Thailand’s under-22 coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul is seen during the men’s football final against Vietnam at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, December 18, 2025. Photo: Khaosod
Hosts Thailand led 2-0 in the first half at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium but were pegged back after the break as Vietnam showed greater resilience and physical strength to force extra time.
Vietnam completed the comeback in the 96th minute when Nguyen Thanh Nhan scored the winner, handing Thailand a bitter home defeat and denying them the gold medal.
“I take full responsibility for this result,” Damrong-Ongtrakul told reporters after the match.
“Although the players showed strong spirit, we have to admit their physical condition was under heavy pressure from competing for both their clubs and the national team.”
Players of Vietnam (red) and Thailand are seen in action during the men’s football final at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, December 18, 2025. Photo: Nguyen Khoi / Tuoi Tre
Damrong-Ongtrakul suggested that Thailand were not able to field their strongest possible squad at the SEA Games, as several players had to return to their clubs to compete in domestic and international competitions.
He added that the Football Association of Thailand would review his performance after the team failed to secure the gold medal on home soil.
He also thanked Thai supporters for backing the team throughout the tournament.
Vietnam’s victory capped a dramatic turnaround and sealed the SEA Games men’s football title, extending their recent dominance over regional rivals Thailand.
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