Cambodia pulls out of the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand citing safety concerns as border clashes escalate, forcing mass civilian evacuations.
BANGKOK: Cambodia has withdrawn entirely from the Southeast Asian Games, a senior Games official confirmed on Wednesday.
The decision comes as a border conflict with host nation Thailand escalated, forcing a mass exodus of civilians from both sides of the disputed frontier.
At least 11 soldiers and civilians have been killed on both sides, according to officials, with renewed hostilities derailing a US-brokered truce.
Cambodia had already pulled out of eight sports, with its National Olympic Committee chief Vath Chamroeun citing “safety” concerns.
SEA Games senior official Akarin Hiranprueck confirmed the full withdrawal to AFP, stating, “It is confirmed that Cambodia withdrew.”
The Games run until December 20 in Bangkok and Chonburi province, featuring thousands of athletes from across the region.
Renewed combat this week over a long-standing border dispute has overshadowed the sporting event.
Security was tightened at Tuesday’s opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium, attended by Thai royals and featuring K-pop idol BamBam.
A small Cambodian delegation had taken part in the athletes’ parade before the withdrawal.
This week’s clashes are the deadliest since fighting in July killed dozens before a shaky truce was brokered.
Both sides blame each other for sparking the renewed clashes, which have expanded to five provinces in both countries.
More than 500,000 people have fled their homes in Thailand and Cambodia since the conflict reignited, both governments said on Wednesday.
The dispute centres on a century-old disagreement over borders mapped during France’s colonial rule, with both sides claiming several boundary temples. – AFP
