Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team (in red) attacks against Thailand during the final at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, Thailand, December 15, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
The controversy focused on the decisive point in the fifth set of the final match on Monday, when Thailand’s Pimpichaya Kokram was awarded a point with her team leading 24-23.
Vietnamese players did not attempt to return the ball, believing it had landed out, but the referee ruled it in, awarding Thailand the point and the match.
Television replays from available angles did not clearly show whether the ball was in or out, prompting widespread debate after the final.
On Tuesday, social media posts claimed referees and Thai organizers had apologized to Vietnam over the decision.
The reports were incorrect, according to Thai newspaper Thairath, which said the call was valid and described the point as a smart play by Kokram.
The paper reported no apology was issued over the incident.
Separate reports cited an apology from the Sports Authority of Thailand related to organizational issues at the 2025 SEA Games opening ceremony, including the display of an incomplete Vietnamese map, not the volleyball final.
Thai volleyball forums later circulated an image showing a referee’s monitor with the ball appearing to land inside the court.
The Pantip platform said the image was photographed by a member of Thailand’s coaching staff.
The 2025 SEA Games run from December 9 to December 20 in Thailand and feature athletes from 11 countries.
Vietnam has sent 1,165 delegation members and is targeting between 80 and 100 gold medals.
As of 9:00 am on Thursday, Vietnam was third in the medal standings with 64 golds, 69 silvers, and 94 bronzes.
Host Thailand led the medal table with 185 golds, 120 silvers and 80 bronzes, while Indonesia held second place with 72 gold, 85 silver, and 94 bronze medals.
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