The Thailand U23 national team faces a major challenge ahead of their second SEA Games match as Coach Thawatchai must release seven players back to their clubs to support the Thai League, leaving only 14 players available for training.
On 6 Dec 2025, Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul of Thailand's U22 team decided to release seven players back to their clubs to participate in the upcoming Thai League weekend matches. This is because the men's SEA Games football tournament is not within the FIFA international match calendar, so clubs still require their players according to the regular competition schedule.
The seven players permitted to return to their clubs are as follows:
1. Kakana Kamyok (Muangthong United)
2. Thanakrit Choti Muangpak (Buriram United)
3. Chonphat Buapan (BG Pathum United)
4. Chanon Thamma (BG Pathum United)
5. Sitta Boonla (Port FC)
6. Thanawut Phochai (Nongbua Pitchaya FC)
7. Thawatchai Inprakhon (Singha Chiangrai United)
This situation leaves the Thailand U22 team with only 14 players available for training today. Additionally, two players, Waris Chuthong (BG Pathum United) and Seksan Ratri (Rayong FC), have yet to report since the first match.
Earlier reports indicated that PT Prachuap FC planned to recall Iklas Sanharon to help the team in their Thai League match against Ayutthaya United. However, the club has now confirmed they will not bring him back, allowing Iklas to continue training with the national team.
Given the limited players, Coach Thawatchai must carefully manage the squad ahead of the second group match against Singapore on 11 Dec 2025. Competition rules clearly state that the player list cannot be changed further, even in the event of injuries, making player management crucial for the remainder of the tournament.