Madam Pang makes special move as Thai players want to leave national team

Madam Pang at a press conference of the Football Association of Thailand. Photo by Facebook/Madam Pang

According to Siam Sport, Nualphan Lamsam, commonly known as Madam Pang, gave away 1,500 free tickets to students and academy players to attend the national team's upcoming matches. She allocated 1,000 tickets for Thailand's international friendly against Afghanistan on March 21 and another 500 tickets for their 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka on March 25. Both matches will be held at Rajamangala Stadium.

This effort is part of her broader campaign, aimed at increasing engagement and raising funds to help FAT overcome financial struggles. The organization is currently facing debts exceeding 500 million baht (US$14.8 million), including an ongoing legal dispute with media company Siam Sport.

Head coach Masatada Ishii confirmed that several players have requested to withdraw from the squad, according to Siam Sport.

"Jaroensak Wonggorn and Ekanit Panya were not called up because they have had very little playing time at their clubs in Japan," Ishii said. "I also received a few other withdrawal requests, but I cannot reveal the names yet. However, my stance is very clear: if a player wants to leave, I will accept it as I always have replacements."

As of March 17, when the squad assembled at Novotel Hotel in Bangkok, the national team still did not have all 23 called-up players present.

Coach Ishii has already made one confirmed roster change, calling up midfielder Airfan Doloh from BG Pathum United to replace the injured Sasalak Haiprakhon of Buriram United.

Despite the withdrawals, Thailand still retains key players, including Chanathip Songkrasin, Supachok Sarachat and Suphanat Mueanta. Meanwhile, veteran striker Teerasil Dangda will not be returning, despite recent speculation.

With the absence of experienced strikers, Thailand's attack will rely on emerging talents such as Patrik Gustavsson, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Poramet Arjvirai and Mueanta as they prepare for their upcoming matches.