Bangkok: Masatada Ishii, head coach of the Thai national football team, has released the names of 23 players who will represent Thailand in a friendly match against India and in the Asian Cup qualifiers against Turkmenistan this June.
According to Thai News Agency, the selection of players includes key figures such as "Jay" Chanathip Songkrasin and three players currently plying their trade in Japan: Charoensak Wongkorn with Cerezo Osaka in J-League 1, Ekanit Panya with Ehime FC in J-League 2, and "Check" Supachok Sarachat from Consadole Sapporo in J-League 2. Goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai from True Bangkok United remains the first choice, with defenders like Elias Dolah from Bali United and Suphanan Burirat from Port FC also making the squad. However, Jonathan Khemdee from Ratchaburi is absent due to injury.
Midfield sees the return of Pittiwat Sukjitthammakul from Buriram, joined by veteran Peeradon Chamratsamee. Notably absent are Weerathep Pomphan and "Kant" Thanawat Suengchitthawon. In attack, the team includes Prames Ajwilai from Muangthong United and Supachai Jaided from Buriram United, but misses out on the not fully fit Supanat Mueanta and Patrick Gustafsson from BG.
Ishii emphasized that the selection was influenced by the familiarity of players with the team system and current form, considering the completion of the Thai League. The squad prepares for a warm-up match against India on June 4 at Thammasat Stadium, followed by an Asian Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan on June 10 at Kopetdak Stadium.
In other developments, the Thai women's futsal team completed their final training at the National Northern Training Base in China, ahead of their AFC Women's Futsal Championship match against Indonesia. Head coach "Coach O" Thanathorn Santhanaprasit focused on refining tactics after a 4-0 victory over Bahrain. Defender Natthamon Ajkla expressed optimism for the match against Indonesia, encouraging fans to support the team.