Football Association of Thailand (FAT) Member Piyapong Pue-on confirmed that he will resign if the national team does not qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Speaking amid the rising wave of criticism after the decision to sack coach Masatada Ishii, Mr. Piyapong said he was ready to take responsibility if this goal was not achieved.
The former Thai player emphasized that the Technical Department only has a consulting role, and the decision-making authority belongs to the FAT Executive Board. The change of coach is considered necessary in terms of expertise, but the timing may not be suitable as the qualifiers only have two matches left.
According to Mr. Piyapong, changes on the coaching bench are normal in professional football. He believes that Thailand's performance under new coach Anthony Hudson will be the clearest answer for fans.
"If Thailand does not qualify or lose to Sri Lanka, I will voluntarily leave FAT," he said.
Piyapong Pue-on is a Thai football legend, who played for Lucky-Goldstar club in Korea and holds the record for the second-highest goal in the history of the national team with 70 goals in 100 matches, only behind Kiatisak Senamuang.
Currently, Thailand is in 2nd place in Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup final qualifiers with 9 points, equal to Turkmenistan but with a lower goal difference. The team will visit Sri Lanka on November 18 and host Turkmenistan at home on March 31, 2026 to compete for the only ticket to the final round.
