It's okay not to win the ASEAN championship, but the Football Association must now plan to qualify for the 2030 World Cup. An interesting viewpoint from “Coach Zico” Kiatisuk Senamuang.
I listened to the full 90-minute program “Clear Rim Sen” featuring “Coach Zico” Kiatisuk Senamuang, former Thai national team coach, which gave me many perspectives I want to share.
Besides the headline news of his readiness to return to coaching after a long break, with a simple condition:
“You choose whether to have players who dominate the team or a coach who dominates the team. If you want my style—fierce, short passing, relentless running—choose me.”
Regarding the Thai national team in the 2026 ASEAN Cup—“tickets are expensive” and “no free-to-air TV broadcast.”
But what “Coach Zico” said that is particularly interesting first is that the Football Association must start planning now “to go to the 2030 World Cup.” After the 2026 World Cup finishes, soon the 2030 qualifiers will begin.
For Coach Zico, winning the 2026 ASEAN Cup is good but not critical (since Thailand has won it many times). He also thinks the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is good because using a mixed squad benefits the players greatly. Playing in the ASEAN Cup is better than preseason training: during preseason, the first two weeks focus on fitness, and weeks three or four start team play. But these players—like Khakhanha, Seksan, Teerasil, Yotsakorn—get to play intense games, some cramp up, but when they return to their clubs, they become stronger. It’s a stage for young stars to emerge and be developed into the full national team in the future.
Importantly, from now on, “the Association must prepare the 2030 World Cup plan starting today.” If we aim to qualify in eight years, which players will be prepared for the World Cup? People want to hear this more—want to see which players “Coach Wang” (U23) or “Coach Bo” (U20) will manage. The key is not to prepare the team hastily.
Also, “I don’t want the Association to make teams on an ad hoc basis.” Besides the senior team, there must be plans for Thai U17, U19, U20 players. Use licensed coaches who have developed talent. If they are not involved with clubs, bring them in. Don’t waste talent. Build a standardized training system nationwide. Importantly, don’t compare with Japan; develop well in a Thai style to build for the future.
Coach Zico shared his view on why recently the U17, U19, and U20 teams have not succeeded in the ASEAN region.
He said it’s not that Thai players lack skill but they lack fitness and do not train together regularly. Players aged 17, 19, 20 shouldn’t wait for FIFA days; they should be called up to train at least once a month and have continuous friendly matches, like neighboring countries do, to build immunity and learn the pace of high-level games.
Additionally, “Coach Zico” left a message about the “mindset” for Thai players aged 19 or 20, which he wants all young players to hear.
They must always be ready to seize opportunities. No one knows which senior national team members will be injured or unavailable. Think of yourself as “not a kid anymore.” Coaches must dare to give chances and not think of these players as “still young.” On the field, everyone’s dignity is equal. Remember, no one is better than another because all are on the national team!
We have seen players like Chanathip Songkrasin join the Thai national team at 19 or 20 and have not rested since; he is now 32. Not to mention Theerathon Bunmathan and Sarach Yooyen, who have also been on the national team for over 10 years.
After listening to “Coach Zico” for a full 90 minutes, I agree completely. Today, the ASEAN Cup is a competition for building further. But the key is we must plan clearly from now for the 2030 World Cup. If we give our best but still don’t qualify, it won’t be too disappointing...
- Pab Thattathat -