Mongkutpetch lost to Filipino fighter Bomogao Islay Erika in the women’s under-45kg final on Dec. 17, while fellow Thai boxer Thongchai Huanak was beaten by Malaysia’s Rumijam Wassof in the men’s under-54kg bout. Both decisions immediately sparked backlash from coaches, officials and spectators.
On Dec. 23, Mongkutpetch traveled to Bangkok to submit a direct complaint to the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (ANOC), meeting with its president Pimol Srivikorn. He was accompanied by Natthadej, president of Petchyindee Gym, who said the outcome shocked the crowd at Lumpinee Stadium.
“Based on what happened in the ring, everyone believed Mongkutpetch should have won,” Natthadej said, adding that spectators booed loudly when the decision was announced. He accused the competition of being unfair and called for structural reforms within Thailand’s amateur Muay Thai system.
Natthadej also criticized the Amateur Muay Thai Association of Thailand (AMAT) for failing to defend Thai athletes despite the Games being held on home soil.
“At the very least, they should have protested,” he said.
Adding to the controversy, Thana Chaiyaprasit, head of Thailand’s SEA Games delegation, revealed that observers from the International Olympic Committee were present at the bouts and questioned why Thai fighters who appeared dominant still lost.
ANOC President Pimol said he would summon AMAT President Sakchai Thapsuwan for clarification, but noted a conflict of interest: Sakchai also leads the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA).
“Normally, a national federation would appeal to the international body,” Pimol said. “In this case, it is unclear how that process would work.”
Under SEA Games regulations, match results cannot be overturned even if officiating errors are found. However, referees may face disciplinary action, with harsher penalties if match-fixing is proven.
ANOC said it would protect the dignity of Thai athletes and fully investigate the matter, stressing that Thailand is actively promoting Muay Thai internationally and pushing for its inclusion in the Olympic program. Allowing controversy to persist, Pimol warned, could harm the sport’s global image.
Before the complaint was filed, Thailand’s national Muay Thai head coach Surajit Thonganan and boxer Thongchai Huanak had already publicly criticized the judging, raising concerns about medal allocation at the Games.
Sakchai has denied any match-fixing, saying Muay Thai events at the 33rd SEA Games concluded largely to general satisfaction despite some controversial scoring in the finals. He emphasized that referees were appointed by the SEA Games organizing committee, not AMAT, and said officiating concerns should be directed to tournament organizers.
As IFMA president, Sakchai said he would review any official reports before taking further action. He acknowledged that some results appeared questionable from the stands but argued that referees positioned closer to the ring may have seen details others missed.
Thailand finished the Muay Thai competition at the 33rd SEA Games with 11 gold medals, six silvers and one bronze.