Madam Pang, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), awarded the Thailand U22 team an immediate bonus of 300,000 baht after their 3-0 win against Singapore. This latest reward brings the total prize money for their two victories to 800,000 baht (665 million Vietnamese dong). She emphasized that as the team progresses deeper into the tournament, the pressure will intensify, presenting an opportunity for Thailand to assert its regional dominance.

The decisive Group A match saw Singapore challenging Thailand only in the first half. Thailand had made six changes to its starting lineup compared to the previous game against Timor Leste. However, after tactical adjustments, Thailand's offense ignited at the start of the second half. They scored three goals within five minutes, from the 49th to the 54th minute, courtesy of Siraphop Wandee and a brace from Yotsakorn Burapha.

With this 3-0 victory, Thailand accumulated 6 points from two matches, securing the top spot in Group A. The team now awaits the outcome of today's 12/12 match between Indonesia and Myanmar in Group C to determine their semi-final opponent. According to the tournament bracket, the Group A winner will face the best-performing second-place team in the semi-finals.

Madam Pang (second from right) in the stands at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand on 11/12. Photo: Khaosod

Madam Pang (second from right) in the stands at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand on 11/12. Photo: Khaosod

Forward Yotsakorn Burapha, who leads the scoring charts with five goals, views the top scorer title as merely an added bonus. He stated that the ultimate goal remains the SEA Games gold medal, saying, "If I score many goals but Thailand doesn't win the championship, everything will be meaningless."

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul also expressed a cautious outlook. He acknowledged that while the two victories against Timor Leste and Singapore have boosted confidence, Thailand must not become complacent. He plans to reassess the squad, balancing performance and physical condition to prevent complacency or overexertion. Coach Thawatchai emphasized, "Winning the group stage is just the first step. In the semi-finals, every mistake can be costly."

Concurrently, the standings for the remaining groups have also been determined. Vietnam U22 topped Group B, while Philippines U22 finished first in Group C. These two teams will face each other in the semi-finals on 15/12.

By Vy Anh