Thai FA Condemns Racist Abuse, Vows Sanctions After Match Incident
Thai FA condemns racist abuse by a Pattaya United fan toward Phlanthong FC's Korean coach and Chinese striker in a Thai League 2 match, vowing disciplinary sanctions.
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) issued a statement opposing all forms of racial discrimination in football. The incident occurred in a Thai League 2 match where Phlanthong FC drew 2-2 with Pattaya United. After the match, chaos erupted as Phlanthong's head coach Pak Hang-so was heading to the dressing room. A fan, believed to be a Pattaya supporter, hurled racist insults at Pak, including "kimchi" – a reference to his South Korean heritage – and called Phlanthong striker John Baggio "Tia" (a derogatory term for Chinese). The Korean coach confronted the fan, requiring stadium staff to intervene.
FAT's statement, released under royal patronage, reads: "The Football Association of Thailand, under royal patronage, affirms its stance against all forms of racial discrimination in football, whether occurring in the stadium, its vicinity, or on social media platforms. Such behavior destroys the spirit of sport and has no place in football. We invite all stakeholders to join the campaign against racism in competition to reform and elevate Thai football."
However, when such incidents occur, "Madame Pang" Nualphan Lamsam, FAT President, has issued an urgent directive to the Competition Management Department to immediately gather evidence and initiate disciplinary proceedings.
FAT places great importance on this matter and has existing regulations under the 2016 Disciplinary and Ethics Rules (Amendment No. 13, 2026), Chapter 3, Section 2: - Players (Article 1.9): Using abusive language, mocking, degrading, threatening, or racial/ethnic discrimination against any person by clear conduct, body language, or other actions conveying such contempt, before, during, or after matches, inside or outside the venue: 1-3 match ban and fine of 10,000-60,000 baht. - Team Officials (Article 2.6): Similar offenses: 2-match ban and fine of 10,000-40,000 baht. - Spectators (Article 4.1): Abusive language, mocking, degrading, racial/ethnic discrimination by words or actions: fine of 10,000-30,000 baht; if committed by a group: 20,000-40,000 baht. If amplified via equipment or livestreamed: fine of 30,000-50,000 baht and ban on bringing such equipment for 1-4 matches. - Article 4.5: (text cut off).
