What now? "Charnvit" reveals Thai football must rethink its goals, not "surpass ASEAN," after missing 4 SEA Games golds (Video). The clip highlights the need for a new approach.
On 23 Dec 2025 GMT+7, "Professor Rang" Dr. Charnvit Pholchewin, Vice President of the Football Association of Thailand, answered questions on the "Clear Sideline" program on Thairath Sport, discussing "How to Surpass ASEAN Without SEA Games Gold Medals?"
The Football Association of Thailand missed its goal of winning all 4 gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games, failing to earn any golds. The men's football team won silver, women's football bronze, men's futsal silver, and women's futsal bronze.
This led the Football Association of Thailand to plan a review of football and futsal development strategies in today's board meeting. On the program, "Professor Rang" Dr. Charnvit Pholchewin addressed the topic of "Surpassing ASEAN" as follows.
Jay Worapat: What should the phrase "Surpass ASEAN" truly mean from the association's perspective?
Dr. Charnvit Pholchewin: "I think the phrase needs changing; it shouldn't be 'surpass.' That is just the first step. We must succeed at the ASEAN level first, but sometimes the question is, do we need to be ASEAN champions every time?"
"I respond that our first step is ASEAN, second is Asia, and the third is the world—international level like the Olympics, Asian Games, or global competitions. This is my perspective for a plan to present to the board, though the timing hasn't come yet."
Jay Worapat: What was the technical department's plan before you joined?
Dr. Charnvit Pholchewin: "We didn't use the phrase 'surpass.' For over a year, we've been working steadily, and all board members know that the president (Madame Pang Nualphan Lamsam) has been under enormous pressure to resolve the association's management issues first."
"The first challenge was clearing overdue payments from Thai League 3, 2, and 1, resolving various legal cases and taking over operations. Regarding youth leagues, we have plans but no budget, so we are seeking funding. The president has secured support for the Coke Cup scheduled next year."
"The U21 league is concluding, with the trophy presentation on 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7. Remaining are U13, U15, and U19 leagues. We're organizing these with the secretary's office for next year's budget. We won't rely on government aid anymore; we must be self-reliant with limited funds to run comprehensive youth leagues for U13, U15, and U19."