The U23 Thailand team arrived in Indonesia on 14/7. Before departing, Yotsakorn Burapha stated that facing either host Indonesia or Vietnam in the semi-final would be a good opportunity to assess their level before the SEA Games 33.

"I'd prefer to meet Vietnam in the U23 Southeast Asia final," Yotsakorn said on the Thai national team's media channel. "As for the SEA Games later this year, I want a rematch with Indonesia in the final."

Forward Yotsakorn Burapha travels with the U23 Thailand team to Indonesia on 14/7/2025, in preparation for the 2025 U23 Southeast Asia Championship. Photo: FAT

Yotsakorn scored the equalizer for Thailand against Indonesia in the seventh minute of stoppage time in the second half of the SEA Games 32 men's football final in Cambodia. However, the ensuing brawl left Thailand short-handed and they lost 5-2 in extra time.

Thailand is eager for a youth title, having not won a Southeast Asian championship at the U19, U22, or U23 levels since 2017. Their most recent titles that year were the SEA Games gold medal in Malaysia and the U19 Southeast Asia Championship in Myanmar.

In Indonesia, Thailand has three days to acclimatize before facing Timor Leste on 19/7 and Myanmar on 22/7 in Group C. The tournament features 10 teams divided into three groups, playing a round-robin format to determine the three group winners and the best second-placed team that will advance to the semi-finals.

"We won't be complacent. The goal is to win every match," Yotsakorn said. "The team is communicating more, feeling more confident, and ready to help the team go as far as possible."

U23 Thailand training in Indonesia on 15/7/2025. Photo: FAT

Before the U23 Southeast Asia Championship, Thailand experienced a change in leadership. Japanese coach Takayuki Nishigaya was dismissed after losing all five matches during his 9-month tenure. Local coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul was appointed after leading Chonburi to the Thai League 2 title in the 2024-2025 season.

Yotsakorn noted that coach Thawatchai emphasizes defense, requiring players to communicate more on the field and build team cohesion. "The coach guides each player in each position clearly, especially the midfielders and defenders. He emphasizes that we must play for the country when wearing the national team jersey," the 2005-born forward stated.

Midfielder Songkramsamut pointed out that the team revealed defensive weaknesses during a practice match against Police Tero FC. Their focus on attacking left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Meanwhile, the attacking front is required to play diversely to create opportunities.

"Coach Thawatchai focuses on exploiting each player's individual abilities to adapt to the tactics," Songkramsamut explained. "The players are experimenting with various attacking systems, and the competition is fierce."

Trung Thu