Cambodia sent a letter of thanks to Thailand before withdrawing its entire team from the 2025 SEA Games, citing safety concerns over the ongoing tense situation at the border.
On 10 December 2025 GMT+7, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) issued an open letter expressing gratitude to Thailand after deciding to withdraw all its athletes and officials from the 2025 SEA Games, despite having just participated in the opening ceremony on 9 December.
This decision stemmed from safety concerns amid escalating tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border in recent days, prompting Cambodia to send home its delegation of 137 athletes and staff on 11 December.
In the letter addressed to Major Ekachai Sirivat, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, the Cambodian side stated that the decision was difficult but made urgently in response to requests from athletes' families who wanted them to return home immediately for their safety.
The letter states:
"On behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, we regret to inform you that due to serious safety concerns and urgent requests from our athletes' families, we must withdraw the entire delegation and arrange immediate return to Cambodia for their safety."
Cambodia also expressed gratitude to the organizing committee (THASOC) and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) for their warm hospitality, emphasizing that the withdrawal was not politically motivated in any way.
