Good performance will help bring Thai football fans back to the stadium. Hudson said all Thai players are giving their full effort.
Before the match between Thailand and Malaysia in the 2026 ASEAN Cup, social media was filled with drama over ticket prices, which many considered too expensive, along with the issue of no free-to-air TV broadcast.
This caused pre-game sentiment to be filled more with complaints than cheers. As a result, only 16,037 fans attended the game at Rajamangala National Stadium, less than half of the stadium's capacity.
But what I witnessed up close, sitting near the advertising boards behind the goal for the full 90 minutes, was
the determination reflected on every player's face. The seniors shouted encouragement to the juniors, the juniors ran to support the seniors. No one was just posing; everyone ran and fought as if the stadium was full, even though in reality the attendance was less than half.
After the game, Sarach Yooyen led his teammates in sincerely thanking the fans throughout the stadium. Fans in zone S told Sarach to pass on to all Thai players to stay focused and not to go out partying until the tournament ends, comparing them to players who have competed in the World Cup. As team captain, Sarach listened and thanked the fans for their support.
Regarding the expensive ticket prices and lack of free TV broadcast, neither the players nor the coaching staff are responsible for these issues and bear no blame for fans' disappointment in those matters.
Anthony Hudson clearly showed he cares deeply about Thai fans by announcing after the game that he will do his best and hopes to see the stadium fully packed with fans in the next home match.
Winning two consecutive matches could be the start of turning the 2026 ASEAN Cup atmosphere gradually more positive.
On 8 August at Rajamangala National Stadium, Thailand will face Myanmar—let's support the War Elephants and fill the stands.