The Football Association of Thailand made a surprising yet commendable decision by officially appointing the head coach of the Thai U17 national team.
This marks a departure from past practice, where they delayed a long time before reorganizing the team.
But just days after the latest U17 team was eliminated and missed out on the Youth World Cup, the association immediately prepared for the next generation.
However, the announcement of the new U17 coaching staff has sparked widespread criticism.
Overall, the association did well by appointing a full coaching team.
Yet, on closer inspection, many question marks arise.
In short, the main question is: "Is the Thai U17 national team coach capable?"
Honestly, from what is seen in comments—especially from people within football circles—the majority express "no confidence".
Certainly, Coach 'Ex' Wasaphon Kaewpleuk holds a Pro License and meets the qualifications.
He has extensive experience in the football world but mostly as an assistant coach in both the national team and clubs.
Coach Ex just took on his first role as head coach managing Phrae United in the recently concluded Thai League season.
Importantly, Coach Ex has no prior reputation for working at the youth football level.
So it’s not surprising many doubt and question whether Coach Ex is up to the challenge.
As for the coaching staff, Mika Chunnualsri, although managing a football team on Koh Samui which includes youth players, still appears quite inexperienced.
Assistant coach Nat Vechabul seems to have the most experience in youth football, having been part of the previous U17 staff.
Other staff members like Pan Winitchakool, Krisana Kamutsasen, and Worawut Tipsakwarakul provide expertise in analysis, fitness, and goalkeeping coaching respectively.
All are considered part of the new generation in Thai football.
Whether this coaching team will succeed cannot be answered yet; only their results will prove their capability.
But it’s understandable that they face skepticism even before starting, for the various reasons mentioned.
However, looking on the positive side, some hope remains.
If Coach Ex starts fresh with new information about Thai youth players, it’s similar to hiring a foreign coach who must begin from scratch as well.
Previously, the association tried experienced coaches and also entrusted the academy to handle the U17 team, but neither succeeded.
Trying a coach with high passion who has never worked with youth before might yield different results... maybe.
Above all, the coach is not the sole factor for success; planning and team preparation policies are what the association must ensure are well executed.
In the coming year, the association must plan training camps and competition programs for the U17 team.
Currently, there is strong speculation in school football circles that this team may have financial backing from a sponsor based on Koh Samui.
The previous U17 team also conducted training camps on Koh Samui.
Having a sponsor is good, but the association must set the direction and not relinquish full responsibility.
Otherwise, this U17 team will be no different from previous ones—left to others to manage, with the association not fully involved.
The association has made a good start with the new goal of the Youth World Cup, but the details moving forward need to be handled smoothly.
It would be even better to plan further ahead for the next generation aiming for future Youth World Cups as well.
The AFC U17 Championship offers five Youth World Cup spots annually; Thailand has missed twice and has three more chances—let’s hope they succeed at least once.
“Bubble”