Coach Toi, Sirisak Yodyathai, posted a lengthy statement after resigning to take responsibility for the Thailand U16 national team’s group stage elimination at the ASEAN U17 Championship.
On 19 Apr 2026 GMT+7, after Thailand U16 lost 2-3 to Laos in the final group stage match of the 2026 ASEAN U17 Championship, their earlier results—winning 5-1 against the Philippines and losing 0-1 to Myanmar—had already sealed their elimination.
Following the game, some Thai fans harshly criticized the team’s performance on social media, expressing that elimination at the group stage was unacceptable.
Recently, Coach Toi, Sirisak Yodyathai, who has officially stepped down as head coach of the team, posted a detailed message on his personal Facebook, affirming that no players received special favors and urging keyboard critics to stop disparaging the young players who represented the nation.
Good morning
First, I want to thank the Football Association for giving me and my staff the opportunity to lead these Talent ID players in the AFF U-17 Championship. As everyone has seen the results, I want to explain that this team was formed through FIFA’s Talent ID project, which supports football associations worldwide, including Thailand. It’s an excellent program. I personally led the nationwide selection process to find promising talents to develop for the national team’s future (no special favors, as some keyboard critics claim). Every player received scores from scouts, not from any single coach or individual. Those selected were invited to the national team camp in their age group. This was a great opportunity, as the U17 team preparing for the Asian Championship was kept in camp, so the association allowed the younger U16 players to compete here. This gave them valuable international experience. My staff and I trained the players over 10 days in two camps.
Because some players had school competitions, many may not realize that the U16 team included players from 11 different schools—meaning 11 different playing styles. My staff and I worked hard to unify their play system (please don’t focus only on the results) within just 10 days. Given the short time to build cohesion, achieving top results was difficult, but the players did their best. This was a valuable experience for them and for me and my staff. We came here with a clear purpose that all staff and players understood. Thai expectations are high, but focusing on the players’ and national team’s future is more important. I have some experience in youth football in Thailand. Before this tournament, I never claimed we would win the championship; my goal was to help the players do their best and hopefully reach the semifinals. Some keyboard critics don’t even know the system we played, yet they belittle the players, coaches, and staff. Please don’t underestimate the players and coaching staff. We work for the nation and sacrifice much. Please support the players—they are the country's future. I’m not making excuses; I’m stating facts.
Finally, I thank the Football Association for providing the players this broadening experience. Thanks to the dedicated staff and scouts who worked tirelessly for the nation. Please stop criticizing and belittling the players, coaches, and staff. The licenses they earned were not bought at a market—they spent significant time studying to develop the nation. Criticism should be constructive, to build and improve the team . Let’s work together to advance football, not be a burden to the country or silent detractors. The photos show the professional work of our team (our system). We work for the nation—what have you done for the country?
