Football fans have been warned they will face severe punishment if they cause trouble at Tuesday's World Cup qualifier after violence flared at a match in Laos on Friday night.
fury flares: Thai fans set off a flare at the match in Laos when police intervene. One is punched and a second fires a warning shot.
The violence, in which a warning shot was fired after a Lao policeman was punched, erupted during Thailand's 6-0 win over Vietnam in the Asean Football Federation Under-19 final at the National Sports Complex Stadium in Vientiane.
Fans, behind an "Ultra Thailand" banner, waved a flare after the War Elephants scored a second goal in the 11th minute, prompting the intervention of security forces.
Thai fans then clashed with Lao police, waving flags in their faces and shouting aggressively. Footage from the ground shows the crowd becoming more agitated after a Lao policeman reached for a woman's mobile phone.
A man dressed in black punched the policeman in the face. Another policeman immediately drew his gun. A warning shot was fired, and police appeared to bring a Taser as backup.
Police arrested 25 Thai fans, who were released yesterday and allowed to return home after diplomatic intervention.
Lao authorities seized the passports and ID cards of the fans who called themselves "Thai Ultras".
The Thai embassy issued a statement yesterday to apologise to Laos for the "rude actions" of its citizens. "The embassy regrets and apologises to Lao officials and people for what happened," the statement said.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the problem was resolved thanks to the countries' close ties.
"If they act improperly again, it will not end easily like this. Laos showed goodwill in releasing the fans and we assured them that such an incident will not happen again," Mr Don said.
The incident prompted FAT lawyer Narinpong Chinapak to warn football fans against using fireworks and flares when the national team takes on Iraq at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
"Police and military officers will be mobilised to ensure safety," he said.