BANGKOK – The 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games were officially inaugurated in a vibrant and colorful opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday evening (December 9, 2025). The event marked the formal start of the region's premier multi-sport event, hosted by Thailand.
The ceremony was a grand celebration, with the host nation presenting a colossal party of Thai culture and arts on the stadium field. Athletes from across Southeast Asia paraded into the arena, greeted by enthusiastic cheers.
In his welcoming address, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul extended a warm welcome to all participating contingents, expressing his hope that every athlete and delegate would feel comfortable and enjoy their time in Thailand. This was followed by an address from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, delivered in Thai, and the playing of the Thai national anthem.
The defining moment of the night arrived with the lighting of the Games cauldron. The torch, carried into the stadium by renowned actress and model Vareeraya 'ST' Sukaseem after a relay from outside, was used to light the cauldron by Thailand's Olympic gold medalist taekwondo star, Panipak Wongpattanakit. This act formally declared the SEA Games 2025 open.
This edition of the Games features 11 Southeast Asian nations competing for glory in 574 events across 50 different sports. While the official opening was on December 9, some sports had already begun their competitions earlier. The Games will run until December 20, 2025, with athletes vying for medals and regional supremacy over the coming days.