Flag Errors and Anthem Failures Mar SEA Games Opening in Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The 33rd Southeast Asian Games opened in Thailand on Dec. 3 under controversy after organizers mistakenly displayed wrong national flags and country names during football matches — errors that quickly drew criticism across the region.

The most serious incident occurred during the U22 Vietnam vs. U22 Laos match, where Vietnam was labeled as “Thailand” while shown with the Vietnamese flag, and Laos was displayed with its flag but labeled “Indonesia.” Similar mistakes were reported for other teams.

Organizers also failed to play the national anthems for both Vietnam and Laos, forcing players to sing their anthems themselves on the field — an unusual moment that gained widespread attention online.

The missteps follow another diplomatic error earlier in 2025, when Thailand mistakenly displayed the Chinese flag for Vietnam during the AFC Futsal Championship draw, prompting strong criticism and a formal apology visit by Thai officials to Hanoi.

Facing mounting backlash, Thailand’s Sports Authority and the Thailand Sports Organizing Committee issued an apology late Dec. 3. SAT Governor Gongsak Yodmani cited “technical difficulties” and pledged that such mistakes would not be repeated.