Thailand came out the biggest winners in the recently concluded SEA Games, finishing at the top of the final medal tally table, despite being hit by a series of issues and incidents.
The Games’ hosts won 233 golds, 154 silvers, and 112 bronzes for a whopping tally of 499 medals. Indonesia finished second behind Thailand with 333 medals (91 golds, 111 silvers, 131 bronzes), Vietnam are third with 278 medals (87 golds, 81 silvers, 110 bronzes), Malaysia are fourth with 231 medals (57 golds, 57 silvers, 117 bronzes), Singapore are fifth with 202 medals (52 golds, 61 silvers, 89 bronzes), and the Philippines are sixth with 277 medals (50 golds, 73 silvers, 154 bronzes).
Myanmar (73 medals – three golds, 21 silvers, 49 bronzes), Laos (39 medals – two golds, nine silvers, 28 bronzes), Brunei (nine medals – one gold, three silvers, five bronzes), and Timor-Leste (eight medals – one silver, seven bronzes) finished at the bottom of the pack.
Here are some of the biggest SEA Games 2025 highlights, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Thailand assert their mastery in combat sports
Despite their ongoing border conflict with Cambodia, which ultimately led to Cambodia’s withdrawal from the Games due to safety concerns, Thailand still managed to meet their lofty expectations in the Games. They made the most profit in boxing (14 golds), ju-jitsu (14 golds), athletics (13 golds), muay thai (11 golds), taekwondo (10 golds), canoeing (10 golds), and cycling (10 golds).
Thitiwat Phlongaurai, Thanarat Saengphet, Sarawut Sukthet, Sakda Ruamtham, Khunatip Pidnuch, Bunjong Sinsiri, Weerapon Jongjoho, Thipsatcha Yodwaree, Chuthamat Raksat, Natnicha Chongprongklang, Punrawee Ruenros, Thananya Somnuek, Janjaem Suwannapheng, and Baison Manikon won the golds in boxing.
In ju-jitsu, Charatchai Kitpongsri, Warut Netpong, Nawin Kokaew, Teeradet Polsuwan, Suphawadee Kaeosrasaen, Kunsatri Kumsroi, Kanyarat Phaophan, Panyaporn Phaophan, Kunsatri Kumsroi, Ratcharat Yimprai, Warawut Saengsriruang, Lalita Yunnan won golds in the Duo Classic. Suwijak Kuntong, Nuchanat Singchalad, and Orapa Senatham won in the Fighting category, and Suwijak Kuntong, Chanwit Aunjai, Nuchanat Singchalad, and Orapa Senatham won in the Ne-waza category.
Puripol Boonson and Kieran Tuntivate stood out in the Athletics, with the former bagging golds in the men’s 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, and the latter winning in men’s 1500m, 5000m, and 10000m.
On the other hand, their basketball delegation will rue their missed opportunities, as they finished second behind the Philippines both in the men’s and women’s 5×5 categories, despite some questionable officiating in their favour.
Indonesia exceeded their expectations
Big cash incentives are in store for Indonesian athletes for punching above their weight in this year’s Games. According to President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesian athletes who defied the SEA Games 2025 odds to win gold medals are entitled to Rp 1 billion ($60,000) each.
Indonesia particularly profited in athletics, where they secured nine golds. The Indos also collected golds in shooting (six), archery (six), wushu (five), sport climbing (four), judo (four), pencak silat (four), dragon boat (four), cycling (three), weightlifting (three), swimming (three), badminton (three), rowing (three), tennis (three), and aquathlon (three), among others.
Abd Hafiz (Javelin throw), Robi Syianturi (marathon), and Hendro Yap Kim Lung (20km walk) won golds in the men’s field events. Dina Aulia (100m hurdles), Elvina Naihabo Odekta (marathon), Violine Intan Puspita (20km walk), Diva Renatta Jayadi (pole vault), Maria Natalia Londa (triple jump), and Emilia Nova (heptathlon) got it done for the women.
Riau Ega Agatha won two golds in archery recurve, both in the men’s individual and team categories. Diananda Choirunisa and Nurisa Dian Ashrifah have done the double in the women’s recurve and compound, respectively.
Philippines’ golden gooses shine bright
The Philippines reminded the ASEAN region why they’re a basketball nation, as the Gilas program bagged gold medals in the men’s and women’s 5×5 categories, beating Thailand in the final. In contrast, there’s still work to do in 3×3, as the men finished fourth, and the women didn’t even qualify for the semi-finals.
Besides establishing their dominance in basketball, the Philippines also won several golds in athletics (five), shooting (four), gymnastics (three), modern pentathlon (three), swimming (three), and triathlon (three), among others. Also included in the nation’s 50 gold medals were stellar outings by EJ Obiena (pole vault), Alex Eala (tennis), Eumir Marcial (boxing), and the Filipinas (women’s football).
Swimmer Kayla Sanchez put on a show in her SEA Games debut with three golds and eight silvers. She also broke the meet record at the women’s 50m backstroke event (28.47 seconds). Shooting provided a surprise boost for the Philippines, with Rolly Nathaniel Tecson, Eden John Gino, Erin Mattea Micor, and Genesis Pible leading the way.
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