BANGKOK, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games concluded in Thailand on Saturday night with a vibrant ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.

The closing ceremony of the biennial multi-sport event was centered on the theme "The Sound of Whistle," a concept designed to symbolize hope, resilience, encouragement, and the promise of a new beginning in sport.

The traditional extinguishing of the Games' flame was transformed from a ceremonial moment into a shared, participatory experience for everyone in the stadium, with spectators invited to join in signaling the official end of the competition.

Highlights of the ceremony included a parade of athletes, who had competed across 54 sports disciplines, alongside music performances and a video presentation showcasing memorable moments of the Games.

The event culminated with a formal handover to Malaysia, which is set to host the next edition of the Games in 2027.

In this year's Games, Thailand topped the medal table with 233 golds, 154 silvers, and 112 bronzes. Indonesia secured second place with 91 golds, 111 silvers, and 131 bronzes. Vietnam followed closely in third with 87 golds, 81 silvers, and 110 bronzes. Enditem