On the evening of January 23, Mr. Kongsak Yodmanee, the Director General of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), stated that Thailand’s young footballers are ready to help the national team secure the gold medal (HCV) in men’s football at SEA Games 33. This ambitious declaration comes as Thailand seeks to reclaim its dominant position in the region.
Thai Football Seeks Revenge Against Vietnam at SEA Games 33 in 2025 (Photo: Tien Tuan)
Thailand’s Quest to Return to the Top
Despite being considered one of the top football nations in Southeast Asia, Thailand last won the HCV in men’s football at the SEA Games in 2017 in Malaysia. In the two most recent editions, the U23 Thai team made it to the finals but failed to clinch the title. In 2022, they lost to U23 Vietnam with a score of 0-1 at SEA Games 31. The following year, at SEA Games 32, U23 Thailand was defeated by U23 Indonesia with a score of 2-5 in the gold medal match.
Mr. Kongsak Yodmanee emphasized: “I have not discussed much with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), but I see great potential in our young players. They have the ability and spirit to bring success to Thai football.”
Strategic Preparation for SEA Games 33
According to Mr. Kongsak Yodmanee, the Thai sports federations and associations have submitted detailed plans to prepare thoroughly for SEA Games 33. Particularly for football, FAT has proposed moving crucial matches during the medal stage to the National Stadium Rajamangala in Bangkok. This not only provides a home-field advantage but also allows players to compete in an electrifying atmosphere with passionate fans.
Jonathan Khemdee (4) may not participate in SEA Games if the age limit is reduced to U22 (Photo: FAT).
Additionally, Thailand has agreed to host all four football events, including men’s football, women’s football, men’s futsal, and women’s futsal. The men’s football tournament will start about a week before the opening ceremony, on December 2, 2025.
Age Limitation: U23 or U22?
A notable issue in the preparation for SEA Games 33 is the age limit for male football players. Currently, FAT has proposed reducing the age limit to U22 instead of U23 as in previous games. Under this proposal, teams will not be allowed to include players beyond this age range.
This adjustment aims to align with the standards of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, allowing players who participate in the SEA Games to continue competing in continental tournaments. However, approval from the National Olympic Committees in Southeast Asia is required to implement this rule.
Opportunities and Challenges
SEA Games 33 will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025, in Thailand, marking an opportunity for the host nation to assert its dominance in regional sports. However, the journey to securing the gold medal in men’s football will not be easy, especially with rivals like Vietnam and Indonesia making significant progress.
With a focus on developing young talent and leveraging the home-field advantage, Thailand hopes to turn the tide and bring the “War Elephants” back to the pinnacle. Will Thailand’s dream of winning the gold medal after eight years come true? All will be revealed at SEA Games 33.
Conclusion:
Thailand places high hopes on its young players to reclaim the crown at SEA Games 33. With meticulous preparation and the home-field advantage, the “War Elephants” are confident in aiming for the highest goal. Stay tuned for their performance in the upcoming journey!
Source: dantri.com.vn
