The Football Association of Thailand officially appointed Rakphol Sainetngam as the new head coach of the Thailand national futsal team. He revealed his approach and goals.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage held a press conference to officially introduce "Coach Bear" Rakphol Sainetngam as head coach of the senior men's national futsal team. The event took place at 14:00 on the 2nd floor conference room of the FA Thailand building. At the press conference, "Big Pom," Adisak Benjasiriwan, Vice President of the Football Association of Thailand for futsal and beach soccer, explained the background and criteria for appointing the new futsal national team head coach.
"Today is an important day for Thai national futsal because this is not just the announcement of a new head coach, but the beginning of a new chapter with the goal of raising the Thai national team to a higher international standard."
"Over time, we have carefully reviewed and assessed the performance of the Thai national team and considered the increasing intensity of futsal worldwide. We need a leader with international game knowledge, systematic work methods, and, importantly, dedication and a genuine connection to the Thai national team."
"After a thorough and collaborative selection process, we agree that Coach Rakphol Sainetngam is the right person to drive the future of the Thai national futsal team. He is a coach with recognized achievements at both club and national levels, values developing young players alongside experienced talent, and is determined to sustainably elevate the Thai national team to challenge at Asian and world stages again."
"Another key point is a working approach connected across all levels. We will develop structures from youth to senior teams to create continuity, clear identity, and long-term readiness for the Thai national team."
Rakphol Sainetngam, the new head coach of Thailand men's national futsal team, said, "Hello, I feel happy, proud, and honored for myself and my family to take on the role of head coach of the Thailand national futsal team. The Thai futsal team is a major global team with strong potential and many quality players. Therefore, this opportunity is a great honor."
"This is my second time as head coach of the Thailand futsal team, having previously led the team to the 2021 Futsal World Cup in Lithuania. Over the years, I have gained experience and knowledge coaching abroad, including the Vietnam women's national futsal team, Black Steel club in Indonesia, and the Malaysian national futsal team. I am confident I can lead the Thai futsal team forward."
"My first tournament will be the AFC Futsal Championship at the end of January, a challenging event. My goal is to help the Thai futsal team perform at their best and, if possible, reach the final again as we did two years ago."
"Under my leadership, the Thai futsal team will see changes. First, a tougher and stronger defense, and faster attacking play, since international futsal is very fast-paced. I will also introduce new, modern tactical approaches. These are the improvements I plan to bring to the Thai national team."
"I ask all Thai futsal fans to support the national team. I am a Thai coach who loves Thai futsal and wants to see the team succeed. My staff and I will do our best to bring success to Thailand and smiles to all Thai people. Thank you."
"Coach Bear" Rakphol Sainetngam has extensive coaching experience with Rattana Bundit University, GSB Arbak, Chonburi Bluewave, Thailand men's and women's national futsal teams, Vietnam women's national futsal team, Black Steel club in Indonesia, and Malaysia men's national futsal team.
He led Thailand to the last 16 of the 2021 Futsal World Cup in Lithuania, won six Thai Futsal League titles, the 2017 AFC Futsal Club Championship with Chonburi Bluewave, two ASEAN club championships (Chonburi Bluewave 2019, Black Steel 2023), the Indonesian league title in 2020/21, gold with Thailand women's futsal at the 2011 SEA Games, silver with Vietnam women's futsal at the 2013 SEA Games, bronze with Malaysia men's futsal at the 2022 SEA Games, and recently led Malaysia U19 to third place at the 2025 ASEAN U19 Futsal Championship in Thailand.
Coach Bear's first tournament leading the Thailand men's national futsal team this time will be the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship in Indonesia from 27 Jan to 7 Feb 2026 GMT+7. Thailand is in Group B alongside Vietnam, Kuwait, and Lebanon.