Thailand football's struggle to surpass Southeast Asia level highlighted after Laos draw

Despite being ranked 96th by FIFA, 91 places higher than Laos, Thailand failed to secure a win in their final preparation match for the 2024 AFF Cup.

Siam Sports highlighted key issues from the Sunday match, asserting that Thailand, with superior quality across the board, should have beaten Laos with ease, despite the squad having fewer experienced players than usual.

"A draw with Laos is a complete failure," Siam Sports wrote. "Surpassing Southeast Asian level remains a long and vicious cycle for Thailand."

The Thai newspaper also noted the progress of regional rivals, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, which have powered up their teams through naturalization policies and domestic league improvements.

On social media, fans were angry and questioned the team's undefined playing style and lack of progress. Many blamed coach Masatada Ishii for not calling up more experienced players, especially during FIFA international break, and criticized his preparation for the AFF Cup, which takes place during the time that is challenging to call up players from clubs.

"Ishii's task at the AFF Cup will be twice as difficult," one fan commented.

"We need to stop deceiving ourselves that Thai football is advancing. While other countries are improving, we remain stagnant," another wrote.

Fans also mentioned Thailand's recent 2024 King's Cup victory, accusing the team of avoiding stronger opponents by inviting lower-ranked countries. However, scheduling difficulties have made finding competitive opponents challenging, as most teams are focused on World Cup qualifiers and the Nations League which started in September.

An ongoing issue for Thailand is the lack of a reliable striker. Under Ishii, the team have scored only 16 goals in 14 matches. Strikers like Supachai Chaided and Teerasak Poeiphimai have failed to replicate their club form, while Suphanat Mueanta is seen as a better substitute than a starter. Without a replacement for veteran forward Teerasil Dangda, Thailand is expected to continue to struggle with scoring.

In two November friendlies which both ended up in a draw with Laos and Lebanon, Thailand dominated in possession and created chances, launching 32 shots with only eight on target but managed to score just one goal.

Striker Teerasak Poeiphimai (L) is tackled during Thailand's 1-1 draw with Laos in Thammasat Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. Photo by Changsuek

"If Thailand continues wasting opportunities like this, moving up to the international level will remain a dream," Siam Sports added.

Despite the criticism, there were positive points for Thailand.

Ishii utilized 22 of the 23 players called up, giving opportunities to younger talents. One standout name was 21-year-old Seksan Ratree, who impressed in both matches and is seen as a promising player of the Buriram United youth academy, following in the footsteps of stars like Supachok Sarachat and Suphanat Mueanta.

"As I said, we will use these players for the 2024 AFF Cup," Ishii said after the game. "We want to win the title."

Laos, ranked 187th by FIFA, also demonstrated significant progress under new coach Ha Hyeok-jun, despite having just 12 days of training. The team showcased a more structured and composed style of defense, which held up well against Thailand.

"Laos no longer play to survive but are working to upgrade their style," Siam Sports noted. "The 1-1 draw was no fluke and it showed their ambition to move beyond being a small team in Southeast Asia."

Thailand are set to begin their AFF Cup campaign in group A with an away match against Timor Leste at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi, on Dec. 8. Laos will face Vietnam at home a day later in group B.