Bangkok: The atmosphere is electric as the “War Elephants” (Thailand national football team) face Vietnam in the men’s football match at the SEA Games. Fans from both teams are gradually arriving to watch the SEA Games men’s football gold medal match between Thailand and Vietnam at 7:30 PM at Rajamangala National Stadium.

According to Thai News Agency, a large group of Vietnamese fans paraded the championship trophy for good luck as they arrived at Rajamangala National Stadium, singing loudly before the final match of the 2025 SEA Games men’s football tournament between Thailand, 16-time champions, and Vietnam, 3-time champions. The Thai national football team, led by coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul, along with Yosakorn Burapha (“Mix”), who has scored 6 goals and leads the scoring charts, arrived at the stadium at 5:30 PM. They then paid respects to the sacred objects within the Sports Authority of Thailand for good fortune.

Spectators began arriving at the stadium as early as 4:00 PM. Fans who arrived had to register for free tickets beforehand. Some who waited on the walk-in waiting list will have to wait for tickets to become available after 7:00 PM. However, those without tickets can still watch the match on the large screens in front of Rajamangala National Stadium.

For today’s lineup, Coach Wang has positioned Chanaphat Buaphan as a key player in defense, while the midfield features Sittha Boonla and Kakhana Khamyok. The attack will utilize Seksan Ratree, Yosakorn Burapha, and Ikhlas Sanharn.

The last time the men’s football team won the SEA Games was in 2017 in Malaysia. The most recent SEA Games encounter between Thailand and Vietnam took place in 2021, where Vietnam narrowly defeated Thailand 1-0 to win the gold medal.