Thailand 'cleanses' the entire squad after losing to U22 Vietnam

Following their defeat to U22 Vietnam in the SEA Games 33 final, Thailand's youth football is undergoing a major transition phase aimed at preparing for the next important target, the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

According to the plan, the U22 Thailand team will be renamed U23 Thailand when competing at the continental level, and there will almost certainly be significant personnel changes compared to the squad that participated in the SEA Games.

The 2026 AFC U23 Championship will begin just a few days after SEA Games 33 concludes. This presents considerable challenges for regional teams, including both U22 Vietnam and U22 Thailand, given the very limited preparation time. Under these circumstances, the U22 Thailand coaching staff must reconsider their squad strategy to ensure sufficient depth and competitiveness.

Coach Thawatchai Damrong Ongtrakul recently revealed that the U23 Thailand squad for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship will differ greatly from the team that reached the SEA Games 33 final. This is because the Asian tournament is not held during FIFA international windows, meaning many clubs are not obliged to release players. As a result, most key players from the SEA Games are unlikely to participate in the U23 Asian competition.

In response, the Football Association of Thailand and the coaching staff are actively seeking alternatives. One notable candidate being considered is Thai-French midfielder Erawan Garnier, currently with Lens. Garnier impressed strongly with the U23 Thailand team at the 2024 AFC U23 Championship at only 18 years old, demonstrating excellent technique and midfield control.

However, calling up Erawan Garnier is not straightforward. Since the tournament is outside FIFA dates, Lens has not yet agreed to release him for national duty. The Thai FA is reportedly continuing negotiations to reach an agreement, as Garnier is seen as a key player to enhance the squad amid personnel shortages.

At the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, U23 Thailand is drawn into Group D alongside strong opponents Iraq, Australia, and China. This challenging group demands thorough preparation both technically and mentally. According to the schedule, U23 Thailand will face Australia on January 8, 2026, a crucial match seen as a test for their ambitions to advance further.

The near-complete overhaul of the squad after the SEA Games indicates Thailand's youth football is willing to refresh the team to adapt to practical circumstances. Despite facing many difficulties, this also offers other young players the opportunity to prove their abilities and compete for starting positions, thereby initiating a new cycle for U23 Thailand on the Asian stage.