Three key players to watch in the Thailand U23 national team as they embark on friendly matches in Vietnam from 10 to 14 November, live broadcast on Thairath TV.
The Thailand men's U23 national football team is set to compete in the U23 GIA LAI - VTV CUP 2026 International Friendly tournament from 10 to 14 November, with live coverage on Thairath TV Channel 32,www.thairath.co.th/tv/live, Facebook: Thairath TV ThairathTV Facebook: Thairath Sport – Thairath Sport YouTube: Thairath Sport
Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, known as "Coach Wang," is promoting several 20-21-year-old players, along with some core and high-performing players from the Thai League, into the U23 squad.
Let's take a look at 3 notable players in this squad.
Pongsakorn Sangkhawopha (Ratchaburi FC)
Eric, aged 20, has recently shown excellent form, scoring 4 goals in a single match against Sisaket United to help the "Dragon Kings" come back to win 5-2. He is the first Thai player in 9 years to achieve this since "Lee Sor" Theerathep Winothai.
This season, he has also played in the ACL ELITE 2026/27 and scored against Vissel Kobe. Additionally, in the Chang FA Cup, he has scored 2 goals, marking a very confident period for him.
With his quick movement, good ball control, and sharp shooting, he is definitely a valuable weapon for the Thailand U23 national team.
Jehanafi Mama (PT Prachuap FC)
Fi, aged 21, is a key player for the Thailand U23 team. He joined the team in 2022 and has earned consistent playing time, catching the attention of coach Anthony Hudson, who has called him up to the senior Thailand national team.
In the 2026/27 season, Jehanafi has had to compete hard for playing time against foreign attackers, making it challenging to secure a spot. However, this has motivated him to keep improving.
His experience with the senior national team and training alongside Thai League 1 players, both domestic and foreign, will greatly benefit the Thailand U23 team.
Soffan Sanron (PT Satun FC)
Faan, aged 20, received his first call-up to the Thailand U23 team. He is a promising talent loaned from PT Prachuap FC to PT Satun FC for more playing opportunities, where he has appeared in 8 matches and provided 3 assists so far.
Soffan is the younger brother of Basri, a winger for Songkhla FC, and Ikhlas, a winger for Buriram United. He is a fast, agile winger capable of making a significant impact in attack.
Being given the chance to prove himself in the U23 team is an important step he must overcome.
The Thailand U23 team's match schedule is as follows:
#Matchday1: 10 November 2026, Vietnam vs Thailand at 19:00, Pleiku Stadium
#Matchday2: 12 November 2026, Thailand vs Qatar at 15:00, Pleiku Stadium
#Matchday3: 14 November 2026, Thailand vs Singapore at 15:00, Pleiku Stadium
All matches will be broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32,www.thairath.co.th/tv/live, Facebook: Thairath TV ThairathTV Facebook: Thairath Sport – Thairath Sport YouTube: Thairath Sport