iMSPORT.TV – Thailand U22 national team coach, Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul, considers the Indonesian U22 national team to be one of the main opponents to watch out for in the 2025 SEA Games gold medal race.
The biennial tournament will take place in Thailand from December 3–18, 2025, and the coach acknowledged the immense pressure on the host team to perform at their best.
Thailand is in Group A with Cambodia and Timor Leste. Meanwhile, Group B features Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos, while the Indonesian U22 national team is in Group C with Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore.
As part of their preparations, Thailand will play a friendly against India on the FIFA calendar from November 10–18, 2025.
Thawatchai revealed that his squad is currently developing with several new players promoted from the Asian Championship qualifiers.
Thailand Coach Reveals Top Contenders for 2025 SEA Games Gold Medal
“The initial structure was based on the Asian Championship qualifiers. However, during the training camp in China, many players were busy with other commitments,” said Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul, as quoted by TH Sport.
“Many new players have performed well and are continuing this training camp. Young players who performed well in China continue to be called up,” he added.
Immense Pressure as Host of the 2025 SEA Games The former Chonburi FC coach did not deny the pressure his team faces to end its gold medal drought.
Thailand last won gold in the men’s football event at the SEA Games in 2017.
“I believe our strength lies in the fighting spirit, style, and dynamic character of the U23 team,” said Thawatchai.
“Despite the pressure, because it’s been a long time since they won a SEA Games gold medal, they want to see the Thai national team win again, and this time we’re the hosts,” he added.
(adm/amr)
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