Bangkok, 28 October 2025 – On the evening of October 28, Madam Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang), President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), officially sent a letter of apology to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan after the Vietnamese national flag was displayed incorrectly during the draw ceremony for the 2025 AFF U19 Futsal Championship in Thailand.
Following the flag mix-up at the draw ceremony for the AFF U19 Futsal Championship 2025, hosted in Thailand on October 28, FAT President Nualphan Lamsam immediately took responsibility and expressed her sincere apologies to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and its President Tran Quoc Tuan.
In her official apology letter, Madam Pang wrote:
“On behalf of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), I would like to express my deepest regret and extend my most sincere apologies for the unfortunate mistake involving the incorrect display of the Vietnamese national flag during the draw ceremony of the AFF U19 Futsal Championship 2025 held in Thailand on October 28, 2025.”
The Thai FA President emphasized that the incident in no way reflected FAT’s respect and appreciation for fellow member associations and their national symbols.
“We fully recognize the seriousness of this error and take full responsibility for the oversight. This mistake does not represent FAT’s values or its long-standing respect for Vietnam and all ASEAN member nations,” Madam Pang added.
She also confirmed that FAT had immediately implemented corrective actions and would strengthen event management procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“FAT sincerely apologizes to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), and all related parties for this incident. I also hope to personally convey my apology to VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan soon,” she stated.
In the letter, Madam Pang reaffirmed FAT’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and mutual respect in all AFF events hosted in Thailand, adding:
“FAT and I personally hold great respect for your understanding and continued support. We reaffirm our strong commitment to upholding professionalism and mutual respect in every AFF competition organized by FAT.”
According to sources, immediately after the incident, Madam Pang personally called VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan to deliver her sincere apology. Additionally, the FAT General Secretary contacted his counterpart at VFF to formally express regret over what was described as a “serious and regrettable” mistake.
The prompt and direct response from FAT leadership demonstrated Thailand’s goodwill and respect toward Vietnam, helping ease tensions following the unexpected error during the official ceremony.
David Toh
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