Cambodia has made the crucial decision to withdraw its delegation from the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to escalating safety concerns stemming from a border conflict between the two nations that has intensified for the third consecutive day. The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia communicated this decision in a letter to the event’s organizers, citing “serious concerns” and the requests from families of athletes for their safe return home.
The hostilities, which reignited on Monday, mark the second significant escalation between Thailand and Cambodia this year, undermining a fragile ceasefire established in July following mediation efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump. The violent exchanges have led to substantial displacements, with heavy artillery fire and air strikes from Thai fighter jets reported on both sides. As of now, at least 14 fatalities have been confirmed, along with 88 injuries resulting from the clashes.
In their official statement, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia emphasized that the decision to withdraw was not taken lightly, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The committee’s directive to evacuate all delegation members comes shortly after they attended the opening ceremony of the Games in Bangkok.
Cambodia had previously ranked fourth in the medals table when it hosted the Games in 2023, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in regional sports. This year’s Southeast Asian Games, taking place across Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla, is now marked by this significant and unfortunate decision from Cambodia, underscoring the impact of political tensions on international sporting events.