SEA Games 2025 in Chonburi: Full Guide to Sports, Venues, Favourites and Where to Watch

Chonburi is one of the major host provinces for the 2025 SEA Games, welcoming 17 sports across 20 venues plus one demonstration event. From the beaches of Pattaya to the training grounds of Sattahip and Si Racha, the area will become a competitive hub for athletes from across Southeast Asia. Whether you are a sports fan, a traveller in Pattaya, or a local looking to experience the excitement, this guide will help you navigate every sport held in Chonburi, the countries participating, the medal favourites and the key schedules to watch.

The SEA Games is the largest multi-sport event in the region, bringing together 11 nations: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and Timor-Leste. With Chonburi known for its coastline, outdoor activity scene and world-class sports facilities, the province is an ideal host for a mix of indoor, outdoor and water-based competitions.

All Sports Hosted in Chonburi

Based on the official venue map, the following sports will be held across Chonburi’s districts:

• Air Sports
• Aquatics (Open Water Swimming)
• Extreme Sports (Jetski)
• Modern Pentathlon
• Sailing (Windsurfer + Sailing)
• Football (Men, Women)
• Hockey (Indoor & Field)
• Billiards & Snooker
• Canoe and Rowing (Sprint Rowing, Dragon Boat, Classic Rowing)
• Cycling (Mountain Bike MTB)
• Equestrian
• Shooting (Practical Shooting)
• Handball
• Teqball
• Weightlifting
• Triathlon
• Woodball
• Demonstration Sport: Sailing (Kiteboarding)

Events will be hosted in Muang Chonburi, Si Racha, Bang Lamung (Pattaya), Sattahip and the surrounding coastline.

Sports Breakdown, Venue Highlights and Medal Contenders

Below is a detailed look at each sport, where it takes place, and which countries traditionally dominate or are expected to perform strongly in 2025.

1. Air Sports

Venue: Nongkho Reservoir, Chonburi

Aerial disciplines such as paragliding accuracy and paramotor competitions showcase technical skill and wind-reading abilities. Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are traditionally strong contenders thanks to well-developed air sports federations.

2. Aquatics – Open Water Swimming

Venues: Samae Beach, Larn Island, Jomtien Beach

Expect tough long-distance races against strong currents. The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are favourites. Larn Island’s clear waters create one of the most scenic competition sites of the Games.

3. Extreme Sports – Jetski

Venue: Samae Beach & Jomtien coastline

Thailand is the global powerhouse in jetski racing, producing multiple world champions. Expect the Thai racers to dominate, with Indonesia and Malaysia pushing for upsets.

4. Modern Pentathlon

Venue: Samae Beach and surrounding training areas

The five-discipline sport includes fencing, swimming, riding, running and shooting. Thailand has improved rapidly, but the Philippines and Vietnam remain serious competitors.

5. Sailing (Windsurfer & Sailing)

Venue: Jomtien Beach & Samae Beach

Expect competitive heats along the windy Pattaya shoreline. Singapore and Thailand are consistent gold contenders thanks to strong youth development programmes.

6. Football (Men & Women)

Venue: Thailand National Sports University, North Pattaya

The men’s football event is one of the most-watched competitions of the SEA Games. Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are favourites, while the women’s tournament often sees strong performances from Thailand and Vietnam.

7. Hockey (Indoor & Field)

Venue: Thailand National Sports University

Malaysia and Thailand dominate Southeast Asian hockey. Expect fast-paced matches with large crowds, especially for Thailand’s fixtures.

8. Billiards & Snooker

Venue: Ambassador City Jomtien, Pattaya

Snooker and pool attract significant attention thanks to Thailand’s national stars. Expect fierce competition from Singapore and the Philippines.

9. Canoe & Rowing (Sprint Rowing, Classic Rowing, Dragon Boat)

Venue: Royal Thai Navy Rowing & Canoeing Training Centre, Sattahip

Dragon boat races are among the most exciting water events to watch. Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar often lead the medal chase.

10. Cycling – Mountain Bike MTB

Venue: Khao Kheow Open Zoo

The trails around Khao Kheow offer steep climbs and technical descents. Malaysia and Indonesia are strong in MTB, with Thailand often finishing close behind.

11. Equestrian

Venue: Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya

This world-class facility is one of Asia’s premier equestrian centres. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are frequent medal winners.

12. Shooting – Practical Shooting

Venue: Eastern National Sport Training Center (SAT Region 1)

One of the most technical sports in the Games. Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam lead this discipline with experienced shooting federations.

13. Handball

Venue: Indoor Athletics Stadium, Pattaya

Handball is growing rapidly in Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are expected to be top contenders.

14. Teqball & Weightlifting

Venue: Chonburi Sports School

Teqball has become a SEA Games highlight due to its exciting, acrobatic play. Weightlifting continues to be dominated by Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand.

15. Triathlon

Venue: Laem Mae Phim

The course features open-water swimming, coastal cycling and beachside runs. The Philippines, Thailand and Singapore traditionally perform strongly.

16. Sailing (Demonstration Sport – Kiteboarding)

Venue: Jomtien Beach

Kiteboarding is one of the most visually stunning sports of the Games. Expect strong performances from Thailand and the Philippines.

17. Woodball

Venue: Royal Thai Fleet Golf Course, Sattahip

Woodball, a sport similar to golf but using wooden mallets and gates, is dominated by Thailand and Malaysia at regional level.

Countries Participating in Chonburi Events

• Thailand (Host Nation)
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Myanmar
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Brunei
• Timor-Leste

While all 11 nations participate, medal expectations differ by sport. Thailand is expected to capitalise on home advantage, particularly in sailing, extreme sports, snooker, weightlifting, jet ski and dragon boat racing.

Key Dates for the SEA Games in Chonburi

Although schedules may shift slightly, the SEA Games 2025 takes place in December, with most Chonburi events occurring within the first 10 days of the Games. Important dates include:

• Opening Ceremony: Early December (Bangkok)
• Water Sports: First week of the Games in Pattaya & Sattahip
• Football Group Stages: Ongoing throughout the first week
• Weightlifting and Teqball Finals: Mid-week schedule
• Cycling MTB Finals: Middle of the first week at Khao Kheow Zoo
• Sailing Heats & Finals: Throughout the tournament at Jomtien & Samae Beach
• Triathlon Competition Day: Mid-tournament at Laem Mae Phim

Finalised daily schedules will be released closer to the opening ceremony.

Where to Buy SEA Games Tickets in Chonburi

Ticketing for the SEA Games will be managed by the official organising committee. Tickets will be available through:

• The official SEA Games 2025 website
• Accredited ticketing partners (to be announced)
• On-site ticket booths at major venues such as Pattaya Indoor Stadium and Chonburi Sports School

Most outdoor sports such as open-water swimming, jetski and sailing will be free to watch from the designated spectator zones. High-demand indoor sports such as weightlifting, snooker and handball may require advance booking.

Explore Pattaya and Chonburi Between Matches

If you’re attending the SEA Games in Chonburi, you will likely base yourself in Pattaya or Bang Lamung. Between events, take time to enjoy the province’s beaches, night markets, water sports, theme parks and cultural landmarks.

For a complete list of attractions, see our guide here: Chonburi Travel Guide – Top 10 Places to Visit

Whether you're cheering for Thailand or discovering the SEA Games for the first time, Chonburi offers the perfect mix of elite sports and unforgettable local experiences.