Former Thai national team striker Sarayuth Chaikamdee ignited a war of words, drawing widespread criticism for his harsh comments aimed at the U22 team. This verbal clash erupted on the morning of 19/12, a day after coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul's squad suffered a 2-3 loss to Vietnam in the SEA Games 33 final, despite holding a two-goal lead, as reported by Thai newspaper Daily News.

Former national player Sarayuth Chaikamdee in his role as a coach. *Photo: FBNV*

Shortly after the match at Rajamangala Stadium on the evening of 18/12, Sarayuth posted on Facebook, stating, "Allow me to speak from a coach's perspective, and like many others who haven't had that opportunity: 'It's stupid'." By the following morning, Sarayuth added, "When I post praise or support for the team, please occasionally use those posts in the media. I am just a football fan; I do not want anyone to steal the championship from our country."

Sarayuth, 44 years old, scored 31 goals in 49 matches for the Thai national team from 2003-2011. He was the top scorer at SEA Games 22 in Vietnam with 9 goals, including the opening goal in the final against the host nation. Sarayuth also scored against the Vietnam national team in the King's Cup 2006 and played one V-League season for Binh Dinh club. After retiring from playing in 2017, Sarayuth transitioned to coaching, though he did not stay at any club for more than one year.

Thai players receive silver medals after their 2-3 comeback loss to Vietnam in the SEA Games final at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, on the evening of 18/12. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Thai media outlets were unsure who Sarayuth was calling "stupid." Nevertheless, his comments met with strong rebuttals from other former Thai national players, some of whom were his former teammates.

Chukiat Noosarung, a former defender for the Thai national team and HAGL club, responded, "Perhaps you are the only one who understands things here. You are revealing your immense wisdom. You have not even played 50 matches for the national team, and your playing time was minimal. Do not be arrogant here."

Issawa Singthong, Sarayuth's former teammate at Binh Dinh and on the national team, commented, "You are insulting Thai football leaders and coach Thawatchai. Please be careful with Facebook posts, as you work in football. Your previous reputation was thanks to Thai football."

Former striker Teeratep Winothai urged Sarayuth to encourage the younger players instead of criticizing them. "Why insult each other like this?" wrote the former national team striker, who played from 2005-2022. "You were a national player too. Analyze and criticize as much as you like, but do not insult the young players. When you were playing, you did not like being criticized, right? Respect the younger players."

Facing a wave of criticism, Sarayuth eventually posted an apology to coach Thawatchai and pledged his continued support for Thailand.

On their home turf last night, Thailand started with great enthusiasm, leading Vietnam 2-0 after just 31 minutes. However, in the second half, they allowed Vietnam to stage a comeback. Nguyen Dinh Bac reduced the deficit with a penalty kick in the 49th minute, before defender Waris Choolthong scored an own goal in the 60th minute. The two teams went into extra time, where substitute player Nguyen Thanh Nhan scored the winning goal, helping Vietnam secure a 3-2 victory and the gold medal right in Bangkok.

This marks Thailand's third consecutive loss in the SEA Games final, following defeats to Vietnam at SEA Games 31 and Indonesia at SEA Games 32. This is also the first time since the inaugural SEA Games in 1959 that Thailand has failed to win a men's football gold medal on home soil.

Hoang An compiled