6 Thai U20 national team players to watch in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming to progress to the senior national team.
On 17 August 2026, the Thai men's U20 national football team, preparing for the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers from 31 August to 6 September 2026, announced a 26-player squad under coach "Coach Bo" Chakpan Panpi. The squad will be trimmed to 23 players before the tournament starts.
Thairath Sport highlights six particularly notable young players from this squad.
Phumirapee Siribunyakul, an 18-year-old goalkeeper from Kashima Gakuen School, is among Thailand's most promising youth goalkeepers. He made history as the first Thai footballer to lead Kashima Gakuen to second place in Japan's 104th National High School Football Championship, earning praise from both Thai and Japanese fans. Phumirapee has consistently been part of Thailand's youth national teams since being given opportunities by coach Jadet Meelarp. Currently part of the U20 team under Chakpan Panpi, his height of 193 cm and strong physique mark him as a future prospect for the senior national team.
Vision Inaram, a 19-year-old defender from True Bangkok United, has already been called up to Thailand's U23 national team. Nicknamed "JR," he has Nigerian heritage, contributing to his strong physique from a young age. Standing over 190 cm tall, he excels in aerial duels. Rumors suggest Vision will participate both in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers and later join the U23 camp preparing for the 2026 Asian Games.
Danupol Bubpha, a key midfielder from Muangthong United, nicknamed "Chen," is a former captain of Thailand's U17 national team and a product of Assumption Thonburi School. Known as a hardworking playmaker with excellent basic football skills, he recently signed a professional contract with Muangthong United for the second half of the 2025/26 season and remains an essential player for the current U20 squad.
Pitchaya Kongsri, a playmaker from True Bangkok United, nicknamed "Kaka," is the grandson of Phichai Kongsri (Lor Radar), a legendary Thai national team striker. A regular member of Thailand's youth national teams who has progressed to the U20 squad, he recently captained the team to second place in the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Known for his agility, good passing, creative chance-making, and strong movement, he also demonstrates leadership, having captained Bangkok Christian College.
Natakorn Rattanasuwan, an attacker from Buriram United who was promoted to the senior team last season, scored for the "Thunder Castle" at 19 years old. Nicknamed "Mawin," he is highly regarded for his agility, ability to find space, and goal-scoring skills, making him a key offensive player. He looks up to Suphanat Muentata, a senior Buriram United player now playing in Japan, hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Natthakit Phosri, an attacker from Port FC currently on a one-season loan (2026/27) at Hougang United in the Singapore Premier League, is gaining experience abroad to develop his skills. In the 2025/26 season, nicknamed "Fan," he played five matches for Port FC with one assist. At 18, he continues to develop his speed and dribbling ability and is regarded as a promising new-generation player expected to be an important future asset for the senior national team.
The Thai U20 men's national football team's schedule for the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers is as follows.
Thailand U20 vs UAE U20 on 31 August 2026 at 19:30, Chonburi Stadium.
Turkmenistan U20 vs Thailand U20 on 3 September 2026 at 19:30, Chonburi Stadium.
Iraq U20 vs Thailand U20 on 6 September 2026 at 19:30, Chonburi Stadium.
Live broadcasts available on Thairath TV Channel 32; online at www.thairath.co.th/tv/live; Facebook: Thairath TV (www.facebook.com/ThairathTV), Thairath Sport (www.facebook.com/ThairathSport); and YouTube: Thairath Sport.