"Park Hang-seo" opens up for the first time on two reasons for coming to Thailand and choosing to coach Phonkanchan despite the team playing in Thai League 2.
On 26 May 2026 GMT+7, Park Hang-seo, a 66-year-old South Korean coach, spoke openly for the first time after causing a stir in Thai football by being announced as the new head coach of "The Iron Horse" Phonkanchan FC, even though the club was recently relegated from Thai League 1 to play in Thai League 2 next season.
Park Hang-seo, former Vietnam national team coach, revealed two key reasons for choosing Phonkanchan FC: "I chose Thailand because it still represents an unfinished challenge for me."
"The club's long-term vision and genuine commitment to football are what drew me here. I want to prove that age is not a barrier to dreams and new challenges."
During his five-year tenure with Vietnam, Park Hang-seo achieved great success, leading the U23 "Golden Stars" to the 2018 Asian runner-up title, winning gold at the 2019 and 2021 SEA Games, the 2018 AFF Championship, finishing fourth at the 2018 Asian Games, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2019 Asian Cup, and advancing to the third round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Additionally, Park Hang-seo's coaching staff includes:
Lee Jung-Soo - Assistant Coach
Panupong Wongsa - Assistant Coach
Pannarawee Pansiri - Analyst
Narathip Panprom - Goalkeeper Coach
Roh Yeong Su - Fitness Coach
*Thanks to Prawat Kithammakunnit for the photo