For the second consecutive time, the Thai U22 team entered the SEA Games with a domestic coach - Mr. Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul.

The success in the 2026 AFC U23 qualifiers (Thailand topped Group F) is the basis for Thai football officials to put their trust in coach Thawatchai.

U22 Thailand Timor.jpg
U22 Thailand confidently takes 3 points in the opening match of SEA Games 33. Photo: AFF

On December 2, in the last official training session before the men's football SEA Games 2025 kicked off, Mr. Thawatchai publicly declared that Thailand's goal was to win the gold medal.

Thailand’s most recent victory was at the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia. This time, home ground is an important advantage for the “War Elephants”.

“ Our goal is to win the championship. Thai men's football has not won a SEA Games gold medal for quite a long time , ” said Mr. Thawatchai.

The biggest support of U22 Thailand is captain midfielder Seksan Ratree , who has a lot of experience wearing the national team shirt (14 matches; scored 6 goals).

Besides, the home team also has talents such as Chanapach Buaphan , Thanakrit Chotmuangpak , Yotsakorn Burapha . These are all experienced players in youth tournaments, considered the future of Thai football.

“ We are preparing as best as we can, including many things , ” coach Thawatchai expressed confidence .

The 51-year-old strategist said that U22 Thailand has many different options, each position always has 2 quality players.

“ We believe that this SEA Games is an opportunity to win gold medals. Of course, we are not allowed to neglect any match.”

The opponent in the debut match of U22 Thailand is U22 Timor Leste. The match recalls the 4-0 victory of the “War Elephants” at the Southeast Asian Youth Championship in Indonesia 5 months ago.

Most of the members participating in the Southeast Asian tournament were called up by coach Thawatchai for the 33rd SEA Games at home.

In Indonesia, Thailand beat Timor Lester thanks to goals from Seksan Ratree , Yotsakorn , Thanawut Phochai and Chawanwit Saelao . The latter two were also present at the 33rd SEA Games.

According to Thawatchai, U22 Timor Leste has made a lot of progress compared to the last meeting. However, U22 Thailand is confident of winning all 3 points in the opening match.

Prediction: U22 Thailand win 4-0 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-u22-timor-leste-vs-u22-thai-lan-sea-games-33-2468797.html