Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, head coach of Thailand U23 national team, opened up before leading the team to the Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia.
At 23:30 on 3 Jan 2026 GMT+7, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the Thailand men's U23 national football team gathered to prepare for their departure to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to compete in the final round of the Asian U23 Championship.
This trip is led by Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, head coach, along with all 23 players.
Before the departure, Coach Wang said, "Yesterday's warm-up match was a good opportunity to play against North Bangkok University. It was our first match in preparation for this tournament. Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, we saw many things. The warm-up game was a mix, allowing us to observe passing, ball control, defense, and offense. Some areas went well, but some need improvement. We will work on those during the remaining time. Once we arrive in Saudi Arabia, we have 2-3 days to train before the first game, which should help improve our performance."
"We tested both a three-back and four-back defensive system to face opponents who are tall and strong in aerial play. Players like Wichan and Nathan James played; though they have limited club playtime, they performed well. We need to improve timing in challenges and be careful about fouls. In this tournament, we face strong, fast players, so we must improve defensive covering and group defending."
"We have appointed Pitchit Chai Siakratok as team captain and Sitta Bunla as vice-captain. Bank has been with the team since the first camp when I took over during the ASEAN Championship in Indonesia. He has leadership qualities and is respected by teammates. Sitta has been part of every camp and is well accepted both in the team environment and for his skills."
"In every competition I have served the national team, I always give my best. I've represented the country for a long time as a player and now as a coach. Whenever I have the chance to serve the national team, I am proud and willing. I want to ask fans not to lose hope despite past disappointments. Please continue supporting the players and all Thai national teams."
Pitchit Chai Siakratok, captain of Thailand U23 for the Asian Championship, said, "As captain, I try to guide the younger players and teammates to move in the same direction. Regarding the warm-up with the new system, I have experience playing both three-back and four-back, and I’m adapting to the coach and teammates."
"The team atmosphere is very good. Seniors adjust to juniors, and juniors adjust to seniors. Our goal for this tournament is to take it one game at a time. I believe we can compete well against every team."
The Thailand U23 team will travel on Qatar Airways flight QR837 to Doha, Qatar, then connect to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, arriving on 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at 14:15 Thai time. They will train immediately upon arrival. The Thailand U23 match schedule for the Asian U23 Championship is as follows:
#Matchday1 8 Jan 2026 GMT+7: Australia vs Thailand at 18:30, Al Shabab Club Stadium.
#Matchday2 11 Jan 2026 GMT+7: Thailand vs Iraq at 21:00, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium.
#Matchday3 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7: Thailand vs China at 18:30, Al Shabab Club Stadium.
All matches will be broadcast live on YouTube: BG Sports.
This Asian U23 Championship does not serve as a qualifier for the next tournament but will affect the seeding for the 2028 Asian U23 Championship qualifiers. That tournament will determine the nations representing Asia in men's football at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.