Shin Tae-yong resurfaces! This time not for Indonesia, but as Thailand National Team coach candidate.
Source: Football Association of Indonesia
After parting ways with Japanese coach Masatada Ishii, the Football Association of Thailand moved quickly to find a new figure capable of leading the War Elephants squad to the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup.
Interestingly, Masatada Ishii was previously mentioned as a candidate for the Indonesian national team coach to replace Patrick Kluivert. Several names on Thailand's radar were also cited as candidates for the Indonesian national team coach, including Shin Tae-yong.
Top Three Candidates for Thailand's Coach
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Quoted from Thai PBS, Vice President of FA Thailand Charnvit Polcheewin revealed the top three names on the list of candidates for Thailand's new coach: Anthony Hudson, Park Hang-seo, and Shin Tae-yong. However, Hudson is considered the strongest candidate among them.
“We're reviewing profiles of both Thai and foreign coaches. Hudson is the strongest, but we're also considering other names like Kiatisuk Senamuang, Sasom Pobprasert and Totchtawan Sripan, though some already have club commitments,” said Charnvit.
Whoever is selected, he added, must submit a comprehensive training plan and be prepared to face high pressure and expectations.
Hudson currently serves as Technical Director of FA Thailand, making him familiar with the country's football landscape.
Meanwhile, Park Hang-seo holds the position of vice president at the South Korean Football Association, while Shin Tae-yong is currently without a team after leaving Ulsan HD.
Notably, among the three Thailand coach candidates, Shin Tae-yong is also linked to the Indonesian national team position. Previously, Shin Tae-yong successfully guided the Garuda squad to the 2023 Asian Cup and 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
FA Thailand Admits Difficult Decision
The FA Thailand's separation from Masatada Ishii surprised the public, especially since the Thai national team remains in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, currently second in Group D.
“The technical committee weighed many factors. We feared that if mistakes occurred, it would be too late to change course,” explained Charnvit.
“We must consider player selection and tactics. If changes are needed, they must happen now—not after we've risked everything,” he concluded.
Criticism arose from Thai supporters who deemed the decision too rushed. However, FA Thailand insists this step is necessary to refresh strategies before the crucial qualifying phase.
Mission to Find a New National Team Captain
Both Thailand and Indonesia are currently searching for new head coaches under tight deadlines and high expectations.
Both require experienced figures who understand Southeast Asian football dynamics—filled with public pressure and emotional rivalries.
