Unrest brews over forced card stunts at Thai school football match

A traditional, unity-building football competition has sparked a social media outcry, with the hashtag #EndForcedCardStunts trending.

The controversy started during the 30th Jaturamitr Samakee (Unity) Football Match held at the National Stadium in Pathum Wan district between four all-boys schools, namely: Suankularb Wittayalai School, Bangkok Christian College, Assumption College, and Debsirin School, from November 11 to 18.

The biennial competition, aimed at fostering unity among the students of the four schools, also features a highlight event known as card stunt which has consistently drawn public attention. Despite the camaraderie and spectacle it presents, the event has been criticised for its harsh conditions, including the requirement for students to endure the heat and sacrifice their personal time.

The first call-out came from Debsirin School. On the opening day of the traditional football event (November 11), reporters from various news agencies reported that a group of alumni from Debsirin School and youth activists were demanding the abolishment of forced student participation in card stunts for the event.

This group proposed reforms to the school directors of all four participating schools, asking for changes such as ending forced participation in card stunts and cheerleading, ensuring breaks for those involved in card stunts, and providing necessary amenities for dignified survival, like sunscreen for face and body.

The #EndForcedCardStunts hashtag gained traction on social media, particularly on Twitter. Most of the momentum was critical, questioning practices and traditions, and calling for voluntary participation if these activities are to be seen as a source of pride, reported Sanook.

Some alumni even tried to bribe the students into participating in card stunts by offering grand prizes like iPhone 15, DJI OSMO Pocket 3 cameras, and Nintendo Switch consoles in a raffle for student participants.

The outcome will be closely watched during the closing ceremony of the football event, scheduled for Saturday November 18. Whether the spectator stands of all four schools will be full as expected remains to be seen.