In the history of the ASEAN Cup – predecessor to the AFF Cup, Chanathip is one of the players who has left the strongest mark. He has received the title of best player of the tournament 3 times in 2014, 2016 and 2020. These are also the 3 tournaments that the Thai national team has won.
“ASEAN Cup is the biggest tournament in this region, and this is also the tournament where I for the first time built my name in the hearts of Thai fans.
I must say thank you to all the coaches, those who led the team to win those titles, as well as all my teammates. I only won those awards thanks to everyone around me,” Chanathip, a player currently playing for Pathum United club, told Thai media.
Next July, this talented midfielder may return to wear the Thai national team jersey to compete in the ASEAN Cup 2026. This team nicknamed "War Elephant" is being led by coach Anthony Hudson. They aim to regain the championship from the Vietnamese national team and affirm their leading position in the region.
“ASEAN Cup is a tournament that shows the pride of each country in this region. This is the biggest tournament in Southeast Asia. All teams have improved a lot, and the matches are now more difficult than ever. I am very happy to see many strong teams in the region participate, and I consider this tournament a very special competition,” Chanathip added.
Chanathip did not participate in the last two ASEAN Cups, when Thailand won the championship in 2022, before Vietnam won the championship 2 years later. But he hopes to be called up to the team to participate in the upcoming tournament from July 24 to August 26.
Thailand is in Group B along with Malaysia, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. This is considered a light group for Chanathip and his teammates.
We need to maintain determination and try our best in every match. Every year things are more difficult, but we must remember that playing for the country is the highest honor for any football player.
We want to win this cup for all Thai fans. I know it will be difficult, but we will dedicate ourselves to raising the cup once again," Chanathip affirmed.
The ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will give Chanathip the opportunity to win the title after a disappointing season at club level with BG Pathum United, the team he joined after 6 successful seasons in Japan.
The time playing for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Kawasaki Frontale helped Chanathip be highly rated in the J.League and he was selected for the League's Team of the Year for his excellent performances in the 2018 season before returning to Thailand in 2023.
Thailand is my homeland, so I am always happy every time I return here to play. I am very happy to join BG Pathum United, and it is an honor to return to play in Thailand. My goal with the club is to compete for the championship at the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup. I am disappointed that we could not go as far as expected," Chanathip shared.
That disappointment will certainly motivate Chanathip with the desire to lead Thailand to win the ASEAN championship for the eighth time, an unprecedented record in history.
