In a thrilling 10-second comeback, the Thai national taekwondo team turned the match around to defeat the Philippines and claim gold at the 2025 SEA Games.
On 13 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the taekwondo fighting events at the 33rd SEA Games took place at Island Hall, Fashion Island Shopping Center. The Thai taekwondo team earned 3 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal.
A tense moment occurred in the under 63 kg category when "Biu" Thanaphum Fuengnoi faced Riley Kenneth Buenavides from the Philippines. The first round was comfortably won by the Thai fighter, 16-4.
The second round proved tougher, with the score tied 6-6. With just 10 seconds left, Thanaphum was caught with a kick to the chin and the Filipino scored another point to lead 10-6 after Thanaphum pulled his opponent.
What seemed like a prolonged fight ended dramatically as the Thai fighter spun to kick and catch up to 10-10 with 4 seconds remaining, then scored 3 more points with a knockdown to win 13-11, securing the gold in the 63 kg taekwondo category.