The incident took place during the opening match of Group B men's football at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. A group of female fans in stand A repeatedly displayed banners featuring Vietnamese players, the SEA Games 33 logo, and an online betting website logo. These images were broadcast not only during the Vietnam – Laos match but also during Thailand's 6-1 victory over Timor Leste in Group A, which followed.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn affirmed that this act violates Thai law. He instructed the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) to take legal action against this group of fans, including filing a police report and initiating a lawsuit. SAT is capable of verifying the identities of spectators, as ticket purchases require a passport for foreigners and a citizen identification card for Thai nationals.

A group of fans promoting betting in stand A of Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, during Vietnam's 2-1 victory over Laos in the opening match of Group B men's football at SEA Games 33, on 3/12. *Screenshot*.

Minister Atthakorn urged television viewers to exercise caution. Meanwhile, SAT directed television stations to thoroughly review footage before broadcasting, and stadium security forces to increase inspections.

"These images have caused widespread discomfort and criticism, especially as Thailand faces a serious problem with online gambling and fraud", a report from Thai news site WRN stated. "Many organizations have pressured the government to crack down on this issue."

WRN reported that this has generated a wave of public outrage in Thailand. It not only damages the image of SEA Games 33 but also allows scammers and online gambling websites to infiltrate society further.

In addition to the banners, the betting website also printed its logo on SEA Games 33 caps, which were then distributed for free to fans before they entered the stadium.

According to a source from VnExpress, the Vietnam Sports Delegation has received a warning from the SEA Games 33 organizing committee. The delegation will also participate in monitoring, especially during men's and women's football matches.

This is not the first time such a situation has occurred during matches involving Vietnamese teams. Similar incidents were recorded at the 18th Asian Games (ASIAD) in Indonesia, SEA Games 2019 in the Philippines, and SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia.

In addition to the aforementioned issue, SAT also announced that it will sue individuals who spread false and misleading information on social media. SAT is open to constructive and honest criticism to improve and ensure SEA Games meets the highest international standards. "However, criticism or comments based on false information, distorted facts, or containing defamatory content will harm or discredit SAT and may affect the morale and work ethic of its staff", an SAT statement today read.

Hieu Luong