Bubble Yingrak Raksuwan, a Thai football expert, clearly states that the new Thai League foreign player quota is hardly different from the old one.
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, developments emerged from the Thai League football competition following reports from a meeting that the foreign player quota for the 2026/27 season will be adjusted. This immediately became a hot topic among fans, with many questioning whether the change would further limit opportunities for Thai players in teams.
In the current season, Thai League 1 allows clubs to register up to 7 foreign players and an unlimited number of ASEAN players. However, only 5 foreign players and 2 ASEAN players—totaling no more than 7—can be fielded in a match.
However, the new quota planned for the 2026/27 season will allow registration of up to 10 foreign players by eliminating a separate ASEAN quota and counting all as 'foreign players,' while still permitting a maximum of 7 foreign players on the field as before.
This issue has caused concern among many fans that the increase in foreign player numbers might directly reduce playing opportunities for Thai players, especially young talents.
Recently, Bubble Yingrak Raksuwan, a Thai football expert, shared his opinion on the program "Clear Rim Sen" on Thairath Sport channel, viewing that this change is not significantly different from the existing system.
"It's not different from before. The numbers might feel different, but actually, you can still field 7 players, just like before."
He further explained the overall picture of the new quota, noting that although clubs can register up to 10 players, there are clear restrictions.
"Previously, you could register unlimited ASEAN players, but now you can only register 10 players total, period. You could bring in 10 Brazilians if you wanted. I'm not saying that's good or bad—just that it's not much different from before."
Bubble added that the reason he views the new quota as not much different is because currently, there are few true ASEAN players; most are of mixed heritage or ASEAN-European descent.
"Don't get too excited about the foreign quota because, anyway, only 7 can be on the field at once, just as before."
The adjustment of the Thai League's foreign player quota still awaits official announcement, but it is clear this idea has sparked major debate about the league's development direction and the future role of Thai players, inevitably.