Coach Ishii furious at Thailand's sudden dismissal

Coach Masatada Ishii during a game of Thailand national team. Photo by FAT

FAT announced Ishii's surprising dismissal at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Shortly after, the Japanese coach voiced his frustration on his personal Instagram.

Ishii said he was attending a meeting earlier on Tuesday with FAT officials, including vice president Chanwit Pholchiwin, executive board member Piyapong Pue-on and secretary general Ekapol Pholnawi.

The meeting was intended to review Thailand's two recent wins over Taiwan in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

During the meeting, FAT officials suggested replacing the entire national team coaching staff. However, Ishii said that they should discuss the matter later and noted that no official documents had been signed.

However, FAT later announced in the afternoon that it had parted ways with Ishii.

"How dishonest they are," Ishii wrote.

At the end of his post, the 58-year-old coach thanked everyone who supported the Thailand national team.

Ishii's comments stirred up Thai media, with Siam Sports writing: "Ishii was extremely angry after getting sacked. He criticized the federation for being dishonest when it suddenly terminated his contract."

Thai outlet News Inn followed with a comment: "The post shocked FAT and made the public question the decision and working process of the federation."

In its official statement, the FAT cited concerns over Ishii's management style and the national team's playing style, stating that they are no longer suitable with its direction. They also pointed out that the overall performance had not been good. However, under Ishii, Thailand had a record of 16 wins, 6 draws and 8 losses, with a win rate of 53.3%, slightly lower than his predecessor, Mano Polking, who had a win rate of 56.76%.

Ishii has a long history with Thai football, particularly his success with Buriram United, where he won the domestic treble twice, in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, and was named Thai League coach of the year two times. He became Thailand head coach in December 2023, following a disappointing performance of the national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Masatada Ishii (R) with secretary general Ekapol Pholnawi, executive board member Piyapong Pue-on, vice president Chanwit Pholchiwin (from L) at the Football Association of Thailand headquarters on Oct. 21, 2025. Photo by FAT

Ishii’s debut match with Thailand was a heavy 0-5 loss to his home country, Japan. However, the team bounced back at the 2023 Asian Cup, winning 2-0 against Kyrgyzstan and holding Oman and Saudi Arabia to 0-0 draws, before losing 1-2 to Uzbekistan in the round of 16.

In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Ishii’s Thailand managed a draw with South Korea but finished third in Group C, despite accumulating the same 8 points, goal difference and goals scored as China. Thailand failed to advance following a disadvantage in head-to-head results.

Before arriving in Thailand, Ishii had a successful playing career with Kashima Antlers, winning the J1 League in 1996. After retiring in 1998, he began his coaching career and achieved his first major title in 2015 with the J. League Cup. In 2016, his team won the J1 League and Emperor's Cup, and finished as runners-up in the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-4 loss to Real Madrid in extra time. That year, he was named J1 League coach of the year.

FAT has stated that it will appoint a new coach as soon as possible in preparation for the FIFA international break in November. Thailand will face Singapore in a friendly on Nov. 13, followed by an important 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on Nov. 18. Thailand a4re currently second in Group D with nine points, tied with Turkmenistan but trailing in head-to-head record. Only the group winner will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.