The SEA Games 2025—officially the 33rd edition of the Southeast Asian Games—is a regional multi-sport competition held under the supervision of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF). The games are scheduled for December 9 to 20, 2025, with Bangkok, its metropolitan area, Chonburi Province, and Songkhla Province designated as the primary hosts. Several other Thai cities will also stage selected sports, including venues prepared specifically for football matches.
As part of our ongoing sports coverage, Juan Sports brings you the latest updates, insights, and highlights leading up to the 2025 SEA Games.
Host Country of the SEA Games 2025
Thailand will officially host the SEA Games 2025. The joint proposal from its three main host cities was approved on January 13, 2023, after the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) confirmed Thailand as the host nation. This selection is notable because it was the first time the SEA Games host cities were chosen through a structured bidding and voting process.
The 2025 edition will be Thailand’s seventh time hosting the event, following previous editions held in 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1995, and 2007.
Thailand is also set to field the largest athlete delegation in the games, with 1,807 athletes, followed by Malaysia (1,580), Indonesia (1,548), Cambodia (1,515), and the Philippines (1,499), based on the official entry list.
As the capital city, Bangkok will serve as the central hub of the 33rd SEA Games. It will host many of the main events and provide world-class sports facilities, supported by the city’s strong cultural identity and modern infrastructure. Bangkok is expected to be a focal point for regional cooperation and celebration, showcasing Thailand’s readiness to deliver a smooth, successful, and memorable SEA Games experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Opening Ceremony Venue, Date, and Time
The opening ceremony of the SEA Games 2025 is scheduled for December 9, 2025, and will take place at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. The event will begin at 7:00 PM ICT (UTC+7), which corresponds to 8:00 PM Philippine Time (PHT). The decision to hold the ceremony at Rajamangala Stadium was made after earlier plans for Sanam Luang were reconsidered due to security and logistical issues.
The closing ceremony is set for December 20, 2025, also in Bangkok, with the exact venue expected to follow the same or a similar setup as the opening program.
Participating Countries, Sports, and Athlete Delegations
A total of 11 Southeast Asian nations will compete at the SEA Games 2025. The Thailand 2025 Organizing Committee has released the official entry lists submitted by each National Olympic Committee. According to the report, eight out of the 11 countries will field more than 1,000 athletes, reflecting strong regional participation.
Below is the list of participating countries with their respective athlete delegations:
- Thailand (1,807 athletes)
- Malaysia (1,580 athletes)
- Indonesia (1,548 athletes)
- Cambodia (1,515 athletes)
- Philippines (1,499 athletes)
- Singapore (1,481 athletes)
- Myanmar (1,077 athletes)
- Vietnam (1,019 athletes)
- Laos (598 athletes)
- Brunei (250 athletes)
- Timor-Leste (132 athletes)
The 2025 edition will feature over 40 sports, with thousands of athletes across the region set to compete from December 9 to 20.
For the Philippines, several high-profile athletes will lead the delegation. Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, will spearhead the national team as she targets her third SEA Games gold, adding to the five medals she has earned in previous editions. Alexandra Eala will headline the women’s tennis competition and has been selected as one of the country’s flag bearers, alongside Bryan Bagunas, who will represent the Philippines in men’s volleyball.
Other notable Filipino athletes confirmed for the games include Elreen Ann Ando, the reigning SEA Games 59kg weightlifting champion; Kayla Sanchez, a two-time Olympic swimming medalist; and EJ Obiena, the country’s top pole vaulter and two-time Olympian.
New and Returning Sports in SEA Games 2025
The SEA Games 2025 will feature 50 official sports and 574 medal events, combining Olympic mainstays, regional favorites, and newly introduced demonstration disciplines.
In this edition:
- A few sports are returning as core competitions—including athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, martial arts, team ball sports, and combat sports.
- The organizing committee also included a handful of demonstration sports for 2025. Notable among them are Tug of War, Flying Disc (air sports), and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)—though MMA will be classified as a demonstration sport and will not contribute toward the official medal tally.
- Several disciplines saw adjustments in event lineups: certain medal events were removed or replaced, while others (in athletics, sailing, and road cycling, for instance) were newly added for this edition.
Overall, the 2025 Games aim to balance tradition with innovation, offering returning core sports beloved across Southeast Asia while also experimenting with newer events and demonstrations.
Economic and Tourism Impact on Thailand
Hosting the 33rd SEA Games 2025 is expected to generate a significant boost to Thailand’s economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. With over a thousand athletes from most participating nations—along with coaches, officials, and fans—Thailand anticipates increased visitor inflows throughout the duration of the games. Bangkok, in particular, is positioned to benefit from elevated hotel bookings, transportation demand, and local spending.
The event also supports Thailand’s long-term strategy of promoting sports tourism and strengthening its regional profile as a capable host for large international competitions. Investments in venues, infrastructure, and city preparations are projected to contribute to economic activity before, during, and after the games. Overall, the SEA Games 2025 is expected to create positive economic ripple effects across multiple provinces involved in hosting.
How to Watch the SEA Games 2025 Opening Ceremony Live
Online Streaming (Philippine Time)
The SEA Games Organizing Committee is expected to provide official online coverage through regional broadcast partners and digital platforms. Streaming availability will vary by country, but viewers in the Philippines can expect live coverage through One Sports, RPTV, TV5, One Sports+, and via streaming platforms Pilipinas Live and Cignal Play, along with other partner broadcasters that may be added as the event approaches. The live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM PHT.
Watching the Ceremony at the Venue
For those who want to experience the opening ceremony in person, tickets are available through the official SEA Games 2025 Thailand ticketing portal. The organizers have already released pricing details and seating categories, allowing spectators to choose their preferred sections in advance. Fans are encouraged to purchase early, as opening ceremony tickets typically sell out quickly.
Picture by REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
What Fans Can Expect at the 2025 Opening Ceremony
The SEA Games 2025 opening ceremony is expected to feature the traditional parade of athletes, cultural performances, and presentations that highlight Thailand’s identity as host nation. Rajamangala National Stadium will serve as the central venue for the program, where spectators can anticipate a large-scale production involving music, dance, and visual displays prepared specifically for the 33rd edition.
Fans can also expect appearances from participating delegations, the formal lighting of the SEA Games cauldron, and a series of themed segments that showcase Thailand’s heritage and creativity. While specific program details have not been released, organizers typically combine modern staging with cultural elements to mark the official start of the games.
Conclusion
The SEA Games 2025 is set to bring together 11 Southeast Asian nations for nearly two weeks of competition, with Thailand hosting its seventh edition of the event. With confirmed venues, schedules, athlete entries, and viewing options, fans now have a clear picture of what to expect when the games begin on December 9. As the opening ceremony approaches, more details may still be released, but the key information is already in place for viewers who plan to watch online or attend the event in person.
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