SEA Games final against Vietnam will decide number one team in Southeast Asia: Thailand coach

"It is great to face Vietnam in the final," Thawatchai said, as quoted by Khaosod. "I had a feeling we would face them here and it really came true. I still regret that we didn't meet in the ASEAN U23 Championship final earlier this year. This is an opportunity for us to prove that Thailand is number one in Southeast Asia."

At the ASEAN U23 Championship held in Indonesia in July, Thailand were eliminated on penalties by the hosts in the semi-finals. Vietnam went on to win their third consecutive title by defeating Indonesia in the final.

Thawatchai attributed that failure to poor physical conditioning, noting that the tournament clashed with the Thai League pre-season. For the 33rd SEA Games, he insists the team were far better prepared, though admitting there is still room for improvement.

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul attends a press conference at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec. 17, 2025. Photo by Changsuek

Thailand booked their spot in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Malaysia. Thawatchai defended the narrow score, despite his team playing with a man advantage from the 16th minute following a red card for Malaysia's Aiman Yusuf.

He wasn’t surprised with the result because Malaysia possesses strength, speed and determination, adding that are no weak teams in this SEA Games men's football event.

The 51-year-old coach confirmed that Thailand will field their strongest possible lineup for the gold medal match at Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday.

The spotlight will be on Seksan Ratree, the 22-year-old midfielder. He’s considered the team's key player, boasting experience with the national team, a feat that many of his teammates have yet to achieve.

Thawatchai also thanked Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Madam Pang for the 1 million baht ($32,000) awarded to the squad.

History favors Thailand, who have defeated Vietnam in four previous SEA Games finals. However, the momentum shifted in the most recent encounter at the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, where Vietnam claimed gold with a 1-0 victory. Thailand now view this rematch on home soil as the perfect stage for paying that debt.