Indonesian media exclaimed when Park Hang-seo unexpectedly went to Thailand to become a coach

Indonesian media closely followed the news as coach Park Hang-seo opted to make a coaching comeback in Thailand, over three years after his departure from the Vietnam national team.

The event of the South Korean strategist Park Hang-seo signing a two-year contract with Kanchanaburi Power FC in the Thai League 2 has sent shockwaves through Southeast Asian football. Shortly after the announcement on May 25, 2026, the newspaper Bola Sports of Indonesia published an in-depth analysis article titled: “The reason Park Hang-seo chose Thailand as his new destination after leaving the Vietnam national team”.

According to Indonesia’s leading sports newspaper, Park’s decision carries a strong element of challenge, as history shows that no South Korean coach has ever achieved success in the land of the Golden Pagoda’s football league.

The former head coach of Vietnam himself frankly admitted: “I received job offers from many countries, including Vietnam. But I chose Thailand because it is a path where no South Korean coach has truly succeeded. The long-term vision and sincerity toward football in Kanchanaburi sparked my spirit to take on the challenge.”.

Park added that he will strive to connect football between Thailand, Vietnam, and other regions across Southeast Asia.

The newspaper Bola Sports highly praised the stature of coach Park Hang-seo by recalling his illustrious achievements with Vietnamese football, from being runners-up at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, winning the 2018 AFF Cup, to reaching the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

The arrival of such a high-caliber strategist perfectly aligns with Kanchanaburi’s ambitious four major goals. The recently relegated team aims to return to Thai League 1 within a year, become the best club in Thailand within five years to overthrow Buriram United, and ultimately make a mark on the continental stage in the Elite Asian Champions League.

Currently, as Park is still serving as Vice President of the Korea Football Association (KFA) to support the national team for the 2026 World Cup campaign, he will only officially take over his duties in Thailand at the end of July.

During this period, assistant Lee Jung-soo will temporarily manage the team. Alongside his new role, the 66-year-old strategist will continue to serve as a senior advisor to Bac Ninh Club in Vietnam as per the signed contract.