Chinese youth hockey player punches Thai referee, Thailand

A 14-year-old Chinese ice hockey player punched a Thai referee during a match in Bangkok. The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena (TIIHA) during the Bangkok Fly Ice Hockey Tournament 2026. The player, identified as Venom Liu, a 14-year-old forward born on January 16, 2012, was playing for the Anesthetist team. Liu punched the referee, Sgt. Teerasak Rattanachot, a former member of Thailand’s men’s national ice hockey team and coach, after being dissatisfied with a call. The Anesthetist team was subsequently disqualified from competing in its two remaining tournament matches. The team has since returned to China. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for players and officials in sports events. Phuket buyers should be aware of the potential risks and consequences of violent behavior in sports-related incidents. The incident has sparked outrage among fans and officials, with many calling for greater measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The organizing committee has penalized the player and the team, but some are questioning whether more could have been done to prevent the incident. The incident has also raised concerns about the behavior of some parents, who were seen entering the playing area and pointing at the referee. The incident is a reminder that sports events can be a platform for promoting positive values and behavior, and that officials and organizers have a responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

What happened

A 14-year-old Chinese ice hockey player punched a Thai referee during a match in Bangkok. The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena (TIIHA) during the Bangkok Fly Ice Hockey Tournament 2026. The player, identified as Venom Liu, a 14-year-old forward born on January 16, 2012, was playing for the Anesthetist team. Liu punched the referee, Sgt. Teerasak Rattanachot, a former member of Thailand’s men’s national ice hockey team and coach, after being dissatisfied with a call. The Anesthetist team was subsequently disqualified from competing in its two remaining tournament matches. The team has since returned to China. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for players and officials in sports events. Phuket buyers should be aware of the potential risks and consequences of violent behavior in sports-related incidents. The incident has sparked outrage among fans and officials, with many calling for greater measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The organizing committee has penalized the player and the team, but some are questioning whether more could have been done to prevent the incident. The incident has also raised concerns about the behavior of some parents, who were seen entering the playing area and pointing at the referee. The incident is a reminder that sports events can be a platform for promoting positive values and behavior, and that officials and organizers have a responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

Background and context

The development matters for buyers comparing Phuket districts, rental demand, and exit liquidity against Thailand’s broader 2026 market backdrop.

Why it matters for Phuket buyers

For Phuket property buyers, headlines like this shape foreign demand, short-stay rental flow, and how quickly investors move from research to a viewing or offer.

Source: Khaosod English

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