The Thailand U23 national team departed for the Four Corners area in China, with Coach Wang viewing it as a valuable test for the team.
At 12:00 on 23 March 2026 GMT+7, the Thailand U23 men's football team gathered at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to depart for the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an, People's Republic of China, held from 23 March to 1 April 2026 GMT+7.
The trip is led by Coach Wang Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, accompanied by 23 players of the Thailand U23 national team.
Before departure, Coach Wang said, “These will be three good matches. China has reached the latter stages in Asia, Vietnam just won the last SEA Games, and North Korea is also a strong team. Taking this squad, preparing for this year's Asian Games, these games serve as a test for many of the new players we've just called up.”
“Certainly, the main squad isn't fully set, as key players like Yotsakorn, Seksan, and Iklas are also part of the senior national team. But we have many newcomers performing well who have been called up. We hope all the players perform well and get the chance to experience playing time. The absence of key players will impact the team since they've been central to our structure, but we hope the new players will perform well, compensate for those missing, and provide more options for the U23 squad going forward.”
“We have no concerns. We haven't had much time to gather, so we focus on fitness and the players' performances in their leagues. The core players joining us this time are already part of the main structure. All three matches will be tough, especially against China, the recent Asian runner-up and hosts. We'll try to field our best team for all three matches. The result against Vietnam is important, but the main goal is for the players to gain experience at this high international level against China, Vietnam, and North Korea. We ask Thai fans to support and cheer for this team.”
Player Theerapat Prueathong said, “I'm happy to have had the opportunity with Consadole Sapporo and to have made an assist in my first starting game. Going to Japan taught me about living, resting, and taking care of myself. I will try to use that experience to improve myself and help the team as much as possible. My goal is to contribute fully to the team. I ask Thai fans to continue supporting us.”
Thailand U23 National Team Schedule CFA Team China International Youth Tournament Xi'an
#Matchday1
25 March 2026 GMT+7
China vs. Thailand
⏰ 18:35 Thai time
️ Xi'an International Football Center
#Matchday2
28 March 2026 GMT+7
Thailand vs. Vietnam
⏰ 14:00 Thai time
️ Fengdong Football Park East Stadium
#Matchday3
31 March 2026 GMT+7
North Korea vs. Thailand
⏰ 14:00 Thai time
️ Fengdong Football Park East Stadium
All Thailand U23 matches will be broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32, www.thairath.co.th/tv/live, Facebook: Thairath TV www.facebook.com/ThairathTV, Thairath Sport www.facebook.com/ThairathSport, and YouTube: Thairath Sport.