### Cambodia Withdraws from SEA Games Amid Escalating Border Clashes with Thailand - On December 10, 2025, Cambodia made the decision to withdraw its entire delegation from the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted in Thailand, citing severe safety concerns due to escalating border conflicts. The Cambodian team had only attended the opening ceremony the previous day before being ordered to return home as violence intensified along the border, leading to civilian evacuations and heightened security fears in the region [https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3335854/cambodia-pulls-entire-delegation-sea-games-thailand][https://www.firstpost.com/world/cambodia-pulls-out-of-southeast-asian-games-amid-border-conflict-with-thailand-13958377.html]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Conflict** - Overview of the border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. - Details on the military clashes and their impact on civilian safety. 2. **Cambodia's Withdrawal** - Description of the decision-making process leading to the withdrawal. - The implications of this decision for the SEA Games and regional relations. 3. **Regional Reactions and Security Concerns** - Analysis of the reactions from both countries and the international community. - Overview of the security measures implemented in response to the conflict. 4. **Future Implications** - Discussion on the potential long-term effects of the conflict on Cambodia-Thailand relations. - Consideration of the impact on future sporting events in the region. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualties and Clashes**: Recent reports indicate that the renewed fighting has resulted in the deaths of 6 Cambodian civilians and 3 Thai soldiers, highlighting the severity of the situation [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/sea-games-open-thailand-tightened-security-following-border-clashes]. - **Delegation Size**: Cambodia's delegation consisted of 137 athletes and officials, all of whom were ordered to leave Thailand due to safety fears [https://www.anews.com.tr/sport/2025/12/10/cambodian-athletes-withdraw-from-southeast-asian-games-in-thailand-amid-border-tensions]. - **Security Measures**: Following the clashes, security was tightened at the SEA Games venues, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/sea-games-open-thailand-tightened-security-following-border-clashes]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Cambodia's Withdrawal**: The decision to withdraw from the SEA Games underscores the serious nature of the border conflict with Thailand, which has escalated to deadly clashes. 2. **Impact on Regional Relations**: This incident may further strain relations between the two nations, complicating diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation. 3. **Future Sporting Events**: The ongoing tensions raise questions about the feasibility of hosting future international sporting events in the region, as safety concerns may deter participation. In conclusion, **Cambodia's abrupt withdrawal from the SEA Games is a significant response to escalating border violence, reflecting broader regional security challenges and the complexities of international relations in Southeast Asia** [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2025/12/10/cambodia-pull-out-of-sea-games-in-thailand][https://thepattayanews.com/2025/12/10/cambodia-abruptly-pulls-out-of-sea-games-amid-escalating-border-clashes-with-host-thailand].