Holiday Ayo - Cambodia made a surprising decision to withdraw from the 2025 SEA Games and withdraw all its athletes from Thailand on Wednesday (December 10). 

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) has written to the CEO of the SEA Games Federation, Chaiyapak Siriwat, announcing its withdrawal from the 2025 SEA Games.

Security concerns and the ongoing situation between Cambodia and Thailand led to the NOCC's decision to withdraw. 

“I regret to inform you that due to serious concerns and the request of the athletes' families for their immediate return home, the NOCC must withdraw our entire delegation and arrange for their immediate return to Cambodia for security reasons," read the letter from NOCC Secretary-General HE Vath Chamroeun.

The NOCC stated that this difficult decision had to be taken after careful consideration.

Cambodia also apologized for any inconvenience caused and thanked the 2025 SEA Games committee for their understanding. 

Previously, Cambodia had canceled participation in judo, karate, pencak silat, wrestling, wushu, petanque, football, and sepak takraw.

The Cambodian team participated in the opening ceremony of the 2025 SEA Games on Tuesday (December 9). 

However, less than 24 hours after the opening ceremony, all Cambodian athletes were sent home. The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has not subsided to this day. 

Most recently, Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia on Monday (December 8). The two countries are embroiled in a dispute over border territory that has displaced hundreds of civilians.