The Games are broadcast in full on FPT Play at: http://fptplay.vn.

This marks the seventh time Thailand has hosted the region’s largest multi-sport event. The Games bring together thousands of athletes from 11 Southeast Asian countries, competing in over 40 disciplines across major venues in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

This year, Thailand is aiming for a streamlined, modern edition of the SEA Games, leveraging technology to enhance the experience for both athletes and spectators.

Alongside traditional Olympic sports, region-specific events remain a key part of the competition, preserving the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia.

Vietnam's sports delegation to the 33rd SEA Games includes 1,165 members. This comprises one head of delegation, three deputy heads, 69 officials and medical staff, 44 team leaders, 16 specialists, 191 coaches, and 841 athletes participating in 47 sports and sub-disciplines, competing in 443 out of 573 events.

At 21:22, Panipak Wongpattanakit, a taekwondo athlete who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2020 and 2024, lit the SEA Games torch, officially launching the 33rd edition of the event.

The host country's national anthem and flag-raising ceremony were followed by the parade of the SEA Games flag.

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua declared the Games officially open, after a speech by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The Thai sports delegation, with 1,535 athletes - the largest of any country - entered the stadium last, participating in every discipline of the Games.

Vietnam’s delegation appeared earlier, led by volleyball player Le Thanh Thuy and taekwondo athlete Le Minh Thuan, who proudly carried the national flag.

The athlete parade began with Brunei, represented by 65 athletes, followed by Cambodia with 84. Laos marched in with 368 athletes.

Thai K-pop idol Kasidech Bhuwakul and his group Got7 delivered a lighthearted, upbeat musical performance.

A visually striking segment featured 11 massive cubes with performers dressed in traditional martial arts costumes from the region, including Vovinam, Muay Thai, pencak silat, and wushu.

Chapter III of the show, titled “We are one,” followed the arrival of the Thai King and Queen. The performance included synchronized swimming, jet skiing, and flyboarding - showcasing thrilling water sports.

Earlier, the Thai royal couple made their appearance at the ceremony, receiving a warm welcome from thousands in attendance.

Chapter II, themed “Ignite the Games,” featured Thai-Belgian pop star Violette Wautier performing “1%,” alongside Thai rappers Hero Srimok and Pitawat “Tong Twopee” Phrueksakit.

Chapter I, “Return to origins,” reflected on the SEA Games' early days. The inaugural edition - then called SEAP Games - was held in Bangkok from December 12 to 17, 1959, with 520 participants from six countries.

The ceremony, hosted by two Thai MCs, unfolded in five chapters. Preparations had been completed well in advance, with all systems ready for Southeast Asia’s biggest sporting celebration.

By 6:00 p.m., an hour before the event began, more than 50,000 people had gathered at Rajamangala Stadium.

Security was maintained at the highest level by the host organizers to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all.

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Atthakorn Sirilatthakorn, shared that the ceremony aimed to blend traditional culture and modern technology in a multidimensional performance that honored Thai identity and regional unity.

Cultural icons like BamBam, Violette Wautier, and Buakaw were among the featured performers. International beauty queens also joined the procession.

A major highlight was the “green” torch-lighting ceremony, led by Panipak Wongpattanakit in a never-before-seen format, symbolizing sustainability.