Dr. Sakchai Thapsuwan opens up about the case of a Thai boxer posting claims of match-fixing at the SEA Games 2025.
On 17 Dec 2025 GMT+7, in amateur Muay Thai at the SEA Games 2025 men's 51 kg semifinal, Phetsuphan Luk Nong Phan Tao lost on points to Filipino boxer LJ Rafael Yasey in a surprising 28-29 decision, narrowly missing the gold medal match.
However, Phetsuphan posted an intense Facebook message saying, "I must apologize to everyone. The bad luck fell on me. I trained hard for my last SEA Games, but in the end, it was all for nothing."
"First, I want to vent. Before the fight, a coach told me that in the 51 kg category—the one I compete in—the results would be fixed so Malaysia would get the gold medal. That's what happened."
"#KnowingTheTrueNatureOfAmateurMuayThai #ThaiSociety #AllowingCheating #EvenAtTheCostOfOurOwnDignity"
"Normally, I don't speak out, but today I have to vent. I'm speaking frankly about what I heard firsthand. My chances are very slim now. #ITrainedHardSkippingMealsForMonthsNeverMissedADay #ButIWasChosenToBeDisappointed"
Recently, Dr. Sakchai Thapsuwan, president of the Amateur Muay Thai Sports Association of Thailand, commented: “The association and the judging committee are separate. They are different entities. We have to consider that the judges made their decisions based on certain reasons. I encourage everyone to ask the head referee why it had to be this way.”
“Actually, the boxer and team manager should have protested if the decision was unfair. The rules specify a time frame for protests, but now it is too late. We have to follow the regulations.”
“You need to ask the judging committee directly. I cannot speak on their behalf. Thank you to the media for your interest. Our association handles the event organization, but judging is the responsibility of each respective party.”