Thai U23 coach wants to call up Chanathip for ASIAD 2026

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul is planning to summon Chanathip Songkrasin along with a squad of experienced players to strengthen the Thai U23 team ahead of ASIAD 2026.

According to the Thairath newspaper, this strategist is targeting four experienced players to supplement the Thai U23 squad. The list includes Chanathip Songkrasin, a seasoned attacking midfielder, Suphanat Mueanta, a promising young striker, Kritsada Kaman, a versatile midfielder, and Weerathep Pomphan, a pillar in the midfield. These are all players who can bring a balance of experience and youthfulness to the Golden Temple nation's team.

Notably, according to the regulations for men's football at the Asian Games, each team can only use up to three overage players. Among the options mentioned, Chanathip is considered the top priority. With extensive international playing experience, having competed abroad, the midfielder born in 1993 is expected to play a leadership role, guiding the gameplay and imparting composure to the younger players.

Besides Chanathip, Suphanat is also a name highly valued by the coaching staff. Although he has just reached 23 years old, this striker is still seen as an ideal option to enhance the offensive power. Meanwhile, the remaining two names, Kritsada and Weerathep, are awaiting final decisions, dependent on the personnel plans of the national team under coach Anthony Hudson. If not constrained by match schedules, they could fully be mobilized to support the U23 team.

Beyond professional factors, the call-up of these players also requires consensus from multiple parties, including the national team coaching staff and their respective clubs. Particularly, True Bangkok United club will play a crucial role in deciding whether to release players during the tournament period.

Currently, the Thai U23 team is actively preparing through international friendly matches, including participation in the CFA Team China - Xi'an 2026 tournament in China with the presence of many strong regional opponents such as Vietnam U23, China U23, and North Korea U23.

Regarding objectives, Coach Thawatchai aims to lead the Thai U23 team to replicate the achievement of reaching the Asian Games semifinals as during the golden era under coach Kiatisak Senamuang. Moreover, with quality additions like Chanathip, this team could realistically dream of winning a medal, thereby creating a new milestone for Thai football on the continental stage.