The Labour Ministry expressed concern yesterday about a protest by Thai workers in Singapore, following a controversial football match by the countries' national teams.

"We don't want to see the situation get out of control," Labour Ministry permanent secretary Chuthatawat Indrasuksri said.

The protest took place after Thailand lost 2-1 to Singapore in the first leg of the Asean Football Championship on Wednesday, following a controversial penalty kick awarded to Singapore.

Previously, Thai workers in Singapore had staged a protest against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra when he visited the city-state. Relations between Thailand and Singapore hit their lowest point in years following the visit.

Chuthatawat said he had already warned all Thai workers overseas to respect the laws of their host countries and had instructed labour attachés to ensure Thai workers understand their responsibilities.

Labour Minister Apai Chandanachulaka said about 47,500 Thais were working legally in Singapore. He said the reputation of Thailand and Thai workers could suffer if protests in Singapore got out of control.

Krirkkiat Pipatseritham, a former rector of Thammasat University, also expressed concern about rising nationalistic fervour.

"In Latin America, a football spat between two countries once led to a war," Krirkkiat said.

"I hope our political leaders will not mix politics and sports," he said. Krirkkiat also sits on the Constitution Drafting Assembly.

When asked about the football spat between Thailand and Singapore, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said he did not watch the match.

But the premier later asked: "Did they cheat us?"

Assadang Panikkabutr, the dean of Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Science, urged Thai football fans not to incite violence.

"Don't carry banners attacking another party! Sports and politics should not be mixed," said Assadang, who was once a

member of the national football team.

The second leg of the Asean championship final will take place in Bangkok on Sunday.