Thailand is considering replacing Theerathon.

Theerathon Bunmathan's age and injury burden have caused concern among the Thai media.

Theerathon in a Buriram United shirt.

Siamsport published an article listing 10 players who could replace Theerathon as left-back for the national team in the near future, especially with the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers approaching. Among them are veterans like Sasalak Haiprakhon and naturalized newcomer Eric Dahl.

Theerathon will miss the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka on March 25 due to injury. Coach Masatada Ishii is considering moving right-back Nicholas Mickelson to the left wing to temporarily fill Theerathon's void.

In the 2-0 friendly win against Afghanistan on March 21st, the Japanese coach also tested a new player, Airfan Doloh. The BG Pathum player performed well for 65 minutes before being substituted for Suphanan Bureerat.

In the long term, coach Ishii still needs a reliable left-back to gradually replace Theerathon.

At 35 years old, Theerathon remains a top star in Thai football. He continues to be a key player for Buriram United, who recently made headlines by reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite. Opta recognizes Theerathon as one of the players with the most passes into the opponent's final third in the league.

However, the Thai player recently suffered a serious knee injury in the match against Kuala Lumpur in early February and will be sidelined for a period of time. Thai media are concerned that Theerathon's form may decline after his return.

Theerathon was helpless in Thailand's conceded goal. In the 37th minute, the Thai left-back was easily beaten by Turgunboev, who then scored the opening goal for Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup Round of 16 match on the evening of January 30th.