Coach Wang aims to lead Thailand U23 into the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship in Asia.
On 29 December 2025, updates on the Thai War Elephants U23 men's national football team under the guidance of Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, known as Coach Wang, who is currently preparing the squad for the AFC U23 Championship final round in Saudi Arabia from 7 to 25 January 2026.
On 29 December 2025 at Yamaoka Hanasaka Academy, Rangsit Khlong 4, Coach Wang led his team in their first training session after calling them up for camp before departing for Saudi Arabia on the night of 3 January.
Coach Wang said that only one player has not yet joined due to club commitments that just ended. "Every competition we enter, we have goals. This time, at the Asian level, facing strong teams like Iraq, Australia, and China, I believe the players will gain valuable experience. However, we will not neglect results; at minimum, we aim to advance to the quarterfinals first."
When asked if losing several key players changes their preparation and goals, Coach Wang said, "We've been preparing for about six months using the SEA Games squad as the core. But for the AFC U23 final, our main players won't be joining. Nonetheless, looking on the bright side, we have other young players stepping in, all capable and eager. I don't want them to lose heart after the SEA Games setback. We must keep moving forward."
"I admit many key players are missing. Initially, we expected to lose 3-4 players, but in reality, about eight are unavailable. This certainly impacts us, but as I said, we must give new players the chance to gain Asian-level experience, as they will form the core of the team in the future."
The 2026 AFC U23 Championship final round takes place in Saudi Arabia from 7 to 25 January 2026. Thailand is in Group D with Iraq, Australia, and China. The champions and runners-up of all four groups will advance to the quarterfinals.