The 33rd edition of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand is scheduled for December 2025. Held every two years, it’s one of the most anticipated sports events for the South East Asian region. 

The 2023 games in Cambodia saw Vietnam emerge in the lead with 136 gold medals. Thailand came a close second. Eleven countries participated that year in this sports tournament that is over 75 years old. First organised in Bangkok in 1959, the SEA Games have a multi-pronged economic, social, and cultural impact. 

What will the Thailand 2025 SEA Games be like? Will Thailand win the most medals?

What You Need to Know

• The SEA Games were founded after a few delegates from various Southeast Asia countries attended the Asian Games in Tokyo. The goal was to promote cooperation among participating countries and boost growth. The six founding members were Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• In the 2023 SEA Games, Thailand came second, winning a total of 313 medals, while Vietnam won 355. 

• As the host country for the 2025 SEA Games, Thailand could have a home-ground advantage, which would benefit the athletes.

• This is the seventh time that Thailand is hosting the SEA Games.

• The SEA games have been criticised for being a ‘gold-medal mine’ for host nations, as the host nations can include or exclude games based on their preferences. However, Thailand is one of three countries that have proposed amendments to the rules to prevent this.

• Sports are an integral part of Thai culture. Muay Thai (a martial art form that is a national sport), football, badminton, and volleyball are important to the people of Thailand.

• Thailand has won the most medals in Southeast Asian games in the past (all-time standing). 

• The country sent 877 athletes to compete in 38 sports in the last edition. How many will it send for the Thailand SEA Games 2025? That could also determine its probability of winning. 

Yes or No?

Thailand has a great track record of winning, especially in the SEA Games. In 2025, it will have strong local support, boosting the players' morale. However, the outcome will ultimately depend on the performances of all participating nations during the event, as there will always be tough competition. 

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