Introduction

In a bold move that could reshape the future of Thai football, Madam Pang, the dynamic president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), has declared her intent to recruit more naturalized players. Speaking to the media after Thailand's recent heartbreak in the ASEAN Cup final, where they lost to Vietnam, Madam Pang reflected on the need for immediate changes in the national team’s approach.

Urgency in Changes

Despite speculation about the future of head coach Masatada Ishii, she confidently stated that his position should not be a priority for replacement. Instead, she emphasized the urgency of addressing ongoing conflicts between the national team and Thai League clubs, which hindered player availability during this year's tournament. “This result is a valuable lesson for us to sit back and discuss,” she noted, underscoring that every tournament poses a vital opportunity for growth.

Recruitment Strategy

One of the key strategies she envisions is the recruitment of naturalized players, a growing trend among Southeast Asian nations. “We must actively search for players of Thai descent overseas and consider other naturalized talents who could elevate our squad,” she explained. Countries like Vietnam have already benefitted from this policy by integrating foreign-born athletes into their national teams.

Promising Talent

Madam Pang revealed that Thailand has opened negotiations with several promising players in Europe, such as Erik Kahl, a Thai-Swedish left-back, and Jude Soonsup-Bell, a starlet of Thai descent who has made waves playing for Córdobas in Spain’s second division. Soonsup-Bell, regarded as one of England's finest young forwards, has previously made a mark as the second-highest scorer in U16 history, trailing only the illustrious Jadon Sancho.

Inspiration from Indonesia

Madam Pang also drew inspiration from Indonesia’s successful naturalization strategies during their World Cup qualifying campaigns. “Many countries are now on board with this approach, and we can certainly follow suit to enhance our own performance on the international stage,” she said enthusiastically.

Gratitude to Fans

Following the emotional loss to Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup, which dashed Thailand's hopes for an eighth title and a potential third consecutive championship, Madam Pang took to social media to express her gratitude to the fans who fervently supported the team at the Rajamangala Stadium. “I apologize for the disappointment and appreciate the unwavering trust from our supporters,” she said. She highlighted her belief in the potential of the young players in the national team and their capacity to shine in future competitions.

Madam Pang's Legacy

As a remarkable figure in Thai sports, Madam Pang, aged 57, has deep roots in football as both a businesswoman and politician. Under her stewardship, the women’s national team has shone on the global stage, participating in the World Cups in 2015 and 2019, while the men’s team secured consecutive ASEAN titles. Her leadership at Port FC has also transformed the club into a formidable contender in the Thai League.

A New Era for Thai Football

In a historic first, Madam Pang was elected as the 18th president of FAT in February 2024, marking a significant milestone not just for herself, but for women in Thai sports leadership. With her vision for the future, she hopes to instigate a new era for Thai football, one that embraces diversity and seeks to maximize the nation’s talent pool.