Combat sports Team sports Swimming Gymnastics and several ice disciplines taking place indoors Several well-known athletes from previous editions will return, while new young talents are also expected to emerge, especially in Thailand’s strongest areas. How has Thailand prepared for the Games? IMG_1994 As host, Thailand has spent years preparing sports venues, infrastructure, transport and accommodation. Indoor arenas, stadiums, aquatic venues and ice rinks have been upgraded, while volunteer networks, security, and logistics operations have been expanded to accommodate thousands of visiting participants.