"Absolutely shocked", Thai newspaper Daily News commented on 19/12. "Thai football failed to win any gold medals at SEA Games 33 after the men's futsal team suffered a heavy defeat against Indonesia".

Football is considered Thailand's forte, especially futsal. In all men's and women's futsal events prior to SEA Games 33, they consistently won gold medals. Before the Games, Football Association of Thailand (FAT) President Nualphan Lamsan, also known as Madam Pang, aimed to sweep all 4 gold medals. However, at this Games, they only secured a silver medal in men's futsal and a bronze medal in women's futsal. In 11-a-side football, they earned a men's silver and a women's bronze medal.

Football Association of Thailand President, Nualphan Lamsan (Madam Pang). Photo: Thai Rath

"Madam Pang was shocked once again", Matichon newspaper wrote. "The five-time SEA Games champion team suffered a heavy defeat against Indonesia. The FAT concluded the SEA Games without winning any gold medals".

The newspaper commented that Thailand's football performance was "completely contrary to expectations". In men's futsal, they only needed to avoid losing to Indonesia by more than two goals in the final match to secure the championship, but instead suffered a 1-6 defeat. Meanwhile, in men's football, coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul's team led Vietnam 2-0 in the first half, only to lose 2-3.

Madam Pang has not yet made an official statement after missing all 4 gold medals. On the evening of 18/12, she was present at Rajamangala stadium to watch the crucial match between Thailand and Vietnam. She showed little emotion during the game and briefly stated "heartbreaking" when meeting the media after the match, declining further interviews.

Currently, only FAT Vice President Adisak Benjasiriwan has apologized to the fans. "Thailand could have played for a draw against Indonesia in the final men's futsal match, but we decided to play for a win", Adisak said. "That put us at a disadvantage. After winning gold medals for over 20 years, we knew this day would come, sooner or later. Thai futsal needs strong reforms, for both men and women".

Futsal was introduced at SEA Games 27 in 2011. Since then, Thailand consistently won both men's and women's futsal gold medals until this Games. At SEA Games 28 in 2013, Thailand even swept all 4 football gold medals.

In the football events at this Games, Vietnam topped the standings with two gold medals and one silver. Indonesia followed with one gold and one silver, and the Philippines with one gold and one bronze. Thailand ranked 4th with two silver medals and two bronze, despite being the only delegation to win medals in all 4 categories.

By Hoang An