Thai newspaper comments on host's serious misuse of Vietnam's national flag

(Dan Tri) - The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and the Thai press have both spoken out after the serious incident of the organizers misusing the Vietnamese national flag during the draw for the 2025 Southeast Asian U19 and U16 futsal tournament.

The draw for the 2025 Southeast Asian U19 and U16 futsal tournament took place on the afternoon of October 28 in Nonthaburi (Thailand). Accordingly, during the draw, the organizing committee used the wrong Vietnamese flag, replacing it with the Chinese flag.

In a document sent to the AFF, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) clearly stated its view that this serious incident could have consequences affecting Vietnam's image and negatively impact the solidarity of the ASEAN community.

In response to this situation, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) issued a statement apologizing to the Vietnamese people and the VFF. They wrote: “Mr. Adisak Benjasiriwan, Vice President of the Football Association of Thailand in charge of Futsal and Beach Soccer, sent his sincere apologies to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Vietnamese people after the unfortunate incident when the Vietnamese flag was mistakenly displayed as the Chinese flag during the draw for the 2025 Southeast Asian U19 and U16 Futsal Championship, held today.

Madam Pang directed the investigation and clarification of individual and collective responsibilities related to the misuse of the Vietnamese national flag in the draw ceremony for the U19 and U16 Southeast Asian futsal tournaments (Photo: FAT).

FAT is fully aware of and respects all member federations at all levels, as well as the sacred meaning of each country's national flag, a symbol of national identity. Therefore, we express our deep regret for this mistake. Immediately after the incident occurred, FAT established an investigation committee to verify the cause and discipline the individuals involved. Initial results show that the error originated from the event organizer.

FAT sincerely hopes that VFF and the Vietnamese people will accept this apology and forgive the unintentional mistake, which was not intended to disrespect Vietnam at all."

Meanwhile, Thairath newspaper commented: “After the incident where the organizers mistakenly displayed the Vietnamese national flag at the draw ceremony for the U19 Southeast Asian futsal tournament, FAT President, Madam Pang, sent a letter of apology to the VFF and the Vietnamese people for this unfortunate incident.

In it, the head of Thai football expressed “deep regret” and sent a sincere apology. She emphasized that this mistake does not reflect the respect and appreciation that FAT has for Vietnam as well as ASEAN member federations.

Madam Pang immediately directed an investigation to clarify the incident. She also hopes to soon have the opportunity to meet VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan to apologize directly.

This issue was also discussed by Thai fans on the Pantip football forum. Below are some typical comments:

“The issue of national flags is always very big for a country. I don't understand why the organizers made such a basic mistake.”

“Really, I don’t understand why the organizers made such a basic mistake. This greatly affects the friendship between the two countries.”

“This is a lesson for Thai football. We need to learn from this deeply in the future.”

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/bao-thai-lan-binh-luan-khi-chu-nha-dung-sai-nghiem-trong-quoc-ky-viet-nam-20251028224631023.htm