The Football Association of Thailand summarized the SEA Games performance and laid out short- and long-term plans ahead of the U23 Asian Championship early next year.
On 23 December 2025, the Football Association of Thailand held a meeting to review the men's football results at the 33rd SEA Games and to prepare for the upcoming major tournament: the AFC U23 Asian Cup final, scheduled in Saudi Arabia from 6 to 24 January 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Charnwit Polcheewin, Association Vice President, with participation from Air Force Captain Piyapong Piwon, board member, Ekaphon Pholnawi, Association Secretary-General, as well as Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul (Coach Wang), head coach of Thailand's U23 men's national team, along with the coaching staff.
At the 2025 SEA Games hosted by Thailand, the U23 team faced a disappointing setback after leading Vietnam 2-0 but ultimately losing 2-3 in extra time, causing the Association to miss its goal of winning four gold medals in the tournament.
After the meeting, Coach Wang revealed that they analyzed all data and issues encountered during the SEA Games in detail to improve and develop the team for the Asian Championship.
"Today we presented and reviewed all information and problems from the SEA Games together to identify what needs fixing and building upon for the Asian Championship," he said.
The U23 coach acknowledged that a key issue is enhancing the efficiency of training camps and player selection, as some players suffered injuries and others had club commitments. Nonetheless, the clubs have been very cooperative.
"From the SEA Games squad, we still have a solid player core with new additions, which is positive. We believe every player has potential, and there will be warm-up matches before departure to test the team," he added.
Coach Wang emphasized that the SEA Games disappointment will not halt the national team’s progress. The short-term goal for the Asian Championship is to reach the quarterfinals and to elevate players in preparation for bigger future tournaments.
"Our first goal is to get into the top eight. We must approach it game by game and strive to raise the players’ level to compete with Asia's top teams," he said.
Thailand’s U23 squad will announce the 23-player roster this week before starting their training camp on 29 December 2025 and then traveling to Saudi Arabia on 3 January 2026 to officially prepare for the Asian Championship.
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