The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has held a high-level meeting at its headquarters to evaluate the performance of the men's team at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and outline a preparation plan for the continental tournament, taking place from January 6 to 24, 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Charnwit Polcheewin, Vice President of the association, along with former national team striker Piyapong Pue-on, General Secretary Ekpol Polnavi and head coach of the U23 team Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul.
At the 33rd SEA Games, the U22 Thailand team lost 2-3 to U22 Vietnam in the final despite leading 2-0. This result means that Thai men's football has not been able to win the SEA Games gold medal since 2017.
Coach Thawatchai, who is still regretting losing in the 33rd SEA Games final, pointed out the challenges of building a competitive squad for the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
"We have hoped to keep the structure of the SEA Games, but many players are bound by club tasks and three people - Chanapach Buaphan, Thawatchai Inprakhon and Chinngern Pootanyong - are injured. We have made a list of players by position and are negotiating with clubs, although this tournament is outside the FIFA international schedule, said Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul.
Among the players targeted for the Asian tournament is Erawan Garnier, a player Thawatchai would like to include in the squad, although it is still uncertain whether he will be allowed by his home club. Erawan Garnier is still on the list of U23 Thailand and we are waiting for confirmation, said the Thailand U23 coach.
According to Mr. Thawatchai, in order for U23 Thailand to play well in the Asian tournament, the team needs to learn from recent failures. "We have presented all the issues from the Southeast Asian Games to Mr. Charnwit and Piyapong. We have to improve training and fitness levels.
Some players cannot continue due to injuries or being busy with club work, but we are very grateful to the clubs that have cooperated.
He added: "Although we are disappointed with the results at the SEA Games, our determination and spirit are still intact. Our immediate goal is the quarter-finals of the Asian tournament. We have to play one match at a time, one round at a time, and improve our level when facing strong opponents. This tournament is an important step towards future campaigns, including the next ASIAD and SEA Games.
Due to a number of absentees, young talents from Nongbua Pitchaya and Buriram United are expected to be called up to the squad.
The Thai U23 team will train in Thailand, before moving to Saudi Arabia on January 3, 2026.
In the 2026 U23 Asian Cup finals, U23 Thailand is in Group D with U23 China, U23 Iraq and U23 Australia.
