Madam Pang apologized, acknowledging this as a mistake by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) during a meeting with the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) this afternoon, 9/1. This comes three weeks after the conclusion of SEA Games 33. The failure to win any gold medals, especially at a home Games, led to criticism for FAT and Madam Pang.

Thailand secured only silver medals in men's football and futsal, and bronze medals in women's football and futsal. The 2-3 defeat to Vietnam in the men's football final, despite holding a 2-0 lead, caused the greatest disappointment.

Thai Football Federation President Nualphan Lamsam (center) speaks at a meeting with the National Olympic Committee of Thailand in Bangkok, Thailand, on the afternoon of 9/1/2026. *Main Stand*

"First, I must apologize to the Olympic Committee for not winning any SEA Games gold medals, especially in men's football", the FAT president said. "I admit it was the federation's fault for not being able to help the players rest and fully focus on the tournament."

SEA Games 33 did not fall within FIFA days, allowing clubs to refuse to release players. For Thailand, some players had to shuttle between the national team and their clubs for matches. "They were tired upon returning to the national team. This clearly affected their performance during extra time in the final, but Vietnam also played well", Madam Pang added.

However, the head of Thai football also noted that management must consider many aspects, balancing the interests of clubs and the national team. Currently, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) coefficient for the Thai national championship is on par with Trung Quoc, leading to an increased number of slots in continental competitions. This creates challenges for national teams at all levels, demanding flexibility in management and relationships between all parties.

"I remain in this position because I constantly have to balance everything", Madam Pang stated. "Achieving an absolute balance between the national team and the Thai League is not easy. We need more discussions with clubs and must be very flexible."

This immediately impacts the U23 Asian Championship 2026, currently taking place in Arab Saudi. Thailand had to make 10 changes compared to SEA Games 33, as clubs did not release players, including key figures like center-back Chanapach Buaphan, midfielder Seksan Ratree, and forward Yotsakorn Burapha.

Key moments from Vietnam's 3-2 victory over Thailand in the SEA Games 33 men's football final at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on 18/12/2025.

Additionally, the quota for foreign players in Thai League one is also seen as a reason for Thai players having fewer opportunities to play, leading to a decline in quality. The Thai national championship rules allow each team to register 7 foreign players and an unlimited number of Southeast Asian players. A maximum of 5 foreign players and two Southeast Asian players can play simultaneously on the field.

In women's football, Thailand lost to Philippines after a penalty shootout in the semifinals, then defeated Indonesia to win the bronze medal. Madam Pang admitted that facing Philippines is now very difficult, as 18 out of 23 opposing players are of mixed heritage. However, she also acknowledged that Thai women's football is transitioning slowly.

"I must admit that over the past 8 years, since I no longer directly managed the women's national team, we have continued to use many older players", Madam Pang stated. "Players of mixed heritage, or those playing abroad, have not had enough training time and have not fully integrated."

By Trung Thu (Source: Matichon)