The SEA Games return to Thailand: sport, sustainability and surprises

This children’s article, The SEA Games return to Thailand: sport, sustainability and surprises, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children learn about one of Southeast Asia’s biggest sporting events, its history, new eco-friendly goals, and some exciting sports you might not see at the Olympics, like jet ski racing and dragon boat racing. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

What are the SEA Games?

The Southeast Asian Games, often called the SEA Games, are held every two years. They began in 1959 with just six countries taking part. Since then, they have grown to include 11 nations from Southeast Asia.

This year, from the 9th to the 20th of December, the 33rd edition of the SEA Games is taking place in Bangkok and nearby provinces in Thailand. It’s the seventh time Thailand have hosted the event.

A sustainable Games in the “Green SEA Games”

Thailand wants the 2025 SEA Games to be more than just an exciting sports event. Organisers are trying to make it one of the first major regional sporting events that focuses on low carbon emissions and environmental protection.

For example, the traditional burning flame at the opening ceremony was replaced by a digital “Green Flame” to reduce pollution. Other parts of the show used drones and water-based performances instead of fireworks to cut emissions. Officials also want to use electric vehicles for athlete transport, encourage carpooling for spectators, and recycle as many materials as possible.

These efforts are part of a bigger plan to make hosting large sports events cleaner and more sustainable in the future, something Thailand calls the Green SEA Games.

What’s happening this year

The 2025 SEA Games will feature over 570 medal events in around 50 sports, ranging from classics like athletics, swimming and football to newer or regionally popular events. There are also exciting demonstration sports that aren’t usually seen at the Olympics or Asian Games.

Some unusual and fun sports this year include:

• Extreme jet ski and other extreme water sports — where riders race powerful personal watercraft at high speed.
• Tug of war – a team competition of strength and teamwork.
• Dragon boat racing – where long colourful boats powered by teams paddle together.
• Esports – competitive video gaming with titles such as Mobile Legends and Free Fire being played for medals.

These kinds of sports are part of what makes the SEA Games special and different from other international competitions.

Why the SEA Games matter

The SEA Games are about more than medals and winners. They bring young athletes from all over Southeast Asia together to share culture, make new friends and show regional unity. Fans travel from country to country to cheer their teams, and millions of people watch the competitions on TV or online.

This year’s event also shows how sport can work with big ideas like sustainability, helping people think about how major events can protect the planet while still celebrating athletic skill.

Article vocabulary list

• Multi-sport: An event that includes many different sports.
• Region: A group of countries or an area of the world.
• Federation: A group that oversees and organises competitions.
• Emissions: Gases released into the air, often from burning fuel.
• Demonstration sport: A sport shown for fun or interest but not included in the official medal count.
• Sustainable: Something that does not harm the environment.
• Transport: Ways of moving people from one place to another, such as cars or buses.
• Spectator: Someone who watches a sports event.
• Athlete: A person who competes in sports.
• Tradition: Something done for many years by a group of people.

Comprehension questions

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