Grand and spectacular: Highlights from the opening ceremony of the 2025 ASEAN Para Games, cheering for Thai athletes from 20-26 Jan 2026.
On 20 January 2026, the 13th ASEAN Para Games officially opened with great fanfare, marking a major regional disabled sports event. The ceremony took place at the Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Birthday Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
For the opening ceremony, His Majesty the King graciously appointed General Phra Vorawong Thoe Phra Ong Chao Chalermsak Yukol to represent the royal presence. The event featured a full-scale light and sound show showcasing Thai art, culture, and identity to ASEAN and the world through three performances.
• Performance 1: “Symphony of the Heart”
• Performance 2: “Heartbeat Isan Pop”
• Performance 3: “Rhythm of Dreams”
In addition, several nationally renowned artists enlivened the stage, including Sunaree Ratchasima, Arpaporn Nakhonsawan, female rapper Milli (Danupha Khanatheerakul), Keng Tachaya Pratumwan, and Khem Vichayanee Piaklin, who shared energy, fun, and inspiration with viewers nationwide.
A key highlight was the athletes' parade, with the Thai team entering the stadium led by wheelchair racer Prawat Wahorum, a seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, carrying the national flag. The torch relay featured “Beam” Chaiwat Rattana, Phanom Laksaprim, and “Lookkaed” Orawan Kraisinh, before passing the flame to “Waew” Sai Sunee Jana, a wheelchair fencer and five-time Paralympic gold medalist, who was the final torchbearer and lit the cauldron to officially open the Games.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima Province will be held from 20 to 26 January 2026.
