Shock at SEA Games: Up to 10 sexual harassment cases reported

2026-01-27 - 10:29

BANGKOK — As many as 10 cases of sexual harassment involving female athletes and sports personnel were reported during the recently concluded SEA Games, according to a senior Thai Olympic official. Suwanna Silpa-archa, vice-president of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, disclosed the information following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen safeguarding in sport at the Olympic Committee of Thailand on Tuesday. She said the complaints emerged during the 33rd SEA Games, hosted by Thailand from 9–20 December 2025, and involved both Thai nationals and foreigners. Those affected included female athletes and team liaison officers, with one case involving a foreign female athlete. “The incidents ranged from verbal and psychological harassment to attempted physical sexual assault,” Suwanna said. “In every case, a working team stepped in to provide support, as some athletes were psychologically affected.” According to Suwanna, all 10 complaints were handled internally by the Olympic Committee of Thailand. None were reported to police or resulted in financial compensation. “We facilitated discussions to create mutual understanding. The perpetrators said they had no ill intent, while the victims felt they had been harassed,” she said. “We resolved the situations by adjusting duties and separating those involved to reduce contact.” Suwanna said the cases varied in severity, adding that officials chose to manage the matter quietly during the Games to avoid disruption. “We did not want drama during the competition, so we worked through the problems discreetly. However, this is a serious issue that must now be addressed more systematically,” she said. When asked to identify the sports involved in the most serious cases, Suwanna declined, saying the matters had already been resolved. She also refused to disclose the nationality of the foreign athlete, citing the need to protect those affected. The newly signed MOU aims to raise safeguarding standards in sport and protect athletes and sports personnel from all forms of harassment and violence, while promoting a safe and respectful sporting environment.