MANILA, Dec. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Two Thai aquatics officials have been sanctioned by the International Aquatics Federation (FINA) for "shady judging" in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) hosted by the Philippines from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5, a Filipino sport official said Thursday.

    Philippine Amateur Swimming Association president Mark Joseph told reporters that one of the two Thai aquatics officials was disciplined by FINA neutral referee from New Zealand for "obviously favoring his own diver."

    Another Thai official was banned by FINA neutral delegate from Iran from judging due to "intentional bad calls and unfair player exclusions" in water polo games, Joseph said.

    The 23rd SEA Games has been moving on with the Philippines occupying the first in the medal tally, followed by Vietnam and Thailand.

    President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier ordered sports officials to investigate the alleged rigging of the games to favor the host Philippines after Thai Prime Minister Takshin Shinawatra said on Wednesday that several of the winners were not up to par, but won anyway because "the organizer aims only to favor their own athletes."

    "I am concerned over the remarks of an ally and good friend, Prime Minister Thaksin. I am directing the officials of the games to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter and submit an impartial report within 24 hours," Arroyo said in a Thursday statement.

    However, two Thai sports officials have apologized to the host country for the remarks of their Prime Minister about the alleged unfair officiating in the 23rd SEA Games. Enditem