Thailand strengthens its squad with naturalized players.

Thailand secured their place in the 2027 Asian Cup after a 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan in the final match of the qualifying round.

Madam Pang revealed the contract extension with coach Anthony Hudson and the addition of more naturalized players to the Thai national team - Photo: Siam Sports

Following this victory, the President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Madam Pang, revealed that more high-quality naturalized players will be brought in to strengthen the Thai national team.

According to the online newspaper Thairath, Madam Pang stated: "More mixed-race players will be selected to strengthen the Thai national team for the 2027 Asian Cup. While I can't reveal anything yet, I'm sure there will be a surprise. I want everyone to wait and see how big that surprise will be, because we still have almost nine months to prepare."

In the match against Turkmenistan, Thailand fielded several naturalized players such as Jonathan Khemdee, Manuel Tom Bihr, Nicholas Mickelson, and Jude Soontraph-Bell. According to Thai media, at least three players are currently being considered for naturalization to play for the Thai national team.

In addition to increasing naturalizations, Madam Pang also revealed that the FAT (Football Association of Thailand) is considering signing a long-term contract with English coach Anthony Hudson. Previously, the 45-year-old strategist was chosen to replace coach Masatada Ishii on a short-term contract with the task of leading the Thai national team through the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Under Hudson's leadership, Thailand achieved a perfect record with three consecutive wins and fulfilled their goal of qualifying for the continent's top football tournament. Therefore, Coach Hudson is about to be rewarded with a long-term contract, with even bigger goals for the Thai national team.

Madam Pang revealed: "Coach Hudson has a long-term strategic plan for the Thai national team. We will discuss this further and there will certainly be clearer plans and guidance in the future."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thai-lan-tang-cuong-cau-thu-nhap-tich-20260403101751165.htm