Football Association of Thailand (FAT), under the Royal Patronage, has officially appointed Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul as the new Head Coach of the Thailand U23 men’s national football team.
This appointment comes as the Thailand U23 squad faces a packed competitive calendar, starting with the AFF U23 Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia from 15–30 July 2025, followed by the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers from 1–9 September, and culminating with the 33rd SEA Games, which Thailand will host from 9–20 December 2025.
Thawatchai, who holds the prestigious AFC Pro Coaching License, was selected through a thorough process led by the FAT technical department. His hiring is part of the Association’s strategic plan to elevate the U23 squad to greater heights in all international tournaments going forward.
A former Thai national team legend, Thawatchai earned 73 international caps, scoring 10 goals, including a historic free-kick winner against South Korea in the 1998 Asian Games quarter-finals — a goal forever etched in Thai football folklore.
He also enjoyed stints abroad, playing in the Singapore S.League for Sembawang Rangers and Tanjong Pagar United, as well as Dong Nai FC in Vietnam’s V.League.
Thawatchai brings a wealth of coaching experience in Thai domestic football. His managerial resume includes: Chiangrai United, Pattaya United, Police United, Bangkok United, Chainat Hornbill, Nakhon Pathom United, PT Prachuap FC – where he won the Revo Cup in 2019, Nongbua Pitchaya FC, Police Tero FC
Most recently, he guided Chonburi FC to the Thai League 2 title in the 2024/25 season, securing promotion and proving his capacity to rebuild and inspire teams under pressure.
With a strong blend of local and international experience, Coach Wang is expected to foster a new generation of Thai footballers with the technical acumen, tactical discipline, and mental strength required to thrive on the continental stage.
His immediate challenge is to prepare the team for three critical tournaments, with the ultimate goal of winning gold at the SEA Games on home soil and making a deep run in the AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
