Their Majesties the King and Queen Preside Over the Opening Ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games

The 33rd SEA Games, hosted by Thailand from 9–20 December, officially began with a grand Opening Ceremony on 9 December at Rajamangala National Stadium. Their Majesties the King and Queen presided, setting a tone of significance and national pride.

The ceremony began at 19:00 hrs, featuring a series of grand performances that showcased Thai identity, modernity, and the magnificence of the SEA Games.

Segment 1: “BACK TO THE ORIGIN” – A Tribute Performance

The first segment featured dynamic lighting sequences around the stadium, a drone show above the field, and a countdown to the official opening. Archival footage from previous SEA Games was displayed through graphic mapping across the stadium floor.

Segment 2: “IGNITE THE GAME” – Awakening the Spirit of Competition

Performances by artists such as Violette Wautier, Twopee, and F.HERO energized the stadium with the song 1%. LED-equipped runners formed the SEA Games Thailand 2025 logo, while dramatic pyrotechnics and a drum solo by Ken of Zeal heightened excitement, creating a memorable visual spectacle.

The ceremony then proceeded with a moment of remembrance to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, followed by a period of silence.

Segment 3: “WE ARE ONE – WE ARE CONNECTED BY THE SEA”

The third performance opened with moonlit ocean scenes on the main stage screens. Thai artists showcased traditional culture, joined by representatives from the 10 other ASEAN nations. Highlights included an underwater dance by former Thai national artistic swimmers, a freestyle jet-ski display by Nakorn “Ple” Silachai and son “Orca” Nakara Silachai, and a dramatic acrobatic flyboard show rising from the water.

Segment 4: “ONE SPIRIT” – The Spirit of Unity

This segment featured the appearance of world-renowned Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek, who performed the traditional wai kru and a powerful martial arts demonstration, followed by an electric guitar solo.

Segment 5: “BLOOMING OF ONE VICTORY” – Friendship Is Victory

Thai K-pop artist BamBam (Kunpimook Bhuwakul) led a vocal performance of the song Ruk Nak Naen (“Steadfast Love”), accompanied by six other artists.

Parade of Flags and Athletes

Flags of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, the Thai national flag, the Games’ official flag, and appearances by all six mascots entered the stadium, followed by the athletes’ parade in the following order:

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and concluding with the host nation, Thailand.

Her Majesty the Queen joined the Thai delegation in the parade and is also a competitor in sailing at this year’s Games. Flagbearers leading the Thai contingent were:

* Male: Kunlavut Vitidsarn, 2024 Olympic silver medalist in badminton

* Female: Janjaem Suwannapheng, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in women’s boxing

Official Opening

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a report on the organization of the Games and sought the royal command to declare the Games open. His Majesty the King then officially proclaimed the opening of the 33rd SEA Games, followed by the raising of the Games flag.

Athlete representatives, led by national sprinter Puripol Boonson, carried the SEA Games Federation flag to the stage for the oath-taking ceremony. Oath bearers included Ballangk Thaptimdaeng, 2025 world taekwondo champion, and Tanya Prucksakorn, a five-time Olympian in shooting.

Torch Relay and Lighting of the Cauldron

The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the SEA Games cauldron. The torchbearers were:

1. “ST” Vareeraya Sukasem, a rising 14-year-old skateboarder

2. Lt. Col. Somjit Jongjohor, former Olympic gold medalist in boxing (2008)

3. Flt. Lt. Panipak Wongpattanakit, two-time Olympic champion in taekwondo

The cauldron lighting featured laser effects and visual projections that guided the audience’s attention to the main cauldron. A burst of flame then shot skyward, accompanied by a celebratory drone display, marking the spectacular and complete opening of the 33rd SEA Games.

Source: SEA Games Thailand 2025

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