One of them is Nicholas Mickelson, playing in the Danish Superliga for Odense, and having featured in 16 matches with three assists this season. The right-back, born to a Norwegian father and a Thai mother, previously represented Norway’s national teams from U16 to U21. Since switching allegiance in 2022, Mickelson has been regarded as Thailand’s best right-back.
Another is Midfielder Supachok Sarachat, who has played 21 matches for J-League 1 club Consadole Sapporo this season, scoring two goals and providing five assists, though he could not help his team avoid relegation in 2024.
Two other Japan-based players to join the AFF squad are midfielder Ekanit Panya, who made 14 appearances for Urawa Red Diamonds, and forward Patrik Gustavsson, who scored two goals in 24 matches for J-League 3 club Nara.
Norweigian Thai defender Nicholas Mickelson plays for Thailand at the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo by FAT |
Under the 2024 AFF Cup regulations, teams must finalize their 26-player rosters a day before their opening match. However, Ishii announced his squad on Nov. 26, well ahead of the Dec. 7 deadline.
The Japanese coach stayed true to his earlier statements, selecting players from the October and November training camps. However, he faced challenges assembling his best lineup as some Thai League 1 clubs continue domestic competitions parallel to the AFF Cup. Notably, stars from the past decade like Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda, and Sarach Yooyen were left out, making room for new talents.
Despite the absence of several veterans, the roster boasts quality across the pitch. Key players include goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai, defenders Mickelson, Pansa Hemviboon, Suphanan Bureerat, and Jonathan Khemdee. The midfield features standout central players Worachit Kanitsribampen, Peeradon Chamratsamee, and Weerathep Pomphan, alongside promising youngster Seksan Ratree. The attacking lineup is spearheaded by brothers Supachok and Suphanat Mueanta.
Seven players from the 2022 AFF Cup-winning squad remain, including goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul, defenders Pansa, Suphanan, and Chalermsak Aukkee, and midfielders Peeradon, Ekanit, and Weerathep.
Thailand will convene on Dec. 2, though not at full strength. Three Bangkok United players will join on Dec. 5, while five Port FC players are expected on Dec. 6, as both clubs compete in the AFC Champions League Two. Goalkeeper Kampol will join on Dec. 8 after a Thai League 1 match with Ratchaburi.
Ekanit Panya and Supachok Sarachat will arrive on Dec. 10 after the J-League 1 season concludes, missing the opening Group A match against Timor-Leste at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium on Dec. 8.
Thailand will then face Malaysia at home on Dec. 14, Singapore away on Dec. 17, and Cambodia at home on Dec. 20. Their goal is to become the first team to win the AFF Cup three consecutive times.
From 2024, the tournament will be renamed the ASEAN Cup, running from Dec. 8, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025. Ten teams will be split into two groups, playing two home and two away matches. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, which will feature two-legged ties without the away goals rule.
Thailand lead the AFF Cup’s all-time standings with seven titles (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022), followed by Singapore (1998, 2004, 2007, 2012), Vietnam (2008, 2018), and Malaysia (2010).
Thailand’s 26-player squad for AFF Cup 2024:
Goalkeepers (3): Korrakot Popatnadda (Rayong), Patiwat Khammai (Bangkok United), Kampol Pathomakkakul (Ratchaburi FC)
Defenders (10): Pansa Hemviboon (Buriram United), Nicholas Mickelson (Odense), Saringkan Promsupa (Sukhothai), Thitathorn Aksornsri, James Beresford (Uthai Thani), Kritsada Nontharat (Bangkok United), Suphanan Bureerat, Chalermsak Aukkee (Port FC), Jonathan Khemdee, Apisit Sorada (Ratchaburi FC)
Midfielders (10): Worachit Kanitsribampen, Peeradon Chamratsamee (Port FC), Ekanit Panya (Urawa Red Diamonds), William Weidersjo, Ben Davis (Uthai Thani), Anan Yodsangwal, Akarapong Pumwisat (Lamphun Warriors), Seksan Ratree (Buriram United), Weerathep Pomphan (Bangkok United), Supachok Sarachat (Consadole Sapporo)
Forwards (3): Suphanat Mueanta (Buriram United), Teerasak Poeiphimai (Port FC), Patrik Gustavsson (Nara)
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