24th Southeast Asian Games open in Khorat

The 24th Southeast Asian Games, commonly known as the SEA Games, opened officially Thursday in Thailand's northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Khorat).

The colourful opening ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn representing His Majesty the King who turned 80 on Wednesday.

All 10 members of Asean -- Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei -- as well as Timor Leste, which joined the SEA Games family in 2003, are participating in the region’s high-profile biannual sporting event.

The Games are being hosted in three main venues in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Bangkok and Chonburi (Pattaya).