Piyapong Piao-on, spokesperson for the Football Association of Thailand, shared his thoughts after the Thailand U23 national team was eliminated in the first round of the Asian Championship.
Following the 0-0 draw between Thailand U23 and China U23, the Thai team finished the tournament with 2 points and was eliminated in the opening round of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 in a disappointing outcome.
Recently, Piyapong Piao-on, committee member and spokesperson for the Football Association of Thailand, opened up about the overall situation and the future of “Coach Wang” Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, the head coach of this team.
"As the spokesperson, I must say there will be a technical evaluation conducted by Dr. Chanwit Polcheewin, the association's vice president, and Anthony Hudson, the acting technical director and senior national team coach. An initial assessment has already taken place."
"We have to admit the team performed very well. If asked whether this exceeded expectations, globally, observers have noted that many Asian teams underwent changes, while others fielded full-strength squads. Our team consisted largely of very young players, which means we now have more opportunities and options."
"Certainly, there were obstacles, such as the competition schedule preventing some regular starters from participating. However, this also opened doors for new players to demonstrate their potential, showing that our players can substitute effectively if given more preparation time."
"I believe this is a lesson for the association to adjust the selection process so that young players have more chances for training camps, competition experience, and opportunities to call up capable players who meet the national team's requirements."
"The technical team, currently led by acting director Anthony Hudson and overseen by Vice President Dr. Chanwit Polcheewin, will be involved. I think the executive board, especially the association president, will discuss whether Coach Wang should continue."
"Personally, as a senior national player and coach, I believe Coach Wang and other Thai coaches have significant potential. They just need time. I think within a year or two, Coach Wang can turn things around and help develop new players' capabilities. I also have confidence in the skills of many other talented Thai coaches."