SEA Games controversy: Athlete complains about unfair selection!

SEA Games controversy: Athlete complains about unfair selection!

There's been a lot going on in the Thai sports world in the last few days. On November 9, 2025, the Thai Gymnastics Federation issued a clear statement on the selection of athletes for the 33rd SEA Games. The association emphasizes the transparency and legality of this selection. How mgronline reported, however, legal action has also been announced against the spread of false information that could harm the association.

At the center of the controversy is athlete Ittirith Kamserirat, who has complained that his non-selection for the SEA Games was unfair. Although he won the individual classification of the national championship in 2025, he was not selected for the event. Dr. Kusumal Persetsri, vice president of the association, explained that the national championship is only one of the selection criteria and performances in various disciplines are crucial. Ittirith is not considered the best athlete as his scores were not the best, while other athletes such as Thikhamphon Surinthrat were able to collect medals in international competitions.

The SEA Games 2025 in detail

The 33rd SEA Games will be held in Bangkok from December 9th to 20th, 2025. This edition is published by sea-games-thailand-2025-idn considered one of the largest in the event's history, with a total of 574 competitions in 54 sports. Thailand is hosting for the seventh time and qualified as a host city through a vote by the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF).

The participating countries, 11 in total, represent all ASEAN nations, with approximately 12,506 athletes set to compete for medals. The competitions take place in different provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla, with each region responsible for specific sports. From football to ice hockey – the range of sports is impressive and not only attracts sports enthusiasts.

Symbolism and atmosphere of the SEA Games

With its gold, red and blue elements, the SEA Games 2025 logo embodies Thailand's cultural roots and represents unity in Southeast Asia. A traditional Thai character will also act as a mascot, giving the event a modern feel. The medals are inspired by Thai temple architecture, reflecting the host's deep-rooted culture and tradition.

The opening ceremony on December 9th will take place in Bangkok, followed by competitions until December 19th, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for December 20th at the Rajamangala National Stadium. Interactive fan engagement options, such as daily predictions for the competitions, are intended to further encourage viewers.

With the goal of winning five gold medals, the Thai Gymnastics Federation is determined to have a strong performance at the Games. Nevertheless, the upcoming legal dispute with Ittirith Kamserirat could bring additional tension to the preparatory activities. The anticipation for the SEA Games 2025 is increasing and the entire country seems to be preparing for an exciting time.

A sporting event with cultural depth and a variety of competitions promises exciting days for everyone involved!