Thailand repeats flag error involving Vietnam ahead of SEA Games

In the women’s futsal schedule, the 33rd SEA Games website mistakenly displayed Laos’ flag for Indonesia and Vietnam’s flag for the host nation, Thailand, according to Matichon newspaper.

The error follows a similar incident in October, when Thailand used China’s flag in place of Vietnam’s during the draw for the ASEAN U19 Boys’ Futsal Championship, sparking public outcry and prompting an official apology from the Football Association of Thailand.

Matichon said the latest mistake “confused journalists and sports fans” and drew criticism of organizers, who have faced scrutiny over delays and organizational issues in the lead-up to the Games.

Thailand has not commented on the flag error, and the 33rd SEA Games website continues to experience technical problems, with access reportedly smoother only for local users.

The 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to take place from December 9 to 20 in Thailand, will feature 10,543 athletes, coaches, and experts from 11 Southeast Asian countries competing in 50 sports.

Vietnam is sending a delegation of 1,165 members to the Games, including 842 athletes and 189 coaches, competing in 47 of the 50 sports across 443 of 573 events.