Thailand appoints an American coach to take charge of the national team

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is set to appoint Anthony Hudson as the national team’s head coach, with an official introduction anticipated within a week after parting ways with Masatada Ishii.

On October 22, 2025, Thai media unanimously reported that the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is rushing to finalize the appointment of Anthony Hudson as the new head coach of the national team, expected to be officially unveiled within the upcoming week.

This move follows FAT’s announcement to terminate the contract with coach Masatada Ishii, who recently led the “War Elephants” to an impressive 6-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Although this win brought positive signals, experts believe FAT aims to pursue a longer-term vision for Thai football.

According to sources from Thairath, Anthony Hudson, former coach of BG Pathum United and currently serving as FAT’s Technical Director, is the leading candidate for the head coach position. The 44-year-old Hudson has managed several international teams including the USA, New Zealand, and Bahrain, and is highly regarded for his modern football philosophy and ability to work with young players.

FAT plans to hold a meeting today to finalize the last details before making an official announcement. A FAT official revealed that the appointment will not take longer than a week, as the Thai national team is about to enter a critical phase with two consecutive matches in November.

According to the schedule, the “War Elephants” will host Singapore in a FIFA Day friendly on November 13, before traveling to face Sri Lanka on November 18 in the Group B qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. This is seen as an opportunity for Hudson, if appointed, to quickly make his debut and test the squad ahead of crucial matches.

Fans in the Land of Smiles are eagerly awaiting to see whether Anthony Hudson, a coach known for his disciplined style and modern thinking, can lead the “War Elephants” back to the peak of Southeast Asian football.