It immediately became the "talk of the town" among fans of the Thai national football team.
Following the announcement of the 23-man squad for the senior War Elephants team competing in the FIFA ASEAN CUP 2026 by coach Anthony Hudson.
Four key players who had outstanding performances for their clubs in recent Thai League matches were not included.
These included “Ko Um” Theerathon Bunmathan.
And “Joe Pee” Sasomluck Haiprakhon, a natural left back, who was not even listed in the preliminary 50-player squad.
Despite consistently strong performances for Buriram United at present.
Also excluded was “Tur” Weerathep Pomphan, a key midfielder for True Bangkok United who has been in excellent form.
As well as Benjamin Davis, a dynamic attacking midfielder for Uthai Thani FC who has impressed the coaches.
He had even scored in two consecutive matches against opponents.
Yet, this was still not enough in the eyes of the English coach to call him up for this FIFA match window.
Meanwhile, three players who have not played a single minute for their clubs were called up.
Manuel Tom Bihr, the experienced defender.
Who recently transferred from Bangkok United to Port FC during the off-season.
Along with Anan Yodsangwal and Ikhlas Sanharn, the newly signed attackers for the reigning champions Buriram United.
Who were also called up to the national team!
Tom Bihr's selection is somewhat understandable, as he recently played in the team that finished runner-up in the ASEAN Cup.
But the other two young players? It’s unclear what reason Hudson had for calling them up despite not playing at all for their clubs.
His player selection decisions truly confuse many—it's baffling!
However, ultimately, we must respect the coach's decisions on player selection.
He surely has his own reasons and tactical plans in mind.
In the end, everything will be judged solely on the results—whether they are satisfactory or not.
As the technical director “Ajarn Rang” Dr. Chanwit Phonchawin clearly stated.
He will start seriously evaluating Coach Hudson's performance beginning with this FIFA ASEAN tournament.
Then continuing through the 52nd King's Cup in Sisaket this November.
And the final round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia early next year.
These three events are well-matched and appropriate platforms.
To closely observe the work of this English coach.
To decide whether to extend his contract or not.
So do not rush to make any contract extension decisions now, despite the rumors circulating.
If something happens in the meantime, or the national team's results fall short of expectations,
the Football Association will face a difficult dilemma, caught between conflicting pressures.
The situation remains uncertain and unpredictable.
I say this not out of any bias against Coach Hudson.
On the contrary, I actually appreciate his personality and psychology more than any previous coach.
But these matters must be separated from performance—it’s a completely different issue.
As for Anthony Hudson, he still needs to prove his abilities further to gain the trust of fans.
Or at least prevent the many War Elephants supporters from feeling regret or unresolved about the dismissal of Masatada Ishii.
That dismissal still stirs ongoing "drama" which continues to haunt the Thai FA executives.
And it persists to this day!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -