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Thailand–Cambodia Cultural Identity Conflict

Thailand to boycott SEA Games kickboxing over Kun Khmer name dispute

OCCURRED Jan 24 · 12:00 UTCRECORDED 2026-09-03T19:24:48.553Zfact_n4hat9a3sr
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Multiple reputable sources confirm that in late January 2023, Cambodia's SEA Games organizers announced the kickboxing event would be called Kun Khmer, prompting Thailand's Olympic Committee to announce a boycott. Sources agree on the core facts, though some report the dispute as resolved while others note ongoing tensions.

In late January 2023, Cambodia's organizing committee for the 32nd SEA Games confirmed that the kickboxing event would be listed as 'Kun Khmer' rather than 'Muay Thai,' a change that drew protests from Thailand's boxing associations. The National Olympic Committee of Thailand announced on January 24 that Thai athletes would not compete in the event, citing the use of a name not recognized by international bodies. Cambodian officials defended the decision as a matter of national identity, stating the event would proceed with other participating nations.
LOCATION Phnom Penh, CambodiaACTORS National Olympic Committee of Thailand, Cambodian SEA Games Organising Committee, Thai Boxing Association#sea-games #kun-khmer #muay-thai #cambodia #thailand #sports-diplomacy

SOURCES (4)

  1. [1]
    Thailand, Cambodia brawl over kickboxing event name at SEA Games
    The Straits Times · www.straitstimes.com/sport/sport-thailand-cambodia-brawl-over-kickboxing-event-name-at-sea-games
  2. [2]
    Thailand to boycott SEA Games Muay Thai after Cambodia changes name
    The Nation Thailand · www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024514
  3. [3]
    Thai Olympic Committee mum after Cambodia says kickboxing name dispute was settled
    Radio Free Asia · www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/seagames-01262023171021.html
  4. [4]
    Thais Shun Kun Khmer After SEA Games Sport Dropped
    Cambodianess · cambodianess.com/article/thailand-will-not-to-send-athletes-for-the-kun-khmer-competition-at-the-sea-games-since-cambodia-removed-a-reference-to-the-thai-form-of-the-sport-in-the-program
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