Summary of the drama where Thailand's national sepaktakraw team missed the world championship, with a key culprit causing the loss to Malaysia.
The TM ISTAF World Cup Sepaktakraw 2026 World Championship was held at Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the men's team final, the two-time defending champions Thailand faced the “Tigers” of Malaysia.
Thailand's Team A, consisting of Porntep Thinbangbon, Marukin Phanmok, and Jirasak Phakbuangern, lost to Malaysia 1-2 sets with scores of 9-15, 15-13, and 12-15, giving Malaysia a 1-0 lead in teams.
Next, Thailand's Team B, featuring Krisanapong Nantakot, Wuttinan Kamsano, and Thanapon Sapyen, defeated Malaysia in straight sets 15-6, 15-13, leveling the teams at 1-1 and pushing the championship decision to Team C.
Thailand's Team C, with Jakkrid Thinbangbon, Wichan Temkot, Phutawan Sopa, and substitute Sitthipong Kamchan, lost the first set 13-15. In the second set, Thailand led 14-13 and scored a point, but referee Radi from Singapore awarded the point to Malaysia, tying the set at 14-14, citing a foot fault by Thailand stepping on the line, although the point should have been Thailand's and would have won the set.
Thailand refused to continue playing unless the decision was reversed, but the referee and event organizers did not comply, resulting in Thailand forfeiting the match by walkout and Malaysia claiming the championship.