"Theerathon" opens up for the first time about being selected for the Thai national team despite a nose injury, revealing issues before the decisive Asian Cup match (video).","tags":["Theerathon","Thai national team","Asian Cup","sports injury"]},{
On 26 March 2026, Theerathon Bunmathan, the experienced left-back of the Thai national team, gave an interview after appearing on the "Nicky Nachat Podcast Special Episode: Cheering the War Elephants to Conquer the Asian Cup". This was part of the latest campaign by Chang Natural Mineral Water to boost support for the Thai national team ahead of the crucial Asian Cup 2027 qualifier.
The “War Elephants,” Thailand’s national football team, are set to play the final match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 third qualifying round, Group D, against Turkmenistan on 31 March 2026 at 19:30 at Rajamangala Stadium.
Before this match, both teams have accumulated 12 points each, but Thailand is behind on head-to-head results after losing 1-3 away to Turkmenistan. Thus, Thailand must win this match to qualify for the final tournament in Saudi Arabia. A draw or loss would mean immediate elimination.
Theerathon Bunmathan openly shared for the first time about being named in the national team despite a nose injury sustained while playing for Buriram United in the ACL Elite tournament. He admitted he had lost hope, thinking he would not recover in time and that the national team door might be closed, as there were no matches for coach Anthony Hudson to evaluate him.
However, after discussing with his son Lisbon about how the Thai national team squad was announced and watching the announcement on YouTube, when Theerathon’s name appeared, his son was so happy for him that he did a backflip on the floor. After that, Theerathon immediately prepared to return and serve the national team in this crucial match.
“I hurried to get a protective mask fitted and wanted to come back to play, even if just for one match. The announcement was made in advance, and luckily I was still called up. I think they called me as a precaution,” he said.
“(Does wearing the mask affect your vision?) You can’t see clearly out of the corner of the eye. When playing, you use your peripheral vision to watch for opponents coming from the side or to pass to the right side. It’s a bit challenging, but I try to get used to it.”
Regarding the national team squad announcement, “Ko Aum” admitted that no one knows in advance if they will be selected. Only an official request letter from the Football Association of Thailand is sent to the players’ clubs to notify them that the players are on the shortlist.
Theerathon concluded, “I have played for the Thai national team for many years, but this atmosphere is very special. Although the pressure is high, it is an opportunity for Thai fans to unite and cheer for our team. On 31 March, let’s come together as the 12th War Elephant. We will fight to help the national team advance.”
The 6th match of Group D in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers will see Thailand face Turkmenistan at Rajamangala Stadium on 31 March 2026 at 19:30.
The match will be broadcast live on Thairath TV, Channel 32.
Thairath website.www.thairath.co.th/tv/live
Facebook: Thairath TV.www.facebook.com/ThairathTV
And Thairath Sport.www.facebook.com/ThairathSport
YouTube: Thairath Sport and BG SPORTS.
Available on True Visions NOW app and AIS PLAY app.
Fans interested can purchase tickets at Thai Ticket Major athttps://bit.ly/3Zs3vDGand at 11 main branch outlets or through all sales channels.
