Thanawat Nitikarnjana, Chairman of Ratchaburi FC, responded to the rotation controversy after losing to Pattani and being eliminated in the 32-team Muang Thai Cup.
On 28 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Thanawat Nitikarnjana, Chairman of Ratchaburi FC, posted on Facebook to clarify after the team’s 2-0 away loss to Pattani FC, which knocked them out of the 32-team Muang Thai Cup 2025/26. He explained the necessity of rotation because Ratchaburi FC must compete in three domestic competitions as well as the AFC Champions League Two, where the team has advanced to the knockout stage, requiring player rotation to rest the key players.
The Ratchaburi FC chairman stated, "This was the team's decision to use this squad for this cup. If we advance, we will continue with this squad."
"The team only traveled with this group today because we hardly ever rotate our key players. The main players have been playing continuously, and if not injured, they play without rest. As everyone saw in the second half of the match against Chiang Rai, the key players were clearly exhausted."
"I accept all opinions, but I ask this: if I didn’t rest the key players today and they returned exhausted for the upcoming second leg in two weeks, some would ask why we didn’t manage the team better when our goal is to achieve the best league ranking."
"I have looked at the second leg schedule. Please look and tell me if our squad size can handle it. In January, starting on the 11th, there are five games in 20 days. In February, 28 days with eight games. I have never used this as an excuse, but this is the reason and the fact. I respect everyone’s views."