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
MANILA -- Host nation Thailand highlighted the unity among Southeast Asian countries on Tuesday, as the curtain officially rose on the 33rd edition of the SEA Games at the Rajmangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
The opening ceremony featured a balance of Thailand culture and storylines centered on the history of the SEA Games, and the beauty of competition among regional neighbors.
The ceremony opened with a stunning drone show featuring 800 drones with the backdrop of music from composer Sarawut Lertpanyanuch.
Throughout the program, music and performances showcased the talent and heritage of the hosts, with local acts such as Violette Wautier, Twopee, and F.HERO.
READ: SEA Games to open in Thailand with tightened security
The ceremonies, which was graced by King Rama X, also had visually engaging LED performances and a pyro show.
The late Queen Sirikit was also given her due with tributes scattered in the program, owing also to her focus on growing sports in Thailand.
"The SEA Games is not only a major sporting event of Southeast Asia but also a reflection of how nations coexist in today's world-where intense competition can flourish alongside friendship, mutual respect, and unity," said H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.
"The spirit of the Games echoes the way our global community thrives: by honouring diversity, respecting common rules, and standing together despite differences."
An aquatic spectacle also wowed audiences with an underwater ballet, jet ski stunts, and flyboard dazzling those at the stadium. Other performances featured Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and GOT7's BAMBAM.
Team Philippines' Alex Eala and Bryan Bagunas were the flag bearers for the 200-hundred strong Philippine contingent present at the opening ceremony.
The Philippines has over 1,600 delegates in Thailand including athletes, coaches, and officials.
The SEA Games had opened with heightened security over fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Renewed combat this week over a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has killed six Cambodian civilians and three Thai soldiers, and wounded more than 20 others.
Citing safety concerns, Cambodia last month withdrew about half of its athletes, pulling out of eight events including football, wrestling, judo and karate.
Thailand's deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao said Tuesday that Thailand will "ensure the highest level of security" for Cambodian athletes during the ongoing border tensions.
Security personnel will be deployed to guarantee their safety, he said, though specific operational details were not disclosed.
- with Agence France-Presse