Pyrotechnics and pop performances light up SEA Games closing ceremony in Thailand

BANGKOK: A massive display of pyrotechnics in an otherwise low-key ceremony marked the end of an eventful 33rd SEA Games on Saturday (Dec 20).

The hour-and-a-half-long event at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok kicked off with a 12-minute act titled "The Sound of Whistle", which had performances by local pop stars, a marching band and various dancers.

Then came the traditional parade of athletes, where various contingents, including Singapore's, were greeted by loud cheers, despite visible swathes of empty seats. Singapore's flagbearer was squash player Aaron Liang.

"The 33rd SEA Games have now concluded smoothly and successfully," said Thailand's minister of tourism and sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn.

"The organising committee has received outstanding cooperation from all sectors - particularly government officials, staff members and the people of Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla, as well as the many public agencies and private sector organisations that supported the Games."

The Games was then officially declared closed by Thailand's deputy prime minister Thamanat Prompow, before the extinguishing of the flame. 

The SEA Games federation flag was handed to Malaysia, which will host the next edition of the Games in 2027.

A feel-good performance - “The Sound of Champions” - featured hits such as Queen's "We are the Champions" and Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop The Feeling" capped off the ceremony, before a massive display of fireworks that blazed through the Bangkok night sky.

The Games took place on a backdrop of increased tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. 

There was also a tinge of sombreness, given other recent events. In October, Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit died aged 93, with the country entering a period of