International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against eight members of Thailand’s national sepak takraw team following the controversial walkout during the TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026 men’s team final.
In an official disciplinary notice (ISTAF/DC/2026-010) dated 20 June 2026, ISTAF confirmed that five players, two coaches, and one team manager have been formally charged over their alleged involvement in the incident that saw Thailand refuse to continue competing during the championship final on 24 May 2026.
The disciplinary action involves the following members of the Thai national team:
- Auaychai Srisuwan – Team Manager
- Sahachat Sakorncharoen – Coach
- Naruchit Kanchan – Coach
- Wichan Temkot – Player
- Jakkrit Thinbangbon – Player
- Phutawan Sopha – Player
- Sittipong Khamchan – Substitute Player (participated in the match)
- Jatupol Siri-art – Substitute Player (did not play)
Each individual has received a separate disciplinary notice outlining the allegations.
According to ISTAF, the disciplinary proceedings have been initiated under Article 17 of the ISTAF Constitution, citing an alleged breach of Rule 15.3 of the Sepaktakraw Competition Regulations, which concerns actions that obstruct the smooth conduct of official competitions.
The federation alleges that Thailand’s third regu players, together with team officials and other squad members, collectively decided to refuse to continue playing after tournament organizers instructed the third regu to enter the court during the men’s team final at Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
ISTAF stated that the walkout prevented the championship final from proceeding as scheduled, disrupting the tournament timetable, affecting international broadcast commitments, and damaging the image of the sport.
ISTAF emphasized that the disciplinary process remains an investigation and does not imply that any of the eight individuals have been found guilty.
The federation’s Disciplinary Committee will review all available evidence before reaching a decision.
While the investigation is ongoing, ISTAF has imposed a temporary suspension on all eight individuals, prohibiting them from participating in any sepak takraw competitions or official activities until the disciplinary process has concluded.
The accused have been granted 14 days from receiving the disciplinary notice to submit written explanations and may also request to appear before the Disciplinary Committee to present their defense.
Should they fail to respond within the stipulated timeframe, the committee may proceed with the case based solely on the available evidence.
If found guilty, the disciplinary measures available to ISTAF include Official warning, Competition suspension, Financial penalties, Disqualification, Lifetime ban from all sepak takraw-related activities
Following the committee’s final decision, those sanctioned will retain the right to appeal to the ISTAF Executive Committee within seven working days of receiving the verdict.
The investigation marks one of the most significant disciplinary cases in recent international sepak takraw history and could have major implications for Thailand’s national programme as the sport continues its global expansion.
Credit Photo : BOLAROTAN TV
