On September 2, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) announced the list of 23 players participating in the men's ASIAD 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya (Japan). A noteworthy point is that coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul does not use any players over 23 years old, although the regulations allow each team to register a maximum of 3 overage players.
This decision shows that Thailand focuses on creating opportunities for young players in a continental level playground. The selected list includes many notable faces such as Chanapach Buaphan, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak, Jehhanafee Mamah and striker Yotsakorn Burapha.
Yotsakorn is a familiar name to Vietnamese fans as he once scored against the Vietnamese national team in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final. The presence of this striker helps the Thai attack have another noteworthy option at ASIAD 2026.
Meanwhile, Thanawut Phochai is the only player on the list currently playing abroad. The 21-year-old striker currently plays for SC Sagamihara in Japan. Experience playing in the Japanese football environment is expected to help Thanawut become one of the important factors of the Golden Temple team.
The list for ASIAD 2026 also includes Chawanwit Saelao and Oussama Thiangkham, players who have been called up to the Thai national team in the past.
Notably, Seksan Ratree, Kakana Khamyok and Chaipol Odtan are not present at ASIAD 2026. These three young players are retained to serve the national team in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign. This shows that Thai football is having a balanced distribution of forces between two important targets in the late year.
At ASIAD 2026, Thailand is in Group A with host Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong (China). The Golden Temple team will meet Kyrgyzstan on September 16, Hong Kong (China) on September 20 and Japan on September 23.
Not using overage players makes Thailand have to place their faith in youth at this year's tournament. This is also an opportunity for many U23 players to accumulate experience and compete for a position in the national team in the future.
With a group with the presence of host Japan - a highly rated team in Asian youth football - Thailand will have to make efforts right from the group stage if they want to go deep at ASIAD 2026.
