Members of the Philippines' delegation wave their country's national flag as they take part in the athletes' parade during the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on December 9, 2025. Lillian Suwanrumpha, AFP
BANGKOK -- The Filipino athletes competing in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games are safe, despite the on-going border dispute between host Thailand and Cambodia.
This was the assurance made by the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok on Saturday.
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-Paredes said in an interview with Philippine Olympic Committee media in Bangkok.
"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," she added.
READ: At least 118 Filipinos evacuated in Thailand amid border dispute -- envoy
The envoy explained the clashes are confined to six of Thailand's seven border provinces, which are far from Bangkok and Chonburi, the venue of SEA Games sports events
The Philippine Embassy earlier issued an advisory for Filipinos living near affected areas, urging them to stay updated with developments and follow instructions from Thai authorities.
As thousands of tourists were flying in for the regional showcase, the envoy called on Filipinos living in Thailand to watch the games and support Team Philippines.
"We've been encouraging the Filipino community here in Thailand to come and watch and support our athletes," Cruz-Paredes said.
The envoy likewise encouraged tourists to visit Thailand, but cautioned them from traveling to areas near the conflict zone.
"Kung magtuturista 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-Paredes said.
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Cambodian athletes participated in the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday with a delegation of less than 20 athletes.
The following day, Cambodia pulled out its entire SEA Games delegation, citing "serious concerns" over their safety and security amid the ongoing border dispute.