"Coach Ban" Thachathawan Sripan immediately shared his thoughts after the "Asean Football" page praised "Bangkok" for using Thai players as the core to advance to the ACL 2 semifinals.
On 11 April 2026, the Asean Football page praised Thai clubs, including True Bangkok United, for using Thai players as their core and a Thai coach, successfully reaching the semifinals of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League 2 season.
Bangkok United used local players at an average rate of 59.63%, averaging 9.54 players per game, to reach the semifinals (still in contention).
Recently, "Coach Ban" Thachathawan Sripan, head coach of True Bangkok United, led the team to a 1-0 away win over Gamba Osaka in Japan in the first leg of the semifinals, starting seven Thai players: Patiphat Khammai, Jakpan Praisuwan, Teerasil Dangda, Thitiphan Puangchan, Wisarut Imura, Wanchai Jarunongkran, and Weerathep Pompan.
"Coach Ban" posted about this, saying, "I accept all the consequences of the decision to make Thai players the core, and no matter the outcome, I am proud of every player and proud of my work when I look back one day."
The AFC Champions League 2 semifinal second leg will see True Bangkok United host Gamba Osaka at Rajamangala Stadium on 15 April at 19:15.