Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport Hang Chuon Naron has acknowledged that Cambodia would lose face if it boycotted the 33rd SEA Games in 2025, but Thailand, as the host country, would also suffer significant embarrassment if it does anything that negatively affects Cambodian athletes or delegates during the event, which will take place from December 9 to 20.
He shared his thoughts as he met with some of the athletes and coaches selected to represent Cambodia at the games, on November 24 at the Peace Palace, on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The Kingdom will send a total of 332 delegates across 21 sports.
He explained that Cambodia carefully evaluated the difficulties and assessed the tense situation on the border before deciding to send a delegation. He emphasised that a boycott would seriously damage Cambodia’s image at a time when other countries in the region are paying close attention to it. Such an action would cause Cambodia to lose honour, especially within ASEAN.
“If we don’t send our delegation or decide to boycott, it is not only a boycott against Thailand but a boycott against ASEAN as a whole, because the SEA Games is an ASEAN-wide event overseen by the ASEAN Sports Council. It would affect Cambodia’s reputation,” he said.
“If we don’t participate, the consequences will be even more severe because they will say we are harming ASEAN’s reputation. This matter is not only about the host country. Thailand has no authority to decide whether Cambodia can participate or not. But if we refuse to join, they will criticise us — not for disrespecting the host, but for disrespecting ASEAN,” he added.
However, he highlighted the responsibility of Thailand, as hosts, to ensure the security and safety of all Cambodian delegates and to guarantee transparency and fairness in the competitions. If Thailand fails to uphold these responsibilities, it will suffer significant embarrassment.
“The decision to participate was difficult, but we recognise that the host (Thailand) must ensure the safety of our delegation. If anything happens to our athletes, the host will be embarrassed,” he underlined.
He also instructed the Cambodian delegation to remain cautious. He advised Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), to assign responsible staff for each sport and take accurate daily attendance. Athletes must maintain discipline, move only in groups — not alone — and keep communication lines open to ensure safety.
“We must take daily attendance, as Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed. If anything happens, report it immediately. For sports that finish their competitions, return immediately,” he said.
“This matter was thoroughly discussed and evaluated before the decision was made. This decision serves national interests and national pride. If we do not participate, we will be blamed, and we would embarrass ASEAN. But if anything happens, Thailand will be the one embarrassed,” he added.
Chuon Naron reminded all Cambodian athletes across the 21 sports to uphold discipline, dignity and adherence to SEA Games regulations. They must be patient and avoid responding to any improper actions that may occur. In particular, they must strictly avoid the use of banned substances.
“We are representing our nation. If anyone provokes you, do NOT respond! Simply walk away and file a report. That shows dignity and integrity,” he advised.
“We cannot say we won’t participate. If we don’t, we will be harshly criticised and lose international support. We would lose face on the international stage. We cannot allow ourselves to lose face in Thailand. Therefore, we must avoid banned substances entirely. If any such issue occurs, the reaction will be severe, because we are under constant observation,” he warned.
