Pattaya, Thailand – January 7th, 2026
A violent brawl broke out between players and supporters of two local football teams following an amateur match in southern Pattaya, turning a routine game into chaos on an artificial turf pitch.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 6th, 2026, at a football field in Moo 10 in the Nong Prue sub-district. Video footage of the fight was posted on Facebook by a user named “Chokchip Wat Tham,” captioned mockingly: “They just had to turn into boxers #quit playing football then, scared.” The clip shows players and fans from both sides charging onto the field, exchanging punches and kicks in a large-scale melee.
The Pattaya News Reporters visited the site on January 7th and spoke with the field manager, who confirmed the brawl involved both players and supporters rushing the pitch. The manager added that the cause remained unclear, but both sides later discussed the matter, resolved their differences, and went home peacefully.
The match was part of a local 8-a-side football league featuring mostly Pattaya-area teams. The competing sides were known as “Khai Khem” (Salted Egg) and “Super.” According to the referee, 62-year-old Prasert Wangweng, tensions had been building before the game.
Mr. Prasert, a veteran of over 40 years in Thai football who previously worked with Pattaya club teams and mentored young players, revealed that the two teams had been trading insults on social media since before the New Year. Prior to kickoff, one player reportedly asked him, “Can I go after them today?” He warned both teams that any violence would result in the match being canceled immediately.
The game itself was played aggressively, with Mr. Prasert issuing multiple yellow cards. However, as soon as he blew the final whistle, players from both sides erupted into fighting, as seen in the viral clip. When he tried to intervene, he was caught in the fray, knocked to the ground, and injured his right knee. Unable to control the situation, he stepped back and let it run its course.
Afterward, elders were brought in to mediate behind the field, with talks lasting over two hours before the groups dispersed amicably.
Mr. Prasert expressed deep disappointment over the incident, saying he has dedicated decades to developing Thai football and does not want such events to tarnish the sport’s reputation. “I want Thai football to progress,” he said, “and for players to avoid fighting on the field, as it damages the image of the game.”
No serious injuries were reported beyond the referee’s knee issue, and no police involvement has been mentioned as of now.
