On 23/12, the men's U23 national team coaching staff met at the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) headquarters to review SEA Games 33 and plan for the U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals. This tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia from 6/1 to 24/1/2026, with Thailand U23 setting an initial goal of reaching the quarterfinals.

The meeting included FAT Vice President Charnwit Phalcheewin, Standing Committee Member Piyapong Pue-on, General Secretary Ekpol Polnavi, head coach Thawatchai, and the U23 team's coaching staff.

President Nualphan Lamsan, known as Madam Pang, was absent. Prior to SEA Games 33, Madam Pang had aimed to sweep all four football gold medals, a target that went unmet. At the home tournament, Thailand secured only a silver medal in men's futsal, a bronze medal in women's futsal, a men's silver medal, and a women's bronze medal in 11-a-side football.

Thai players disappointed on the silver medal podium after losing 2-3 to Vietnam in the SEA Games 33 men's football final at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok on 18/12. Photo: *Duc Dong*

Coach Thawatchai stated that the coaching staff had reported all technical data and existing issues from the SEA Games 33 silver medal campaign for analysis, drawing lessons for the U23 Asian Cup. "We focused on evaluating areas for improvement, especially squad assembly and player preparation," he said.

According to the head coach of Thailand U23, some players will be unavailable for the Asian tournament due to injuries or club commitments. The coaching staff had to filter and select the optimal squad, while also thanking the clubs for facilitating players joining the national team.

The core squad from the SEA Games will largely be retained, alongside some new additions. Coach Thawatchai views this as a positive sign, as many young players have performed well at club and U21 levels. Thailand U23 will play several friendly matches before the tournament to help new faces integrate before heading to the continental competition.

He also emphasized that the mental factor is a crucial cornerstone after the U22 team failed to achieve the gold medal objective at the home SEA Games. "We may be disappointed with the results, but the spirit of dedication and fighting will must be maintained. Wearing the national team jersey, regardless of the level, is a responsibility and a source of pride," Thawatchai stressed.

Regarding objectives, the head coach affirmed that the team will approach the tournament match by match, round by round. "The immediate goal is to reach the quarterfinals. Beyond that, we will accumulate data and experience for subsequent major tournaments like ASIAD and the SEA Games," he stated.

The Thailand U23 national team will announce its 23-player squad list this week, gather from 29/12, and depart for Saudi Arabia on 3/1. Thailand is in Group D, facing Australia (8/1), Iraq (11/1), and China (14/1).

*Hong Duy (according to Khaosod)*