Thailand to Host the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December 2025
Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla will serve as host clusters for the multi-sport event from 9-20 December
Thailand is set to stage the 33rd Southeast Asian Games between 9 and 20 December 2025, with competitions held across the Bangkok metropolitan region, Chonburi province and Songkhla province.
This edition marks the country’s seventh time hosting the biennial event, following previous years in 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2007.
For the first time in the Games’ history, the host cities were selected through a formal bidding and voting process.
Under the approved plan, Bangkok will host the majority of sports and both the opening and closing ceremonies, while Chonburi will accommodate water-based and beach disciplines and Songkhla will stage martial arts, combat sports and southern-Thailand themed events.
Organisers expect athletes from the 11 Southeast Asian nations to compete in more than 40 sports.
The visual identity of the Games is inspired by a design philosophy described as “Play by the Rules”, combining Thai traditional art with sporting geometry.
The mascots for the event, known collectively as “The Sans”, reflect Thailand’s cultural calendar, with each character representing a day of the week and its associated colour.
Preparations are already under way, with the host city contract signed by the Governors of Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla in June 2024, and venue and transport planning accelerated to ensure readiness.
With Thailand emphasising sustainability and efficient use of existing infrastructure, no major construction of new venues is required.
Organisers say this edition will blend high-level competition with regional hospitality and cultural immersion.
Ticketing details are yet to be finalised, but early guides suggest a budget-friendly range and strong public-viewing components.
For fans and tourists, the Games present an opportunity to combine sport, travel and culture by attending elite competition in major Thai cities and exploring the country’s attractions in the same trip.
With less than one year to go, Thailand is poised to welcome Southeast Asia’s top athletes and deliver a Games that reflect both athletic ambition and Thai hospitality.
This edition marks the country’s seventh time hosting the biennial event, following previous years in 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2007.
For the first time in the Games’ history, the host cities were selected through a formal bidding and voting process.
Under the approved plan, Bangkok will host the majority of sports and both the opening and closing ceremonies, while Chonburi will accommodate water-based and beach disciplines and Songkhla will stage martial arts, combat sports and southern-Thailand themed events.
Organisers expect athletes from the 11 Southeast Asian nations to compete in more than 40 sports.
The visual identity of the Games is inspired by a design philosophy described as “Play by the Rules”, combining Thai traditional art with sporting geometry.
The mascots for the event, known collectively as “The Sans”, reflect Thailand’s cultural calendar, with each character representing a day of the week and its associated colour.
Preparations are already under way, with the host city contract signed by the Governors of Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla in June 2024, and venue and transport planning accelerated to ensure readiness.
With Thailand emphasising sustainability and efficient use of existing infrastructure, no major construction of new venues is required.
Organisers say this edition will blend high-level competition with regional hospitality and cultural immersion.
Ticketing details are yet to be finalised, but early guides suggest a budget-friendly range and strong public-viewing components.
For fans and tourists, the Games present an opportunity to combine sport, travel and culture by attending elite competition in major Thai cities and exploring the country’s attractions in the same trip.
With less than one year to go, Thailand is poised to welcome Southeast Asia’s top athletes and deliver a Games that reflect both athletic ambition and Thai hospitality.
