The ceremony opened with the flag-raising ritual of the participating nations, followed by an artistic programme vividly recreating the spirit of fair play, the bonds among Southeast Asian countries, and the unforgettable moments of the Games.
Afterward, athletes and members of the sports delegations paraded onto the field in an open, friendly atmosphere filled with pride.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow emphasised that hosting SEA Games 33 was a great honour for Thailand, as well as an important opportunity to strengthen friendship, promote cooperation, and advance sports development among countries in the region. The success of the Games, he noted, was the result of close coordination among the organising committee, relevant agencies, and the enthusiastic support of the Thai people and Southeast Asian friends.
The organisers then screened a highlights video capturing memorable moments of the Games, before the SEA Games flame was ceremonially extinguished, marking the official conclusion of SEA Games 33 after more than 10 days of intense competition.
Thailand subsequently handed over the SEA Games hosting flag to Malaysia, which will host SEA Games 34, scheduled to take place from September 18 to 29, 2027. Immediately following the handover, the artistic programme themed “Rhythm in Harmony”, rich in Malaysian cultural identity, was presented as a greeting and a promise to meet again at the next Games.
At the close of SEA Games 33, the Thai Sports Delegation topped the medal table with 233 gold medals, 154 silver medals, and 112 bronze medals, setting a new record as the delegation with the most gold medals in SEA Games history (the previous record belonged to Viet Nam at SEA Games 31 with 205 gold medals).
Indonesia ranked second with 91 gold, 111 silver, and 131 bronze medals. The Vietnamese Sports Delegation placed third with 87 gold, 81 silver, and 110 bronze medals, continuing to affirm its position among the region’s leading sporting nations.
