Cambodia only announced the formation of its National Team Organizing Committee for the SEA Games in mid-October 2009,[1] less than two months ahead of the start of the Games in Vientiane, Laos.

Cambodia was to compete in 17 sports, with expectations of medals in pétanque, athletics, tennis, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo and beach volleyball.

The Phnom Penh Post reported that, according to Nhan Sokvisal, the SEA Games coordinator, Cambodia was looking forward and optimistic to better their medals haul from the last SEA Games in Thailand in 2007.

In the 2007 Games, Cambodia won 19 metals - two gold, five silver and 12 bronze.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed his presence at the Opening Ceremony after Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh's visit to Cambodia in late November.