Thai Sepaktakraw Chief Threatens International Court Action if Federation Bans Thailand from Asian Games

Thana Chaipraseuth, president of the Thai Sepaktakraw Association, stated he may file a complaint with the international court if the federation imposes a ban on Thailand's participation in the Asian Games in Japan. The controversy erupted during the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last weekend, when the Thai national team refused to continue playing in the championship match against Malaysia due to dissatisfaction with Singapore-based referee Muhammad Radi's decisions. This incident could result in Thailand being banned from international competitions, including the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

Following a Thai Olympic Committee meeting on May 27, 2026, Thana Chaipraseuth clarified that Thailand did not walk out of the venue. He emphasized that the team forfeited the championship to Malaysia but remained present at the medal ceremony, and the federation had been notified of this decision. He argued that if referees were deliberately favoring Malaysia, Thailand should accept the loss, but stated firmly that if the federation takes punitive action, Thailand would be forced to pursue the matter at the international court.

Regarding speculation that this dispute might be personally motivated by rival Bunyachai Lorpipat, a previous candidate for the association presidency, Thana said he preferred not to point fingers and asked the public to examine the facts and conduct of all parties involved.

Thana announced that the association will formally submit clarifications to the federation on various disputed points, and will request an explanation as to why referee Radi was assigned to oversee two matches in this tournament when other qualified referees were available.