Thailand Squad Departs for Laos Ahead of ASEAN Cup 2026 Opener

The Thai national football team departed from Don Mueang Airport on July 23rd at 10:00 AM for Laos, in preparation for their opening match against Laos in the 2026 ASEAN Cup Group B on July 25th. The team has been in training camp since July 14th, with head coach Anthony Hudson and a squad of 24 players participating. Before departure, head coach Anthony Hudson stated, "We have many new players joining, so our priority is to ensure everyone understands our playing style. Also, we are working to improve player fitness to bridge the gap caused by different preseason plans from their respective clubs. We have no particular issues heading into the Laos match and are well-prepared." He added, "Our goal is to improve player condition through each match, and the performance of the young and new players has been remarkable. We aim to win against Laos in the first game and continue to grow throughout the tournament." Despite a shorter training camp and fewer warm-up matches compared to some other Asian nations, he expressed confidence in the team's progress due to the players' self-driven efforts. Thai midfielder Sarach Yooyen commented, "Although we started our training camp later than other teams, thanks to the coach's dedicated guidance, our condition is improving." He noted that the ASEAN Cup is not an easy tournament, with many factors like travel and fans involved, and each nation's pride is high. He pointed out that conditioning after the season ends presents a different challenge compared to playing during the league season, but as footballers, they must adapt and do their best. He praised the quality of the new players and emphasized that team cohesion and executing the coach's tactics will be key, aiming for a victory against Laos first. Defender Manuel Tom Beer said, "The team atmosphere is very good, and interacting with the young players is enjoyable. After two more training sessions, we are optimistic about a strong start. Playing for the national team, regardless of the tournament, is an honor, and every player will give their all for the nation. We also hope for continued support from the fans and will strive to earn their belief in this tournament." Regarding the tournament conditions, he stressed that all teams will play under the same circumstances and excuses are not acceptable. Having trained in harsh conditions, including extreme heat and rain, he believes these factors will not be an issue. The Thai national team will face Laos at the National Stadium 16 in Vientiane, Laos, on July 25th at 8:00 PM. The match will be broadcast live on the TrueVisions Now application. Source: INN News