KUALA LUMPUR — The 38th Thai King’s Cup Sepaktakraw tournament in Hatyai remains safe, peaceful and fully under control, the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (Astaf) said today, amid concerns over regional security following a deadly border clash between Thai and Cambodian forces.
Astaf president Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said the incident — which occurred more than 900 kilometres away near the Thailand-Cambodia border — has no impact on the tournament venue, located at Hatyai Hall inside the Central Hatyai Shopping Mall.
“We encourage all participants, especially Malaysian and Singaporean fans, to proceed with their travel plans confidently and join us in rallying behind Team Malaysia and Team Singapore as they compete at the pinnacle of international sepak takraw,” he said in an advisory.
Abdul Halim said local authorities have bolstered security at all official team accommodations and the tournament venue, with additional personnel deployed as a precaution.
He added that all 18 participating national teams have been advised to remain vigilant and return to their designated hotels immediately after each match to support smooth tournament operations and ensure safety.
The advisory comes a day after a Thai civilian was killed and three others — including a five-year-old child — were seriously injured in a military clash near the Thai-Cambodian border early Thursday.
The two countries have long-standing disputes over an 817-kilometre stretch of undemarcated border. — July 25, 2025