Madam Pang awards Thailand $9,500 after team beat Singapore to reach SEA Games football semis

Madam Pang during a meeting with the Thailand U22 team in early December. Photo by Facebook/Madam Pang

The team topped Group A after a 3-0 victory over Singapore on Thursday.

Following the win, Madam Pang congratulated the squad and awarded them a match bonus of 300,000 baht (US$9,500), according to Suara. This brings the team's total bonuses for the group stage to 800,000 baht. She noted that while the pressure will increase in the next rounds, this is the moment for Thailand to prove their dominance in the region.

Thailand entered the match against Singapore having made six changes to the starting lineup that defeated Timor Leste. The heavy rotation initially impacted their tempo, with Singapore holding the hosts to a goalless draw in the first half.

However, a tactical adjustment at halftime turned things around. Thailand put the game to bed in just five minutes. Siraphop Wandee opened the scoring in the 49th minute, followed quickly by a brace from striker Yotsakorn Burapha between the 51st and 54th minutes.

Burapha's two goals extended his tally at the 33rd SEA Games to five, placing him at the top of the tournament scoring charts.

Thailand U22 team before the clash with Singapore in SEA Games 33 men's football on Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by FAT

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul remained cautious despite the comfortable win. He stressed that the team cannot let their guard down after victories over Timor-Leste and Singapore.

"Winning the group stage is just the first step. In the semi-finals, any mistake can be expensive," Thawatchai said, adding that he would carefully assess the squad's physical condition to balance fitness and form ahead of the next stage.

With the victory, Thailand topped Group A with six points. They will face the group stage's best second-placed team in the semi-finals. Their opponent will be determined later on Friday, following the result of the Group C clash between Indonesia and Myanmar.

The other semi-final matchup is set: Group B winners Vietnam will face Group C winners Philippines on Dec. 15.