The final of the ASEAN Under-19 Football Championship took place on Sumatra Island, Indonesia, GMT+7 on the event date.
It ended with a victory for the young Australian team, who defeated Thailand’s U19 team 2-0.
This marked Australia's sixth title in this competition.
Meanwhile, Thailand finished as ASEAN runners-up for the second consecutive time.
Although the young War Elephants lost, their overall gameplay was on par with the Kangaroos.
Those who watched the live broadcast on BG Sports last Saturday evening
would have seen that this Thai youth team played entertaining football, showed imagination, and had a clear playing style.
Anyone who acted like a "keyboard warrior" just to criticize and insult after the Thai team lost
clearly did not actually watch the young players perform.
Instead, they posted (foolish) comments on social media for their own satisfaction, thinking it was cool.
Yet every word they spat out reflected low maturity, as if their parents never taught them any manners.
I want to tell all the Thai U19 footballers not to pay attention to such trash comments.
Because these comments do nothing to help develop your skills.
Overall, reaching the final in Indonesia this time was a very satisfactory achievement.
Especially considering the team had less than a month of training camp before traveling to compete.
All credit goes to the genuine Thai coaches,
Coach Bo Jakraphan Panpi and his trusted assistant, Coach Tai Sarawut Janphan,
who demonstrated excellent tactical skills in managing the team.
This was their first time working as national team coaches.
It’s no surprise they received great praise from fans in the Eastern region.
During the 2025/26 season, the two coaches combined efforts to help the "Black Dragon Horse" Rayong FC
finish ninth in the Thai League, the top division, an impressive result.
To be honest, most fans and I originally hoped
to have Coach Tia Sasom Pobprasert take charge of the team.
However, contract negotiations with the Football Association did not come to an agreement.
That’s why the coach nicknamed "Thailand’s Mourinho" could not serve the national team as everyone wished.
Then, Coach Bo Jakraphan’s name emerged to take over amid many questions and doubts.
Because neither Coach Bo nor Coach Tai had prior international coaching experience.
So before this ASEAN championship, few had high expectations for the Thai U19 squad.
But under the guidance of the new national team coach, the young War Elephants' potential was fully utilized.
From goalkeeper Phumraphee Siribunyakul, famous from Japanese high school football,
to promising half-Thai defender Visions Inaram, who unfortunately was injured and missed the semi-finals and final.
In midfield, rising star from Muangthong United "Ja Chen" Danupol Buppha showed complete skills.
And in attack, standout performers included "Fan" Nattakit Phosri, Siwakorn Pornsan, Peerada Lasawat, and Itthimon Tipnet.
Importantly, "Kaka" Pitchaya Kongsri, a rising star from "Khaeng Thep" True Bangkok FC,
who is the grandson of former Thai national striker "Loreda" Pichai Kongsri, captained the team.
The next stage for Thailand U19 is the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers,
scheduled from 31 August to 6 September 2026 in Chonburi province.
As hosts, Thailand was drawn into a tough group alongside Iraq, UAE, and Turkmenistan.
It is said this national youth team also includes many promising mixed-heritage players who are attracting attention abroad.
Including "Ja Pao" Theeraphat Prueathong, a player from Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in J2, who impressed enough to join the senior national team.
He can also play for the U19 War Elephants if Coach Bo truly wants him.
This is another national team with a well-balanced mix.
And it could become the "Future War Elephants" to watch closely!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -