The final at Stadium Titiwangsa had been delicately poised at 1-1 after the first two regus and, in the deciding match-up, Thailand trailed by a set but led 14-13 in the second when Phutawan Sopha appeared to score with a spike, reports the Bangkok Post.
Initially ruled a fault for stepping on the line, the Thai camp successfully challenged the call and were awarded the point to level the tie.
But moments later Malaysia lodged their own protest, arguing the challenge had been lodged out of time, leading to the Singaporean referee reversing the decision.
The Thai bench erupted, accusing officials of bias and demanding the referee be replaced. When organisers refused, the players walked off court. After a half-hour delay, Thailand were declared losers by default.
‘That looked unfair’
Thana Chaiprasit, president of the Takraw Association of Thailand, condemned the officiating.
“There were several moments that looked deliberately unfair. We saw three clear points denied. If they want to give Malaysia the cup, let them. We will consider whether to send our senior team again if this continues,” he said.
Malaysia celebrated a breakthrough victory, ending Thailand’s dominance of the past three editions. More than 3,000 home fans roared their approval as their team claimed a 2-1 win.
Malaysia team manager Datuk Abu Jimi Samat insisted the referee was correct: “The Thai player’s foot clearly crossed the line. They had watched the video earlier. The decision was right.”