Thailand U.23 team left behind.

According to Thai media, tickets for the U23 Thailand matches are selling like hotcakes. This is seen as a direct consequence of the boycott by Ultras Thailand, one of the most passionate football fan groups in Thailand.

LOST THE "12TH PLAYER"

The widespread protests from Thai fans stemmed from the organizers' regulations regarding ticket collection. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) required fans to register their personal information and provide a phone number to receive a QR code for tickets. Many fans viewed this as a violation of basic privacy rights and a risk of information leakage. Furthermore, Ultras Thailand was also upset about the organizers placing the away team's cheering area behind the goal. This location, where home fans usually exert the greatest psychological pressure, now gives an advantage to the opposing team.

In response to the boycott by fans, Kongsak Yodmanee (SAT leader) took a firm stance. Accordingly, SAT will not change its procedures, despite strong protests from the Ultras Thailand group.

A small number of Thai fans attended the Rajamangala Stadium to watch their team play on December 3rd.

PHOTO: NGHI THAO

With Thai football aiming for a SEA Games gold medal on home soil, the abandonment by Ultras Thailand is a major blow to the fighting spirit of the U23 Thai team. It can be said that the team from the land of the golden temples has lost the advantage of the "12th player," with a large number of passionate Ultras Thailand supporters absent. U23 Thailand must now fight not only against their opponents on the field, but also against the indifference of their own supporters.

" LACK OF CONFIDENCE EVEN WHEN PLAYING AT HOME"

Speaking to a reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper, taxi driver Sarawut Sompakde revealed that he is also a "die-hard fan" of Thai football. However, his enthusiasm for the SEA Games is no longer as strong as before. Sompakde affirmed that he will not go to Rajamangala Stadium, but will only watch the U23 Thai team play on his phone screen in his car, or on TV at home. Sompakde shared: "I am one of those who support the view of not going to watch football matches at the stadium. Personally, I feel that support for football in Thailand is not as strong as it was many years ago, especially when Zico (the nickname of former football star Kiatisak Senamuang) was still coaching the national teams. It feels that domestic fans are not as enthusiastic as they were when Thailand hosted the SEA Games. Partly because our country is currently dealing with floods in the South."

Regarding the U.23 team's chances of winning the gold medal, Sompakde commented: "In the past, whenever Thailand was the host, we were extremely confident, but this year I'm not very confident in this team."

Standing outside the Rajamangala Stadium on the afternoon of December 3rd, fan Nittiam Surachet and his friends were waiting for the U23 Thailand team to enter the stadium to watch their opening match at the 32nd SEA Games. Surachet said he wanted to witness the atmosphere of the opening day of the football tournament. "I'm Thai and of course I'll support my team," he said. However, when asked about the "War Elephants'" chances of winning the gold medal, he hesitated: "Honestly, I think this team is unlikely to achieve anything."

Amidst the somber atmosphere leading up to the U23 Thailand vs. U23 Timor Leste match yesterday afternoon, Khamthong, a renowned Thai football fan, remained vibrant in a corner of the stadium. He continuously cheered, constantly twirling his familiar umbrella, and always had a smile on his face. For him, no matter how things change, his love for the Thai national football teams is undying. He remarked: "This time, the Thai team is using many young players. Even so, Thailand still aims for the final. I hope Vietnam and Thailand will meet in the final. And of course, I want Thailand to win the gold medal. But in football, winning or losing is normal. If they win the gold medal, I and the Thai fans will be very happy. And if they don't win a medal, it's no problem either. Why worry?"

In their opening match in Group A yesterday, Thailand U.23 defeated Timor Leste U.23 6-1.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-thai-lan-bi-bo-roi-185251203204953624.htm