iMSPORT.TV – As the host of the SEA Games 2025 later this year, Thailand has taken firm measures by tightening regulations on the participation of naturalized athletes. The Land of White Elephants confirmed that athletes holding only certificates or temporary passports will not be allowed to compete.
This decision was officially announced by Chaipak Siriwat, Executive Director of the SEA Games 2025 Organizing Committee. He stressed that the committee will carefully verify the travel documents of every athlete entering Thailand.
“This year, Thailand will strictly inspect the passports of all athletes competing here. We will pay special attention to those with foreign backgrounds,” said Chaipak Siriwat, as quoted by Zingnews.
“Checks will be conducted from the moment they arrive in Thailand until they return home. If anyone is found using certificates as a substitute for genuine passports, they will be arrested. We introduced this rule to create a fairer environment for all athletes,” he added.
SEA Games 2025 Tightens Naturalization Rules
This move comes after widespread criticism during previous editions, especially at the SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia.
At that time, several countries were reported to have exploited loopholes by fielding foreign athletes using temporary documents. Cambodia even registered three American basketball players in the 3×3 event, who went on to win a gold medal.
Similar cases occurred in other sports: a Ukrainian judoka, track and field athletes from China and France, as well as a boxer from Uzbekistan.
Such practices were also seen in earlier editions Cambodia once fielded a wrestler from Iran, while the Philippines naturalized a Japanese judoka.
These instances of “instant naturalization” have repeatedly sparked controversy, as they are seen to undermine the spirit of Southeast Asia’s biggest sporting event.
Therefore, Thailand’s new policy is considered a major blow to countries such as Cambodia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, which have previously relied on such shortcuts.
With stricter rules in place, the SEA Games 2025 is expected to deliver a fairer competition, where achievements truly reflect the quality of each nation’s sports development programs.
(amr/adm)
More :
