What are the Southeast Asian Games?
The Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) are the biennial multi-sport games of Southeast Asia's eleven nations — and by participation one of the largest multi-sport events in the world: the 33rd edition in Thailand (December 2025) drew 13,657 athletes across 50 sports, from Olympic disciplines to regional sports such as sepak takraw and pencak silat.[1] [2]
Who organizes the SEA Games?
The Southeast Asian Games Federation, comprising the NOCs of the eleven member nations, owns the Games; hosting rotates among the members, with each host staging the event with its NOC and organizing committee.[2] [3]
When and where are they held?
Every two years, in odd-numbered years. Thailand (Bangkok–Chonburi–Songkhla) hosted the 33rd edition on 9–20 December 2025 and handed the flag to Malaysia for 2027.[1] [2]
Since when do they exist?
First held in Bangkok in 1959 as the Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games, the event expanded to all of Southeast Asia in 1977 and has run biennially for over six decades.[3]
How do athletes qualify?
Entry runs through the eleven NOCs, which select and enter national teams under per-sport quotas and the host's program. SEA Games results feed the region's pathways toward the Asian Games and Olympic qualification events.[2] [3]
Why do the SEA Games matter?
Across Southeast Asia the SEA Games are a national sporting priority — flag-bearer of regional prestige, heavily broadcast, and for most of the region's athletes the most prominent international title realistically contested. Fields in swimming, athletics and badminton regularly include Asian Games and Olympic finalists.[1] [2]
Who competes?
National teams of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam — well over ten thousand athletes at recent editions.[1]
References
- Olympics.com — SEA Games 2025: final medal table of the 33rd Games. Accessed August 2026.
- Nation Thailand — Thailand closes 33rd SEA Games, hands flag to Malaysia for 2027. Accessed August 2026.
- Olympics.com — SEA Games 2025 preview and schedule. Accessed August 2026.