Thailand team won 5-0 against Laos in the opening match at ASEAN Cup 2025, thereby temporarily leading Group B. However, former striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee emphasized that "War Elephants" still have many issues to improve. especially the physical foundation and how to deploy the game when playing with more men.
On his personal Facebook page, the 44-year-old former striker pointed out a series of points that he believes Thailand needs to overcome soon if they want to go far in the tournament.
He asked: "Why do our players get cramps around the 75th - 80th minute? I rarely see a player get cramps at the World Cup.
According to this former player, the problem is not only in physical condition but also in the way of operating the playing style. Despite leading 5-0 and playing with more men from about the 70th minute, the Thai team still did not maintain pressure on the opponent. Instead, the team retreated deep in formation and reduced the pace of attack.
Why didn't we score more goals? Thailand was leading 5-0 before the 70th minute. In a 11-on-10 situation, Thailand retreated to defend in their own half without actively putting pressure," said Mr. Sarayoot Chaikamdee.
Concerns about the fitness of the Thai team have actually appeared before the ASEAN Cup 2026 kicked off. Many newspapers in the land of the Golden Temple once said that the team did not have a long enough preparation process, so it was difficult to reach a state of fitness right from the first matches.
However, Thai experts still expect the situation to improve as the team gradually adapts to the intensity of the tournament.
Sarayoot Chaikamdee was born in 1981, played 49 matches for the Thai national team, scored 31 goals in the period 2003-2011 and won two King's Cup titles.
