PSC assures safety of Filipino athletes at 33rd SEA Games amid Thailand–Cambodia conflict

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) opened in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 9, with the Philippines fielding one of its largest contingents ever — a 1,600-strong delegation competing across various sports.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio assured that the country’s athletes remain safe despite geopolitical tensions involving host nation Thailand and Cambodia. He stressed that the situation has not affected the Games.

Gregorio noted that Cambodia continues to participate in the regional meet even after reports that Thailand launched airstrikes on Monday, December 8.

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“Hindi po dapat ikabahala. Nakita niyo naman, pumarada rin ng Cambodia sa opening ceremony. So, I don’t think we should be scared and I don’t think we should think about it,” Gregorio said during a media briefing.

A very fortuitous visit from PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio who watched our victorious match against Vietnam. 💙

Maraming salamat po sa inyong taos-pusong suporta! 🙏@psc_gov pic.twitter.com/uHVHSdnNMX

— Philippine Women’s National Football Team (@PilipinasWNFT) December 9, 2025

“Ang isipin natin kung paano makakakuha ng medalya, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Southeast Asian Games, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Bangkok. Yan ang ano, sports tourism to eh. So, kung ano yung hidwaan ni Cambodia at Thailand, sana lang matapos na kaagad,” he added.

According to the PSC chief, no concerns have been raised by the families of Filipino athletes, and the multi-sport event is proceeding without disruption.

“Wala naman. Alam mo, nakakalungkot na may ganyan silang problema. Pero at the end of the day, you know, tayo sports is peace. Tayo sa Philippines, siyempre hinihikayat natin sila na magkasundo na sila.

“Kasi one ASEAN ito, di ba? Lalo na tayo ang host ng ASEAN Summit in 2026. So sana dahil dito sa Southeast Asian Games, magkabati na sila sa kanilang hindi pagkaunawaan,” Gregorio concluded.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino echoed the sentiment, adding that the issue between Thailand and Cambodia was not raised during the SEA Games Council meeting held Monday, on the eve of the opening ceremony.

The 33rd SEA Games run until December 20, with events being staged in Bangkok and Chonburi.

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