PATTAYA, THAILAND – The coastal city positioned itself as a self-declared sports hub for a central role at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, scheduled for 9–20 December 2025, aiming to closely link sport and tourism.
Regional multi-sport showcase for ASEAN
Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand, together with neighboring Banglamung district in Chonburi province, was designated as one of the main venues for Southeast Asia’s largest multi-sport event, with competitions planned in modern indoor facilities and directly on Jomtien Beach. The SEA Games, held every two years, were regarded as the most important sports event in Southeast Asia, standing for elite performance as well as friendship, unity and cultural exchange within the ASEAN region. Athletes from eleven countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and host nation Thailand – were expected, with Pattaya announcing plans to actively involve residents and tourists and call on them to support the Thai team.
Indoor sports and beach events in Pattaya City
In Pattaya City, the focus was placed on indoor competitions and beach disciplines. At the Eastern National Sports Centre Indoor Stadium, handball was scheduled from 9 to 19 December 2025, forming one of the longest-running events in the local program. Jomtien Beach was set to serve as a central stage for several water and sand sports, with jet ski competitions planned for 11–14 December and windsurfing to follow from 12–18 December 2025.
Water sports and modern pentathlon on Jomtien Beach
Beach volleyball was scheduled from 12–19 December 2025 on the sands of Jomtien Beach, extending throughout much of the Games period. The modern pentathlon was also to be held at the beach from 17–19 December 2025, underlining Pattaya’s intention to strengthen its dual role as both a sports and holiday destination through high-profile seaside events. According to the planners, the combination of beach competitions and indoor arenas was expected to highlight the city’s versatility as a host location.
Banglamung hosts golf, cue sports and shooting
In the adjacent Banglamung district, further core competitions of the 2025 SEA Games were concentrated. The Ambassador City Jomtien Convention Hall was given an important role as the venue for billiards and snooker tournaments, scheduled from 10–18 December 2025. At Siam Country Club Pattaya, golf competitions were on the program from 11–14 December 2025, while the Eastern National Sports Training Centre in Huay Yai was slated to host practical shooting from 13–15 December 2025.
Sailing, rowing and equestrian events on the coast
Additional water sports were prepared off the coast and at facilities around Ambassador City Jomtien Beach. Sailing was scheduled from 14–18 December 2025, followed by rowing on 18 December 2025, adding further coastal disciplines to the Chonburi schedule. For equestrian sport, the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya was designated as the venue, with competitions to run from 14–19 December 2025, while open water swimming was set for 18–20 December 2025 in the coastal area of Sattahip.
City urges residents to embrace host role
Pattaya’s city administration linked preparations with a clear appeal to locals and visitors. Residents were urged to see themselves as active hosts for guests from across the ASEAN region and to embody Thai hospitality throughout the Games.
“The 33rd SEA Games should become an unforgettable celebration of the ASEAN spirit,”
said the Public Relations Division, part of the Pattaya City Tourism and Sports Office, which coordinated the organization and communications around the event.
Call for strong support for Team Thailand
At the same time, Pattaya called on people to follow the competitions on site and to support Team Thailand loudly at the venues. Officials aimed to use well-attended events and smooth operations to reinforce the image of Pattaya as a sporting metropolis for the wider region. The emphasis on vocal backing for the national team was intended to showcase local enthusiasm to visiting delegations and spectators.
Strategic push to become a regional sports capital
By hosting numerous disciplines across beaches, golf courses, equestrian grounds and indoor arenas, the city sought to strengthen its position as a permanent sports and event location within Thailand and the ASEAN community. Officials viewed the SEA Games as an opportunity to draw international attention to Pattaya’s modern sports infrastructure, its tourism offerings and the role of Chonburi in the regional sports calendar. According to the organizers, the Games were expected to underline Pattaya’s ambition to establish itself as a “genuine regional sports capital” and to attract further international competitions to Thailand’s eastern seaboard in the long term.