The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has imposed a combined US$53,000 in fines on eight members of Thailand’s national sepaktakraw team following the controversial incident during the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026 final.
The disciplinary case stems from Thailand’s decision not to continue competing in the final on 24 May 2026, an incident that prompted ISTAF to launch a formal disciplinary investigation.
Following its review, the ISTAF Disciplinary Committee ruled that all eight Thai representatives involved were guilty of disciplinary violations.
Three starting players — Phutawan Sopha, Wichan Temkot and Jakkrit Thinbangbon — were each fined US$6,000.
Meanwhile, Sitthipong Khamchan and Jatuphon Siriat were each handed fines of US$5,000.
The coaching and support staff also received significant financial penalties.
Naruchit Kanlajan and Sahachat Sakorncharoen were each fined US$8,000, while team manager Uaychai Srisuwan received the largest individual penalty of US$10,000.
The total financial penalty imposed on the eight members amounts to US$53,000.
Despite the severity of the financial penalties, there is a major positive development for Thailand ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.
The suspension from competition imposed on all eight individuals has already expired, meaning the five sanctioned athletes remain eligible to represent Thailand at the Asian Games.
However, ISTAF has warned that failure to pay the fines within 14 days of receiving the official notification could result in an additional suspension of between one and two years.
That would potentially have major consequences for the affected athletes and Thailand’s preparations for the Asian Games.
The eight sanctioned individuals also retain the right to appeal the disciplinary decision.
An appeal must be submitted within 14 days, accompanied by an appeal fee of US$500.
The decision therefore does not necessarily represent the final chapter of the disciplinary case, with the affected members still able to challenge the ruling through ISTAF’s appeal process.
The US$53,000 collective fine represents a significant disciplinary punishment for the Thai sepaktakraw team, particularly with the sport preparing for another major international campaign.
However, the expiry of the suspensions means Thailand has avoided an immediate competitive ban heading into the 2026 Asian Games, preserving the availability of five of the sanctioned athletes.
For Thailand, the priority now will be to resolve the financial penalties within the deadline or determine whether to exercise their right of appeal.
The case remains a major talking point in international sepaktakraw, but for the Thai athletes, the door to the Asian Games 2026 remains firmly open.
Credit Photo : BOLAROTAN TV
