"Usamma Thiangkham": Hard work and self-proving earn first chance with Thailand senior national team at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.
On 9 July 2026, Usamma Thiangkham stated that he aims to work hard to prove his worth after receiving his first call-up to Thailand’s senior national team for the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Previously, he had been steadily involved with the Thailand U-23 team, including in the AFC U23 Championship final round held in Saudi Arabia.
Usamma said, "I feel very happy and proud, and so does my family. Being named to the senior national team is every footballer's dream. It’s filled with joy and pride. My family is also very happy and proud. I want to thank everyone who has supported me all along. I can’t forget everyone at PT Prachuap FC— the club president, staff, coaches, and all my teammates—who have congratulated me on this opportunity."
"Of course, when the opportunity comes, I have to work hard and improve myself every day, always trying my best. Simply being named is not enough. I see this as a chance to contribute to the team as much as possible. If given the opportunity to play, I want to prove myself and create chances for future opportunities."
"I only moved to Thailand last year. Getting called to the national team was one of my goals, but my football career still has many goals ahead. Today, I’ve ticked off one goal, but I still have many dreams, such as playing in top-level leagues and developing myself to the highest level."
"I can’t say whether this opportunity came too soon. I have just kept telling myself to work hard all the time, believing that the reward will come when the time is right. Now that I have the chance, I must keep working hard to show that I deserve it."
"Certainly, this squad includes three left-backs, so competition for a spot is not easy. But I believe competition leads to development. More importantly, it’s a competition with myself. I’m always ready for any opportunity. Besides left-back, I can play as a defender or winger, but it depends on where the coach wants to use me to benefit the team the most. I’m ready for any position and to follow the coach’s instructions."
"I’m looking forward to experiencing the team atmosphere, though I don’t know what to expect since this is my first time with the senior national team. I always tell myself to do my best and learn from the senior players. As a footballer, I feel I still have much to learn. I have already learned a lot with the Thailand U23 team. The senior team may differ somewhat, including facing opponents closer to my age, which is an important test I must succeed at."
"Finally, I want to thank all the fans for their ongoing support. I may not read, listen to, or speak much Thai, but I try to follow and see some comments, which motivate me greatly. I truly thank everyone and will do my best to repay this opportunity and make the fans proud."
Laos vs Thailand
25 July 2026 GMT+7
20:00 GMT+7
Main Stadium, Laos National Sports Complex
Thailand vs Malaysia
1 August 2026 GMT+7
20:00 GMT+7
Rajamangala National Stadium
Philippines vs Thailand
4 August 2026 GMT+7
20:00 GMT+7 (Thai time)
New Clark City Athletics Stadium
Thailand vs Myanmar
8 August 2026 GMT+7
20:00 GMT+7
Rajamangala National Stadium
The semi-finals and finals will be played over two legs, home and away. The semi-finals are scheduled for 15–16 August and 18–19 August 2026. The final matches are set for 22 August and 26 August 2026.