The 51st King's Cup will take place in Kanchanburi province, Thailand, from September 4 to 7. The four teams will participate including Thailand, Iraq, Hong Kong (China) and Fiji.
According to the schedule, the Thai team will meet the Fiji team on September 4. If they win, the Southeast Asian team will meet Iraq or Hong Kong (China) in the final, taking place on September 7. In this year's tournament, Iraq is the highly rated team with the most chances of winning the championship, followed by Thailand.
To prepare for the tournament at home, the Thai team has called up 23 players. Notably, coach Masatada Ishii has not called up veteran stars such as Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda, despite still playing well at the club. Another notable name absent from the upcoming King's Cup is striker Suphanat.
Meanwhile, star Chanathip Songkrasin was still called up. This midfielder is playing very well for Pathum United. In addition, some other famous players of Thailand are also called up for this round, such as Supachok Sarachat, Supachai Chaided...
Sharing the list of the Thai team, coach Masatada Ishii said: "We do not analyze each player, but this time we look at the overall picture and select players that we think can complete the task".
He also emphasized not calling Theerathon Bunmathan, because his home club ( buriram United) had informed the Thai team that this player was not in the best physical condition.
Theerathon's absence will greatly affect the performance and achievements of the Thai team and put pressure on coach Masatada Ishii. In response, the Japanese strategist said that he was not worried about his job.
"A coach's career depends on the result. I will continue to try my best. It was part of the game, but we tried to work as hard as possible, the Thai coach shared.
Thailand squad for King's Cup 2025
Goalkeepers: Patiwat Khammai, Saranon Anuin and Kampol Pathomakkakul.
Defenders: Suphanan Bureerat, Santiparp Channgom, Nattapong Sayriya, Suphan Thongsong, Apisit Sorada, Songwut Kraikruan, Saringkhan Promsupha and Nicholas Mickelson.
Midfielders: Chanathip Songkrasin, Ekanit Panya, Jaroensak Wonggorn, Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, Peeradol Chamratsamee, Worachit Kanitsribumphen, Benjamin James Davis, Thitiphan Puangchan and Supachok Sarachat.
Forwards: Supachai Chaided, Teerasak PoePhimai and Poramet Arjvirai.
