Coach Tia Sassem throws sharp remarks about Buriram ahead of the Chang FA Cup final against Prachuap.
On 29 May 2026 at 13:00, at Meta Room 1, 2nd Floor, Rajapruek Club, Chang Natural Mineral Water, together with the Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and partners Gulf Development Public Company Limited, Jasmine International Public Company Limited, Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), Warrix Sports Public Company Limited, and Molten (Thailand) Co., Ltd., held a press conference before the Chang FA Cup 2025/26 final.
The press conference featured Patrick Horattanachai, Director of External Relations at Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, representing Chang Natural Mineral Water; Ekaphon Phonawi, Secretary-General of the Football Association of Thailand; Prayad Yuangsuwan, Domestic Sales Deputy Manager of Molten (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; along with representatives from Buriram United and PT Prachuap FC.
Coach Tia Sassem Phopprasert, head coach of PT Prachuap FC, said, “In each round, every game against similarly matched teams, I’ve always told myself that if the tournament ends with teams on an equal level, it’s honorable. This year, we were fortunate to scrape through. We know we’re a young team and take it one game at a time. We try to find a lucky draw representative; next year we might need to pre-select someone for the draw. Buriram might have someone who draws well. We try to find such a person but it’s always difficult.”
“In the first game against Chiang Mai United, we gave chances to young players, which paid off. One player who emerged was Iklas Sanharon, which is good for football. Prachuap is happy to have young players performing well. We didn’t underestimate the game but were concerned before rotating the squad and visiting Chiang Mai United, a strong team that rotated more than us, yet we got through. The next round against Uthai Thani caused worry because we played away, stayed nearly 10 days in Chainat for league and cup matches, and after losing 0-4 in the league, we wondered if we’d survive, but luckily we won.”
“Buriram’s strength is solid in every area. Congratulations to them for the league and Shopee Cup titles. They are a top Asian team, constantly improving and investing in football, making them hard to imitate without big money. They have quality players and a deep squad allowing rotation without loss of quality. Playing Buriram is very difficult. We have a full squad but face a more complete Buriram. We must rely on fighting spirit and discipline. Playing Buriram, Prachuap only stands to gain: playing in Thailand’s biggest tournament, facing a strong team like Buriram. Ultimately, it’s a winner-takes-all game.”
“Sometimes when lying down, I think if Buriram fields only Thai players, can we beat them? It’s a thought, not a challenge. If they field only Thai players, would they have the capability to win? It’s a mindset. In my opinion, their Thai players are truly skilled. I don’t say much else—just admit the quality difference.”
“We hope, like buying a lottery ticket on the first day, thinking we’ll win a prize. We’ll wait and see on Sunday. I invite football fans to support us as our team and family in this big game.”
“The team has 3-4 injured players. We’re checking and nursing them carefully. Our main players are few, so we try to keep them fit for the big game. I want them to play but must see how complete they are. Experience-wise, we’re behind Buriram. Sometimes we have to think quietly; our mindset is to win without showing much. We must stay calm, work hard, and maintain discipline. It’s a war game. Our defense is weak, so we’ll motivate players to fight with what we have and use our own methods.”
“I want the players to treat this game as if it’s their last life match, enjoying the rare final atmosphere and playing with abandon. As a smaller, underdog team, we’re ready to fight anyone who comes. I hope the game will be like that.”
PT Prachuap player Jiranat Phasukhan said, “The next round against BG was tough, facing a big team, but we got through by playing together. Then we visited Chiang Rai, another good team, but we advanced. The semi-final against Lamphun was also difficult. Prachuap is not a big club but a mid-level team. We have our tactics and cooperate well. There was pressure, and at halftime we talked. We want to reach the final and also want to be champions.”
“In this final match, Buriram is a big team, but it’s just one game—anything can happen. We definitely have a chance to win, and Prachuap will not give up.”
The Chang FA Cup 2025/26 final will take place at Thammasat Stadium on Sunday, 31 May 2026, at 19:00. Fans interested can purchase tickets now athttps://shorturl.at/mW5nfAll matches are broadcast live on AIS PLAY and Monomax.
The Chang FA Cup 2025/26 champion will receive a prize of 5,000,000 baht and a qualification spot for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage. The runner-up will receive 1,000,000 baht.
Additionally, there is the Chang Sportsmanship Award for the player with the best sportsmanship throughout the tournament. More information is available on the CHANG FA CUP Facebook fan page.
