New: VOC received an apology letter from the Thai Organizing Committee for the incident of not playing the Vietnamese and Lao National Anthems.

The 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee of Thailand officially sent a letter of deep apology to relevant parties after a technical problem prevented the national anthems of Vietnam and Laos from being performed as planned at Rajamangala Stadium.

SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee admits technical error in National Anthem ceremony

On December 3, 2025, the Thai Sports Organizing Committee (THASOC) - including the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand) - sent an official document to the Vietnam Olympic Committee (VOC) and relevant parties, acknowledging a serious technical error in the National Anthem singing ceremony before the match between U.23 Laos and U.23 Vietnam at Rajamangala National Stadium in Group B of the SEA Games men's football.

Technical problem, U.23 Vietnam sings national anthem a cappella before match against Laos

The incident occurred during the solemn moment before the ball rolled, preventing the national anthems of the two teams from being played as planned. This is considered one of the most important rituals of every international match, especially at the SEA Games.

Letter of apology from the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)

In the letter, THASOC expressed its “deepest apologies” to all parties involved for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the incident. The document, signed by Sports Authority of Thailand Governor Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, stated:

“We would like to express our deepest apologies for the technical issues before the match between Laos and Vietnam on 3 December 2025 at Rajamangala Stadium, which resulted in the failure to play the national anthems of both countries as scheduled. We pledge that such an incident will not happen again.”

The National Anthem singing part without music by U.23 Vietnam

The National Anthem singing part without music by U.23 Vietnam

Commitment not to repeat

THASOC affirmed that it will review the entire technical process, increase inspection of equipment and operating personnel to ensure that the next ceremonies take place completely, in the spirit of respecting the nation and athletes of the two teams.

This incident also made many fans in the region express regret, and at the same time expect the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee to tighten the operating procedures to ensure the standards of the largest sporting event in Southeast Asia.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/moi-voc-nhan-duoc-thu-xin-loi-tu-btc-thai-lan-vi-su-co-khong-co-quoc-ca-viet-nam-va-lao-185251203201745991.htm