Football Association of Thailand president Nualphan Lamsam, also known as Madam Pang. Photo by FAT |
According to Siam SportFootball Association of Thailand (FAT) president Madam Pang wants to invite Vietnam, the newly crowned 2024 ASEAN Cup champions, to the 2025 edition of the King’s Cup.
“We want to invite Vietnam to the 2025 King’s Cup. Their participation can help us succeed in bringing the competition to various provinces, previously Chiang Mai and most recently Songkhla,” Madam Pang said as quoted by Siam Sport.
In recent years, Thailand has shifted the King’s Cup from traditional venues like Rajamangala National Stadium to smaller locations to increase its appeal. For the 2025 tournament, Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok is under consideration.
Built in 1937, Supachalasai Stadium has caught FIFA’s attention for a potential upgrade. FIFA is reportedly willing to support approximately 100 million baht ($2.88 million) in the stadium’s renovation this year.
“Supachalasai Stadium has a capacity of 18,000 seats in the heart of Bangkok and received attention from FIFA. I hope it’s capable of hosting the King’s Cup,” Madam Pang added.
However, it’s uncertain whether Vietnam will accept the invitation. In 2024, Vietnam under coach Kim Sang-sik did not participate in the tournament. The 2024 King’s Cup featured host Thailand, Tajikistan, Syria and the Philippines. Thailand ultimately won the championship, defeating Syria 2-1 in the final.
Vietnam last competed in the King’s Cup in 2019. The team defeated Thailand 1-0 in the semifinals, but lost to Curacao on penalties in the final, finishing as runners-up.
Vietnam clinched their third ASEAN Cup title on Sunday after defeating Thailand 5-3 across two legs of the final.
Details about the 2025 King’s Cup, including its schedule and venue, are yet to be decided. The tournament, first held in 1968, is one of the most prestigious friendly competitions in Thai football.
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