Peerathep Sila-on won Thailand's first gold medal in taekwondo of the 27th SEA Games yesterday.
Thailand’s Peerathep Sila-on celebrates after defeating Samuel Morrison of the Philippines 8-7 in the men’s 74kg final.
In the men's 74kg final, Peerathep beat Samuel Morrison of the Philippines 8-7.
"It is a great success for me because this is my first gold medal on the international stage," he said.
Unfortunately, 2011 world champion Rangsiya Nisaisom lost 6-4 to eventual champion Thi Thu Hien Pham of Vietnam in the semi-finals of the women's 62kg and had to settle for bronze.
In poomsae (dance), Thailand got two silvers in the mixed pair (Sattawatch Chomchuen and Tasana Manso) and women's team (Katesara Kiatatchawachai, Pichchapha Tanakitcharoenpat and Salisa Ammuaychai).
Vietnam won golds in both events.
Preecha Tortrakul, of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, admitted the Vietnamese were better in poomse.
"They deserved the wins," he said.
"We are behind Vietnam in poomsae. They have several world champions."
Myanmar's Thaw Zin Han took gold medal in the men's poomsae singles and compatriot Yamin Kline was victorious in the women's event.
Kline's win was a big surprise because she lost control during the competition. The home fans booed when she was declared the winner in the three-player event.
The Philippines got gold in the men's poomsae team while Thailand received bronze.