Testing Thai football fans' loyalty as the team continues strong performance... Will the public support improve!?
Surprisingly, the Thailand national team has become the only side to win all 3 of their matches, earning a full 9 points in this ASEAN Cup.
In their latest game, they narrowly defeated the Philippines 1-0 away, thanks to a late winning header by Waris Chuthong.
They are on track to win Group B and advance impressively to the semifinals!
This mixed squad of young and experienced players under coach Anthony Hudson has performed better than expected.
This marks the first time in a decade Thailand has beaten the Filipinos since the 2016 ASEAN Cup under coach Kiatisuk Senamuang.
Importantly, it's the first time in 22 years that Thailand has not conceded a goal in their first 3 ASEAN Cup matches, last achieved in 2008.
They have a strong chance of keeping a clean sheet through all 4 group games if they avoid conceding when hosting Myanmar on Saturday, 8 August.
If they win again and secure another 3 points, it would be an even more impressive record of 4 straight wins.
Even more pleasing is the improvement in their FIFA ranking, with the War Elephants gaining an additional 1.79 points.
This brings their total to 1,255.32 points, moving up to 91st in the world before the official announcement.
Coach Hudson deserves high praise for his appropriate rotation of the starting lineup in this game.
He changed 8 starters compared to the home win over Malaysia but still managed to beat the Philippines away as planned.
This not only secured a good result but also helped preserve the fitness of key players.
However, the coach faces an interesting challenge in the upcoming match against Myanmar's team.
He must plan carefully and manage player fitness because while Thailand can afford a draw, Myanmar must win.
Myanmar will surely attack aggressively in their style, hoping to advance, so prepare for a tough game.
We need to be cautious to avoid injuries that could affect the semifinal lineup.
In the previous 3 matches, 4 key attacking players from the War Elephants have received yellow cards.
These are Kanokpon Kumyok, Yotsakorn Burapha, Sek San Ratri, and Teerasak Yipphimai, the last of whom’s yellow card against the Philippines was unexpected.
If any receive another yellow card against Myanmar, they will be suspended for the first leg of the semifinals.
We hope Coach Hudson will carefully plan the lineup and player deployment for the next match.
Our clear goal is to earn at least 1 point to secure the group championship.
Ideally, a win would be best to boost fan enthusiasm at home.
The Thailand team has performed well over 3 matches, but it's uncertain if this will improve public support.
Many factors are complicating the atmosphere around this ASEAN Cup.
Notably, the squad is not the strongest possible since it is not a FIFA international match window, and ticket prices are high.
This has caused noticeably lower attendance compared to previous tournaments.
Ticket prices were raised excessively, which does not suit the current economic conditions in Thailand.
Additionally, public popularity among the general population has been challenging to ignite.
Because there is no free-to-air television broadcast as in past tournaments.
The belief that national team matches should be "free to watch" remains deeply rooted among Thai sports fans.
It is difficult to eliminate this expectation now or in the near future.
The sports broadcasting business in Thailand struggles to grow, fluctuating because many still do not understand this model.
In any case, for the next match against Myanmar, we hope the Thailand team will do their best.
Whether many or few people watch depends on the faith and enthusiasm for each match.
The previous match against Malaysia drew 16,000 spectators at Rajamangala Stadium.
Given the War Elephants’ continued good performance, attendance against Myanmar should ideally increase.
This would help maintain momentum leading into the semifinals and final.
The "ASEAN Cup 2026" is truly a tournament where Thailand must test its fan support!
- Bee Bangpakong -