The Football Association has extended the contract of Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, head coach of Thailand's U23 national team, through the end of the 2026 Asian Cup.
On 21 Jan 2026 GMT+7, developments regarding the Thailand U23 men's football team followed their elimination from the 2026 Asian Cup, finishing fourth in Group D with a record of two draws and one loss.
Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul's contract as head coach of Thailand U23 officially expired after that tournament.
Fans wondered who would succeed "Coach Wang" or if he would continue leading the team, especially with the 2026 Asian Games in Japan scheduled from 19 Sept to 4 Oct approaching.
Recently, reports indicate "Coach Wang" will remain in charge at least through the 2026 Asian Games, aligning with views from Piyapong Piew-on, the association's spokesman, and Chanwit Pholswin, its vice president, who see his overall performance as good and showing progress.
During the 2026 Asian Games, "Coach Wang" is expected not to face previous problems of missing key players, as the event coincides with the FIFA international match calendar.