Bangkok: The 33rd SEA Games basketball tournament, set to take place from December 9-20, 2025 in Thailand, has implemented stringent regulations prohibiting players who have transferred nationality from competing, in alignment with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules. This move, spearheaded by the Thai Basketball Association, has garnered praise from ASEAN nations for its role in setting high standards and positively impacting local athletes.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Niphon Chawalitmontien, president of the Basketball Association of Thailand, stated that the upcoming 5-a-side basketball competition will strictly adhere to FIBA's regulations, which are also applicable to the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. This decision was influenced by past experiences at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023, where the host country's use of naturalized players drew global attention and criticism. By enforcing these rules, Thailand aims to ensure a fair competition and nurture local talent.
Chawalitmontien emphasized that under FIBA rules, only local athletes who have not undergone naturalization are permitted to participate in the 5x5 games. This regulation has been communicated to all ASEAN nations through a technical handbook distributed six months prior. The rule is set to be applied in the subsequent SEA Games in 2027 and 2029, promoting the development of homegrown athletes and intensifying the competition.
The Thai national men's and women's basketball teams are receiving ongoing support from the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) as they prepare for the games. The competitions will be held at the Nimibutr Sports Building, National Stadium, Pathumwan, from December 13-19, 2025. The Thai men's team will face Singapore in their first Group B match on December 13 at 7:00 p.m., while the Thai women's team will take on Indonesia in Group A on December 14 at 4:30 p.m.