"Sometimes, the AFF needs to review its referee appointment process, as it significantly impacts matches," Piyapong was quoted by Daily News. "It's inappropriate for a team's coach and the referee to share the same nationality. In the first leg, an Arab referee officiated without issue, and any decisions were acceptable. However, in the second leg, the referee was South Korean, the same nationality as Vietnam's coach."
Referee Ko Hyung-jin issued a red card to midfielder Weerathep Pomphan during the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 5, 2024.
Following their loss to Vietnam in the second leg of the final on January 5, many Thai fans criticized referee Ko Hyung-jin. They claimed he underperformed, overlooking numerous fouls by Vietnam and making several biased calls against their team. The most controversial decision was the red card shown to midfielder Weerathep Pomphan in the 74th minute, with Thailand leading 2-1. Playing with ten men, the home side was subsequently pressured, conceding two late goals and losing 2-3.
Ko, 42, is South Korean, sharing the same nationality as coach Kim Sang-sik, while Thailand's coach, Masatada Ishii, is Japanese. The match at Rajamangala was his third officiating assignment in this year's tournament, including two involving Vietnam. The first was a group stage match where Kim's team won 4-1 away against Laos.
Ko has over 15 years of experience as a FIFA referee. He has officiated at the AFC Asian Cup finals in 2019 and 2023, though he is not considered one of Asia's top referees.
"If the referee for the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final had been Japanese, it would also have been inappropriate," Piyapong added. "In the future, the AFF needs clear standards for referee appointments. This would also help improve the level of Southeast Asian players."
Piyapong, 65, was a teammate of coach Park Hang-seo and played for Lucky-Goldstar in South Korea. The Thai legend holds the club record for most goals and assists in the 1985 season and was selected for the Team of the Season. He is second on Thailand's all-time goalscoring list with 70 goals in 100 appearances, behind Kiatisuk Senamuang with 71.
Piyapong currently serves on the board of directors of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
When questioned about the refereeing, FAT President Nualphan Lamsam stated she would not file a complaint with the AFF. "Referee Ko told me he couldn't keep up with the pace of the game," the president, also known as "Madame Pang," said. "Regarding Supachok Sarachat's goal, it was a matter of fair play. As for Weerathep Pomphan's red card, we must accept it."
Regarding the defeat to Vietnam, Madame Pang suggested that part of the reason was the unavailability of their strongest squad. She confirmed she would honor the remaining year of Ishii's contract and urged Thai fans to continue supporting the Japanese coach.
"Coach Ishii said he will create a new generation for Thailand in preparation for the next four years. You have to be patient. So, don't be sensitive when the results are not good," Madame Pang told Siam Sport on January 7.
Ishii has been coaching Thailand since December 2023, replacing his predecessor Alexandre Polking, who won two consecutive ASEAN Cups in 2020 and 2022. In the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Ishii made a strong impression, leading Thailand to a 1-1 draw away against both South Korea and China. They missed out on the third round due to an inferior goal difference to China, a consequence of a 1-2 loss under Polking.
