When in doubt... ask Hia Mui.
The Thai national football team is preparing for the final match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Group D.
This decisive match will be a home game against Turkmenistan on Tuesday, 31 March.
With the only condition being a win for 3 points, Thailand can secure a ticket to the final round in Saudi Arabia as desired.
Recently, the 23 players called to camp have seen another change, especially in the forward position.
"Jao Mix" Yotsakorn Burapha, a rising star striker from Chonburi FC,
was called up from the U23 squad to replace "Jao Bank" Suphanat Mueanta, who had previously been injured.
Suphanat had to withdraw from the national team due to an internal knee ligament tear sustained in the Thai League.
He is unlikely to recover in time for the match against Turkmenistan next week.
Therefore, coach Anthony Hudson decided to call upon "Thep Mui" Teerasil Dangda, the experienced 37-year-old striker from True Bangkok United,
making a comeback to serve the national team again.
This marks his return to the senior national team after 1 year and 9 months.
The last game "Hia Mui" played for the national team was Thailand’s 3-1 home win over Singapore in the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, round two,
on 11 June 2024 at Rajamangala Stadium, under coach Masatada Ishii.
Actually, coach Hudson did not call Mui for the first time just now.
As you might recall, late last year the English coach included him in the squad for a FIFA international match day.
But Mui had to withdraw then due to a thigh muscle injury, which was unfortunate.
This time, fate seems to have destined "Thep Mui" to return as a key forward for the War Elephants once again.
With no other options in the Thai League, since "Jao Ton" Theerasilak Phempimai is suspended due to two yellow cards,
and Bank Suphanat and Mix Yotsakorn are both injured,
we have to overlook age and experience for now because the upcoming mission cannot be missed under any circumstances.
At the end of this month, we must score against Turkmenistan to win—there is no other answer.
The person Hudson must consider and choose as a lethal weapon against the visiting team now
is probably the last remaining ace: "Mui" Teerasil Dangda himself.
Whether he starts or comes on as a super-sub depends on the match situation.
But I can say this is the perfect timing for the return of the striker nicknamed "TD10."
He holds the record of scoring 64 goals for the Thai national team,
second only to the legendary stars "Zico" Kiatisuk Senamuang and "The Tuck" Piyapong Pue-on.
Thanks to Big Khajorn Jearavanont, chairman of True Bangkok United, and "Coach Ban" Thachathorn Sripan,
at the end of last season, when "Hia Mui"'s contract with BG Pathum had ended and he was clubless,
many thought Teerasil's career was over and that his legacy would end there.
But thanks to the opportunity given by the Big Khun of the War Elephants, who still saw his valuable skills and experience,
the 2025/26 season saw "Thep Mui" rise again.
He has played continuously for BUFC in 34 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals.
It can be said that "Coach Ban" is probably the most effective coach in managing Teerasil Dangda according to his actual age.
This has benefitted our national team at a time when a reliable goal scorer is sorely needed.
At least having Hia Mui is like having a household remedy.
When things get tough and stuck, when nothing else comes to mind, send Mr. Dangda onto the pitch.
It always works out... trust me!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -