Bangkok, Thailand – The 33rd Southeast Asian Games got off to a spectacular start at Rajamangala National Stadium on 9 December. Their Majesties the King and Queen led the Opening Ceremony, celebrating culture, national pride, and the spirit of sport in a breathtaking spectacle.
The ceremony began at 19:00 hrs, featuring a series of five spectacular segments:
1. BACK TO THE ORIGIN – A Tribute Performance
Dynamic lighting, a drone show above the stadium, and archival footage from previous SEA Games set the stage. Graphic mapping across the field highlighted Thailand’s rich sporting heritage and the Games’ history.
2. IGNITE THE GAME – Awakening the Spirit of Competition
Performances by Thai artists including Violette Wautier, Twopee, and F.HERO energized the stadium. LED-equipped runners formed the official SEA Games Thailand 2025 logo, while pyrotechnics and a drum solo by Ken of Zeal amplified the excitement. A solemn moment of remembrance honored Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
3. WE ARE ONE – Connected by the Sea
Traditional Thai performances were joined by representatives from the other 10 ASEAN nations. Highlights included an underwater dance by former national artistic swimmers, freestyle jet-ski displays by Nakorn “Ple” Silachai and son “Orca” Nakara Silachai, and an acrobatic flyboard show that rose from the stadium’s water features.
4. ONE SPIRIT – The Spirit of Unity
World-renowned Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek performed the traditional wai kru and martial arts demonstration, followed by an electrifying guitar solo, symbolizing the strength and unity of athletes across the region.
5. BLOOMING OF ONE VICTORY – Friendship Is Victory
Thai K-pop star BamBam (Kunpimook Bhuwakul) led a vocal performance of Ruk Nak Naen (“Steadfast Love”) with six other artists, celebrating the values of friendship and sportsmanship.
Parade of Flags and Athletes
The parade featured flags of the SEA Games Federation, Thailand, and the Games’ official flag, alongside all six mascots. Athletes entered in the following order: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Flagbearers for Thailand were Kunlavut Vitidsarn, 2024 Olympic silver medalist in badminton, and Janjaem Suwannapheng, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in women’s boxing. Her Majesty the Queen joined the Thai athletes in the parade and is also competing in sailing at this year’s Games.
Official Opening
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented the Games’ organizational report and requested royal command to officially open the Games. His Majesty the King proclaimed the opening, followed by the raising of the Games flag. Athlete representatives, led by sprinter Puripol Boonson, carried the SEA Games Federation flag, with oath-takers Ballangk Thaptimdaeng (world taekwondo champion 2025) and Tanya Prucksakorn (five-time Olympic shooter).
Torch Relay and Cauldron Lighting
The ceremony’s highlight featured the torch relay with Vareeraya Sukasem (skateboarder), Lt. Col. Somjit Jongjohor (Olympic boxing gold medalist), and Flt. Lt. Panipak Wongpattanakit (two-time Olympic taekwondo champion). Laser effects and visual projections led to the cauldron, which erupted in flames, accompanied by an impressive drone show, officially marking the start of the 33rd SEA Games.