Bangkok, 9 December 2025 – The two-and-a-half-hour opening ceremony at Rajamangala Stadium on 9 December delivered spectacular performances mixing Southeast Asian heritage and modern staging, but also drew controversy due to delays and technical mistakes.
The opening ceremony of SEA Games 33 began at exactly 19:00 at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, unfolding across more than two and a half hours with a mix of dazzling performances, cultural symbolism and unexpected interruptions. Two bilingual MCs opened the evening by recounting the 66-year journey of the Games, from the first SEAP Games in 1959 — also hosted by Bangkok — to the present day. Using laser lights and multi-layer projection, Thailand recreated key historical milestones through ultra-high-definition LED displays under the theme “SEA Games Returns Home.”
Thai-Belgian singer Violette Wautier kicked off the artistic programme with the official song “1%,” joined by rappers Tong Twopee and F.Hero. Their modern, energetic performance set the tone before the “Ignite the Game” segment transformed the stadium into a sea of flames with hundreds of performers moving in torch-inspired costumes.
The ceremony’s next thematic chapter, “One Spirit,” highlighted traditional martial arts of Southeast Asia. Massive cube structures rose from the field, where performers embodied fighters in Muay Thai, pencak silat and wushu. The biggest cheer erupted when Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek appeared, demonstrating signature moves that symbolise Thai sporting heritage.
The show escalated visually with “We Are One – Connect by the Sea,” featuring dancers performing against a digital ocean backdrop created through mapping technology. Sequences involving underwater effects, jet skis and flyboard performers added striking imagery. Two flyboard artists spinning above columns of water became one of the ceremony’s most memorable sights.
The final artistic highlight belonged to BamBam of GOT7, who delivered several solo performances under the theme “Blooming of the Victory.” Blending pop music, choreography and lighting design, his appearance electrified the entire stadium.
However, the flow of the programme was interrupted by an unusual 30-minute delay. During this time, the MCs improvised to maintain energy while cameras avoided the VIP area, as King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Sineenat had not yet arrived. The delay prompted murmurs in the stands, with many spectators repeatedly glancing toward the VIP section. When the royal couple finally appeared, those seated nearby stood and bowed in respect. This was followed by a solemn tribute to Queen Sirikit, who passed away on 24 October at the age of 93. Thailand is currently observing a year-long national mourning period, reflected in the predominantly dark attire seen throughout the venue.
Technical errors also marred the ceremony. During the historical SEA Games segment, organisers mistakenly displayed Singapore’s flag for the 1997 Indonesia Games. Earlier, inconsistencies appeared in the medal count: the MC announced 574 medal events, while projected visuals showed 547.
The most anticipated moment came when two-time Olympic taekwondo champion Panipak Wongpattanakit lit the symbolic cauldron. Departing from tradition, the cauldron used no fire; instead, beams of light shot skyward — a visual intended to convey the “Green Games” message of reduced emissions, minimal fireworks and sustainable energy.
The ceremony concluded at 21:30 with the luminous cauldron shining above Rajamangala Stadium, officially opening 10 days of competition from 10 to 20 December. SEA Games 33 brings together more than 9,300 athletes from 11 nations across 50 sports. This is Thailand’s first time hosting since 2007, and the country aims to reaffirm its role as a regional hub for sports and tourism.
Vietnam enters the Games with a 1,165-member delegation — including 842 athletes — targeting 91 to 110 gold medals. Taekwondo athlete Le Minh Thuan and volleyball star Le Thanh Thuy led the Vietnamese contingent during the parade. Before the ceremony, several teams, including football, badminton and baseball, had already begun their competitions.
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