Former striker Sarayuth Chaikamdee started the controversy by publicly insulting the squad and coaching staff after they fumbled a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 in extra time on Thursday evening.
According to Daily NewsChaikamdee, 44, took to Facebook shortly after the match at Rajamangala Stadium.
“Allow me to speak from the perspective of a coach, as well as many others who haven’t had that opportunity: ‘That was stupid,'” he wrote.
He followed up on Friday morning with a defensive post: “I’m just a football fan, I don’t want anyone to steal the championship from our country.”
Chaikamdee is a notable figure in Thai football, having scored 31 goals in 49 appearances for the national team (2003–2011). He was the top scorer at the 22nd SEA Games in Vietnam and had a brief spell in the V. League for Binh Dinh FC. After retiring in 2017, Chaikamdee became a coach, but couldn’t last more than a year at any team.
Thai media were unclear who Chaikamdee was referring to as “stupid”. However, his comment still drew strong responses from his former national team players, including former teammates.
Former defender Chukiat Noosarung said: “Perhaps you’re the only one who understands things here. You’re showing off too much intelligence. You haven’t even played 50 games for the national team. Don’t be arrogant here.”
Issawa Singthong, who played alongside Chaikamdee at both Vietnamese club Binh Dinh and the Thai national team, warned him about professional repercussions.
“You’re insulting the Thai football leaders and coach Thawatchai. Please be careful with your Facebook posts, because you work in the football industry. Your previous reputation existed because of Thai football.”
Meanwhile, former striker Teeratep Winothai called for empathy.
“Why insult each other like that?” he wrote. “You used to be a player too. Analyze and criticize as much as you like, but don’t insult the younger players. When you were still competing, you didn’t like being criticized either, did you? Please respect them.”
After facing a wave of backlash, Chaikamdee eventually posted an apology to head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, pledging his continued support for the team.
The emotional fallout stems from a painful defeat in the SEA Games men’s football final. Thailand led Vietnam 2-0 after 31 minutes thanks to goals from Yotsakon Burapha and Seksan Ratree. However, Vietnam mounted a comeback with goals from Nguyen Dinh Bac, an own goal by Waris Choolthong and a 96th-minute winner by Nguyen Thanh Nhan.
This marks the first time since the inaugural SEA Games in 1959 that Thailand have failed to win the men’s football gold medal as the host. It is also their third consecutive final defeat, following losses to Vietnam at the 31st SEA Games and Indonesia at the 32nd edition.
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