Indonesian newspaper declares Vietnam has surpassed Thailand in the 'King of Southeast Asia' race

Indonesian media observes that Thai football has declined significantly over the past three years, as the top spot in Southeast Asia has gradually become a direct contest between Vietnam and Indonesia.

In a recent series of analyses, Indonesian press collectively offers candid perspectives on the shifting power dynamics in Southeast Asian football. Superball states that Thailand, once considered the “regional king,” is going through a prolonged difficult period, while Vietnam and Indonesia have emerged as two new forces competing for the ASEAN top position.

According to Superball, the turning point for the decline of Thai football started after the 2022 AFF Cup, when the “War Elephants” last won the regional title. “Since 2022, Thai football has experienced a long trophy drought, despite frequently reaching finals,”the Indonesian newspaper comments. From 2023 to 2025, Thailand lost in a total of seven major regional tournaments, spanning youth levels to the national team.

Superball particularly highlights Thailand’s pivotal losing streak in youth competitions. Thailand’s U22 team was defeated by Indonesia’s U22 in the 2023 SEA Games final, then failed to advance past the semifinals in the 2023 and 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championships. At U16 and U19 levels, Thailand also repeatedly lost critical finals. “Continual losses to Vietnam and Indonesia in decisive matches show that Thailand is no longer the formidable opponent it once was,”Superball comments.

While Thailand struggles with rebuilding, Indonesian media praises Vietnam. Superball notes that Vietnamese football is clearly reaping rewards thanks to systematic youth development and stability at the national team level. “Vietnam has steadily reinforced its position by winning titles with both the national and U23 teams, something Thailand has failed to do over the past three years,”the article states clearly.

Not only Superball, but Indonesia’s Bola also shares this view when analyzing Vietnam’s recent football success. Bola highlights how Vietnamese teams frequently secure victories on opponents’ home grounds within the region.

“Vietnam’s consecutive championships in Southeast Asian tournaments have laid a solid foundation for them to become a leading regional power,”Bola remarks, also suggesting that Vietnam is gradually taking over the position Thailand once held.

From a broader perspective, Indonesian media believes the “ASEAN king” race in recent years is no longer Thailand’s alone. “The crown of Southeast Asian football is now a direct contest between Vietnam and Indonesia,”, Superball asserts. Indonesia is highly rated due to strong progress in youth football, exemplified by their 2023 SEA Games victory and impressive performances in regional competitions.

In conclusion, Indonesian media raises serious questions about the future of Thai football. “Has Thailand’s golden era truly ended, or can the ‘War Elephants’ still rise up against the growing ambitions of Vietnam and Indonesia?”Superball questions.

In this context, Vietnam is seen as one of the two new centers of power in Southeast Asian football, alongside Indonesia, competing to shape the regional order in the coming years.