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The Football Association of Thailand has launched an investigation after a spectator hurled a racist taunt at Park Hang-seo, the South Korean manager of a second-division Thai club, sending shockwaves through the country's football community.

The association, known as FAT, issued an official statement Monday (local time) saying it had directed its tournament operations team to gather information and review the matter at the instruction of FAT President Nualphan Lamsam.

The association said it takes the incident seriously and stands against all forms of discrimination — whether inside or outside stadiums or on social media.

Kanchanaburi FC also issued a statement. "Football is a sport that connects people from all over the world," the club said. "Every person, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or the color of their skin, is precious and deserves equal respect."

The incident occurred Sunday after the Round 9 match of the 2026-27 Thai League 2 season between Kanchanaburi and Pattaya United at Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya.

According to Thai outlet Khao Sod and Vietnamese outlet Tuoi Tre, a person believed to be a Pattaya United supporter unleashed a torrent of abusive remarks at Park and Kanchanaburi players as they left the pitch following the 2-2 draw.

The spectator shouted a slur at Park that included the word "kimchi man." Park, who had been heading toward the locker room, turned and approached the spectator, pressing a finger to his lips to signal the person to be quiet. As the taunts continued, Park gestured as if to throw a punch and shouted at the spectator to come down from the stands in a forceful show of protest.

Officials from both clubs and match organizers intervened, and no physical altercation took place.


min3654@heraldcorp.com