The most popular Thai athletes at SEA Games 2025

The Royal Sailor

The highlight of the 2025 SEA Games is undoubtedly the participation of Her Majesty Queen Suthida. Following in the footsteps of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Princess Ubolratana, Her Majesty is an accomplished sailor. She serves as a strategist and navigator for the Thai sailing team, bringing grace and high-level skill to the competition. Her participation has drawn massive crowds and international attention to the sailing events.

Sport: Sailing (Keelboat SSL47 Class)

Competition Days: December 15 – 18, 2025

Location: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya (Chonburi).

The Badminton World Champion

Fresh off his historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and his World Championship victory, "View" Kunlavut is the face of Thai badminton. Known for his incredible defense and tactical intelligence, he is the heavy favorite for gold. He also served as the flag bearer for Thailand during the opening ceremony. Expect the stadium to be packed whenever he steps onto the court.

Sport: Badminton (Men's Team & Men's Singles)

Competition Days:

Team Events: Dec 7 – 10, 2025

Individual Singles: Dec 12 – 16, 2025

Location: Thammasat University Gymnasium (Rangsit Campus), Bangkok.

The Sprint King

At just 19 years old, "Bew" Puripol is already a legend in Southeast Asian athletics. He is the current record holder for the 100m and 200m sprints. After overcoming injuries in 2024, he is back to defend his titles and aims to break the 10-second barrier on home soil. He is arguably the fastest man in ASEAN and the crowd favorite at the main stadium.

Sport: Athletics (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay)

Competition Days:

100m Final: Dec 11, 2025

200m Final: Dec 13, 2025

Relay: Dec 15, 2025

Location: National Stadium (Supachalasai), Bangkok.

The Boxing Heroine

Janjaem captured the nation's heart with her bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She returns to the SEA Games as Thailand's premier female boxer. Competing in the Welterweight division, she is known for her powerful left hook and technical precision. Alongside Kunlavut, she was the female flag bearer for the opening ceremony.

Sport: Boxing (Women's 66kg)

Competition Days: Dec 10 – 18, 2025 (Finals usually on the last days)

Location: Muak Lek Sports Training Center (Saraburi/Bangkok Cluster) or Nimibutr Stadium.

The Volleyball Superstar

Thailand's Women's Volleyball team is a regional dynasty, having won gold for over 30 years straight. Leading the charge is Chatchu-on Moksri, the high-flying outside hitter who plays professionally in Japan and Turkey. Her powerful spikes and infectious energy make volleyball arguably the most-watched team sport in the entire Games.

Sport: Volleyball (Women's Indoor)

Competition Days: Dec 11 – 16, 2025

Location: Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok.

The Boy Wonder of Weightlifting

Another Olympic silver medalist from Paris 2024, "Wave" Weeraphon is a prodigy in the weightlifting world. Despite his young age, he holds junior world records. Competing in the 73kg category, he is expected to dominate the field with his clean and jerk strength.

Sport: Weightlifting (Men's 73kg)

Competition Days: Dec 13 – 14, 2025

Location: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.

The New Taekwondo Queen

With the retirement of Panipak Wongpattanakit, the pressure falls on "Guitar" Kamonchanok. Ranked top 10 in the world, she is the new hope for Thai taekwondo in the 49kg category. She has a tall, rangy fighting style similar to Panipak and is eager to prove she can carry the torch for Thailand's most successful Olympic sport.

Sport: Taekwondo (Women's 49kg)

Competition Days: Dec 12 – 15, 2025

Location: Indoor Stadium Huamark (Zone B), Bangkok.

The Jet Ski Prodigy

Son of the famous actor/athlete Ple Nakorn, "Orca" Nakara is the youngest Jet Ski World Champion in history. He performed an exciting showcase at the opening ceremony and is competing to win his first major SEA Games gold. The Jet Ski events in Pattaya will be thrilling, with big waves and high speeds.

Sport: Jet Ski

Competition Days: Dec 12 – 16, 2025

Location: Jomtien Beach, Pattaya (Chonburi).

The Football Striker

Football is the most popular sport in the country, and the mission is simple: reclaim the Gold Medal. Supachai Jaided, the prolific striker from Buriram United, is leading the attack as one of the over-age players (or key senior guidance if eligible/selected for the specific squad rules). The "War Elephants" are under immense pressure to beat rivals Vietnam and Indonesia.

Sport: Football (Men's)

Competition Days: Dec 8 – 20, 2025

Location: Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.

The Gymnastics Star

Thailand's top female gymnast, "Tae", is a master of the balance beam and floor exercise. Known for her elegance and consistency, she has carried Thai gymnastics on the international stage for years. This home game is her best chance to secure the elusive All-Around Gold against strong competitors from the Philippines and Vietnam.

Sport: Artistic Gymnastics

Competition Days: Dec 10 – 14, 2025

Location: Terminal 21 Hall (Korat/Bangkok Venues vary, confirm local listing).