European coach finalizes decision that stirs up the Thailand national team

Coach Anthony Hudson has chosen to recall three key veterans Teerasil, Theerathon, and Sarach for the November matches, marking a hopeful new beginning for the Thailand team after the Ishii era.

New head coach Anthony Hudson has excited Thai football fans by deciding to bring back three veterans Teerasil Dangda, Theerathon Bunmathan, and Sarach Yooyen for the international fixtures in November, signaling a fresh chapter for the "War Elephants" under the English strategist.

According to Thairath, the official 23-player squad for the November FIFA Days will be announced on November 6, but the three experienced players are almost certain to be included. Thailand will face two important matches: a friendly against Singapore on November 13 and an away game against Sri Lanka on November 18 as part of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

These three players have been icons of Thai football for the past decade. Teerasil Dangda - Southeast Asia’s top scorer, Theerathon Bunmathan - an outstanding left-back who played in the J-League, and Sarach Yooyen - the midfield "brain" of the team, all contributed significantly to the AFF Cup titles in 2020 and 2022.

However, they have all been absent since June 2024, when Thailand was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers despite a 3-1 win over Singapore in the final round.

“Coach Masatada Ishii opted to rejuvenate the squad, but Hudson is taking a balanced approach between experience and youth,” Thairath commented. The return of these three veterans is seen as a “strategic move” to restore the team’s resilience and fighting spirit after a turbulent period under Ishii.

Anthony Hudson, who previously coached the USA and New Zealand teams, stated: “We need players who understand the winning culture of the team. Their experience is the foundation to build a stable squad, helping the younger generation learn and develop properly.”

Besides the three veterans, Thailand also received good news as English club Grimsby Town agreed to release Thai-origin player Jude Soonsup-Bell to join the squad. The 21-year-old, who previously played for Chelsea and Tottenham, completed his naturalization process at the end of October and is expected to make a significant impact in the new lineup.

According to the plan, Thailand’s squad will gather from November 6 ahead of the friendly against Singapore. With 9 points from three matches in Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Thailand currently sits second after Turkmenistan due to goal difference. Hudson aims to secure all 6 points this month to take the top spot.

The return of Teerasil, Theerathon, and Sarach carries not only professional value but also special emotional significance for the fans. “Those three stars have brought glorious memories to Thai football. Now it’s time for them to pass that flame to the next generation,” Thairath remarked.

Thai media believe that if Hudson can skillfully blend the veterans’ experience with the new generation’s ambition, the "War Elephants" can start a promising new era beginning with the two matches this November.

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