Before traveling with the Thai national team for their opening Group B match against host Laos on July 25, 22-year-old midfielder Seksan Ratree stated that the entire team is ready for their title quest.
After being dethroned by Vietnam in the most recent tournament, Thailand enter the competition full of ambition to reclaim their position as the region’s number one team.
“We have prepared very thoroughly for the tournament. Every team is of high quality, so Thailand will not be complacent,” Seksan said after the final training session in Thailand on July 22.
“Our goal is to reclaim the championship. Once the tournament has started, the whole team must be ready for any situation and will strive to win every match.”
Midfielder Seksan Ratree during a Thailand training session ahead of the ASEAN Cup on July 22, 2026. Photo by FAT |
The Thai midfielder believes that coach Anthony Hudson’s decision to call up many U23 players is a positive sign for the future. These youngsters will gain experience playing alongside their seniors and create healthy competition within the squad.
Thailand began their preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Cup on July 14, just 10 days before the tournament starts. Despite this, coach Anthony Hudson believes the team are ready after improving their fitness and refining their playing style.
The English coach said the coaching staff’s priority is to help the new signings quickly integrate into the tactical system, as many players have just returned from the pre-season with their clubs.
“We have many new faces, so it is important that everyone understands the same style of play,” he said. “The players’ physical condition also varies, because each club has its own pre-season plan. At this point, the whole team is fit and ready for the match against Laos.”
He praised his players’ spirit, especially the young ones. Thailand’s immediate goal is to beat Laos in the opening match and then continue to improve with each game, rather than thinking too far ahead.
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Thailand’s coach Anthony Hudson speaks to the press as the national team prepare to leave for their ASEAN Cup clash in Laos on July 23, 2026. Photo by FAT |
Goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul warned his teammates against underestimating the home team in the first match. He noted that opening games are always tricky, especially when the players are still regaining their fitness after the mid-season break.
Midfielder Sarach Yooyen also acknowledged that the ASEAN Cup has never been an easy tournament. Beyond professional aspects, teams must adapt to travel schedules, playing conditions, and pressure from away fans.
“We started training later than some other teams, so fitness is very important,” Sarach said. “However, the coaching staff has helped the whole team improve significantly. When we enter the tournament, there will be no excuses or justifications. Every player must give their best.”
The experienced midfielder also praised the quality of the young players and those returning to the national team. He believes that if Thailand quickly adapts to Hudson’s philosophy, they will be a strong contender for the championship.
Center-back Manuel Bihr said the atmosphere in the team is very positive thanks to the integration of young players.
Thailand are in Group B of the ASEAN Cup 2026 along with Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar. They will begin their campaign with an away match against Laos on July 25, followed by clashes with Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.
The defending champions Vietnam started their campaign a day earlier, clashing Timor-Leste on July 24 where they claimed a huge 7-0 win.
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