Thailand's appeal rejected, misses men's 4x100m bronze at ASIAD 2026

On September 28, 2026, Puripol Boonson crossed the line fourth in 38.49 seconds, and Thailand immediately lodged a protest with World Athletics over China's baton exchange between Zheng Ke Li and Wang Zheng Jia. If upheld, Taiwan would have moved to gold, South Korea to silver, and Thailand to bronze. After more than an hour, the jury ruled the exchange occurred within the 30-meter zone and confirmed the original result: China 38.17, Taiwan 38.32, South Korea 38.43, Thailand 38.49. In the heats, South Korea had been disqualified for a similar issue before winning an appeal. Thailand's team included Nattawut Eiamudom, Soraorath Dabong, Chayut Khongsaprasit and Boonson. Chayut revealed he was a late replacement for Chutithat Prueksanon, injured just before the race, and learned about his role in the warm-up area. Boonson said they were disappointed but satisfied. The 4x100m relay requires exchanges inside a 30-meter zone; before 2026 the zone was 20m exchange plus 10m acceleration. Teams use blind handoffs, and timing is decisive. Thailand's protest failed, but the bigger issue is whether the Thai team can build relay chemistry with last-minute lineups.