Anthony Hudson, who has just been appointed to replace Masatada Ishii, will start his reign with the Thai team in a friendly match against the Singapore team on November 13. After 5 days, the Thai team will have a match against Sri Lanka away, within the framework of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
In the list of 23 players called up, a series of veteran players such as Teerasil Dangda, Theerathon Bunmathan and Sarach Yooyen have returned to the national team. The British strategist highlighted the experience factor in his first personnel call-up. The total age of the 23 players is 668, of which 12 players are aged 30 and over.
The oldest player is Teerasil Dangda, a 37-year-old striker of True Bangkok United, while the youngest player is Jude Soonsup-Bell, a 21-year-old striker with two Thai-English bloodlines, who was called up to the Thai national team for the first time.
Kevin Deeromram, who is currently playing for Malaysia's Selangor club, is also on the list of Hudson along with Buriram United centre-back Pansa Hemviboon, but striker Suphanat Mueanta is not in the squad due to injury.
"Suphanat Mueanta is of course a good and talented player. We have spoken to Buriram United and this player is still injured, and we think it is too early to call him up to the national team at this time," Hudson said.
Hudson also explained why he gave Soonsup-Bell his first chance to be called up to the national team.
"A special player we want to mention is Jude Soonsup-Bell. I think this is an important case to increase the depth of the squad. We just want to sign players who can help the team, and we are delighted to have Jude in this squad," Hudson emphasized.
Hudson also explained why Theerathon, Sarach and Teerasil were called up.
"Theerathon has played very well at Buriram and is one of the best midfielders in Thailand at the moment while Sarach is a disciplined and intelligent player.
As for Teerasil, the reason I chose him was because he has a good scoring ability and in important situations, we want a player who can control the ball or score. I am very happy to have him in the team," the Thai coach shared.
Hudson also said he understood the fans' disappointment after Ishii was surprisingly sent off but still called on them to continue supporting the national team.
"In the past few weeks, there have been many changes and there have been great reactions from the public and fans. I really respect and understand what the fans are thinking. I don't ask for support or for people to agree with my decision, but what I ask fans to support our players is that it is important that we qualify for the Asian Cup," he added.
The Thai team is expected to start training from November 10.
