Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul declared that the goal for the Thailand national team is to become champions of the 2025 SEA Games, responding to Vietnamese media after being asked about the limited Thai media presence.
On 17 December 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at the press conference room of Rajamangala National Stadium, the SEA Games organizers held a press conference ahead of the men's football final between Thailand and Vietnam.
The press conference featured Thailand's men's football team led by head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, accompanied by Chanapat Buaphan.
At the press conference, Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul said, "This is one of the goals we have set. Currently, our plan is to be first in the group stage, advance through the semifinals, and reach the final. The next goal is to become champions. It's great that this time we're facing Vietnam, a team that has developed well and has good quality. It's good that Thailand gets to meet one of the top teams in ASEAN. To be champions, we have to beat a strong team."
"As I mentioned earlier, Vietnam has improved significantly. From my experience as a player facing them, to now as a coach seeing their senior squad, they have developed further in the SEA Games and have a strong playing system. I see some key players, like number 7 Nguyen Dinh Bach, who is strong, and the system itself is solid. We have prepared to play against a strong team with such a system."
"Thailand's strength is evident in the players' condition. We now have a complete squad and have restored the players' fitness together. I see our strength in good team spirit. This is likely my fifth camp developing the team. We've faced many teams in ASEAN and Asia and now face Vietnam in the final. This is a challenge we want—to face one of ASEAN's strongest teams. To be champions or the best team in ASEAN, we must get past Vietnam."
"Today, there may be fewer Thai media present, but I believe the news coverage will be widespread nationwide. We are focusing on tomorrow's game because ultimately, the next step is to become SEA Games champions. Our focus is on that."
"Since taking the job, I've spoken about the pressure of coaching Thailand's SEA Games team as hosts. I've talked with every player, encouraging them to see pressure as pride. Since we have been chosen to represent Thailand, we shouldn't view it as pressure but as pride. I believe all players and staff share pride in serving the nation and will do their best."
"I think tomorrow's match is one Thai fans have been waiting for, and since the SEA Games are at home, I invite fans to come support the players, staff, and everyone involved. Please come cheer loudly."
Chanapat Buaphan said, "This is very important for us because we are playing in Thailand. We will try our best because in the previous game, we might not have performed well. We've gone back to fix and adjust tactics. I will try to secure a win and claim the championship."
"Vietnam's current squad is strong in every position, especially their forwards who are effective in attacking and creating chances. Of course, we regretted not reaching the final with Vietnam in the ASEAN Championship, but now that we face them in the final here, the outcome depends 100% on tactics and seizing opportunities during the game."
"We have nothing to fear because this is Thailand. We're playing for the whole nation. We won't play timidly. If we don't believe in ourselves, who will? Tomorrow, we will win and keep the championship at home. As Coach Thawatchai said, everyone feels pressure, but we turn that pressure into pride and motivation to perform well and win the gold medal."
"I want everyone to come out and support us a lot. We will give our all, more than 100%, and dedicate ourselves to every moment on the field. Whatever the game's situation, we will do our best to keep the championship at home."
Thailand's men's national football team will compete in the 33rd SEA Games final against Vietnam at Rajamangala National Stadium on 18 December 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on PPTV HD 36 and the True Vision NOW application.