Japanese coach calls defender up to Thailand squad instead of striker

Japanese coach Masatada Ishii surprisingly summoned defender Wanchai Jarunongkran to join the Thailand squad as a substitute for striker Supachai Chaided, who was forced to pull out because of injury before the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matches.

The Thailand national team made significant personnel changes ahead of their two matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Head coach Masatada Ishii decided to call up two new players: defender Wanchai Jarunongkran (True Bangkok United) and midfielder Channarong Promsrikaew (Chonburi FC), replacing Sasalak Haiprakhon and Supachai Chaided—both from Buriram United—who had to withdraw due to injuries.

According to information from the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Buriram United officially requested to withdraw Sasalak and Supachai from the national team during the FIFA Days training camp in October 2025. Both players sustained injuries while playing for their club and were unable to recover in time for the upcoming crucial matches for the “War Elephants.”

After a technical meeting with the coaching staff, Coach Ishii quickly devised a replacement plan. Wanchai Jarunongkran, a consistently performing left-back at True Bangkok United, was seen as a timely reinforcement for Thailand’s defense. Meanwhile, talented midfielder Channarong Promsrikaew, who has experience playing in Spain, is expected to bring creativity to the midfield.

This change comes as the Thailand team prepares for two consecutive matches in Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, facing Chinese Taipei on October 9 and 14. These matches are crucial steps in their journey to qualify for the final tournament, and Coach Ishii aims to field the strongest possible squad.

Under the Japanese coach, Thailand is focusing on rejuvenating the squad by blending experience with youth. The call-ups of Wanchai and Channarong demonstrate Ishii’s flexible personnel strategy while providing new players the chance to prove themselves at the international level.

With these timely adjustments, Thai football fans hope the “War Elephants” will deliver impressive performances, securing all 6 points against Chinese Taipei to strengthen their position in Group D and move closer to qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.