PH Embassy in Thailand: Filipino SEA Games athletes safe amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict

BANGKOK — The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok has assured the safety of all Filipino athletes competing in the ongoing 2025 Southeast Asian Games, despite armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces near the border.

Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz-Paredes said Thai authorities have put security measures in place to ensure the safety of all SEA Games delegations.

“Ang mga atleta natin ay siguradong safe. Safe naman ang Bangkok. That’s why we continue to have these SEA Games. In-ensure 'yan ng Thai authorities,” Cruz said in a chance interview with GMA Integrated News and Philippine Olympic Committee Media in Bangkok.

Cruz said the clashes are confined to six of Thailand’s seven border provinces and are far from Bangkok and Chon Buri, where most of the SEA Games venues are located.

“I’m sure ang Thai authorities ay gumawa ng measures, ng safety measures to ensure na ligtas ang lahat ng atleta. Hindi lamang ng Pilipinas kundi lahat ng participants sa SEA Games,” Cruz said.

She also encouraged Filipinos living in Thailand to watch the games and support the Philippine team.

“We’ve been encouraging the Filipino community here in Thailand to come and watch and support our athletes,” Cruz said.

For tourists, however, the Philippine Embassy continues to advise caution, particularly against traveling to border areas affected by the fighting.

“Kung magtuturisa dito sa Thailand, then pumunta lamang doon sa mga lugar na safe. Ang Bangkok, safe. They’re welcome to come to Thailand. Huwag lang doon kung saan may labanan,” Cruz said.

On Wednesday, Cambodia withdrew all of its athletes from the SEA Games in Thailand, citing “serious concerns” over the security situation.

A day earlier, however, Cambodia was still able to participate in the opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium, with a small delegation of fewer than 20 athletes—the smallest contingent among the 11 participating countries.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News