Ratchaburi FC President Criticizes Foreign Coach’s Remarks on Thai Football

Tanawat Nitikanchana, president of Ratchaburi FC, recently took to social media to address criticisms made by a foreign coach regarding the state of Thai football. The coach had reportedly claimed that Thai football lacks development and consistently loses to Vietnam.

In his response, Tanawat highlighted recent successes of Thai clubs against Vietnamese counterparts, noting that Ratchaburi FC eliminated Vietnam’s Nam Dinh FC from the ACL2 group stage last year, and Buriram United has secured consecutive victories against Vietnamese teams in the Shopee Cup. He urged foreign coaches not to disparage the local league simply due to personal frustration or an inability to manage emotions, stating, "Before blaming yourself, blame others first."

While Tanawat did not explicitly name the individual, Khaosod Online reports that the comments appear to be directed at Park Hang-seo, the South Korean coach of Thai League 2 side Phalang Kanchanaburi FC. This follows Park’s recent public criticism of match officials after a 1-1 draw against Nakhon Pathom on September 16, 2026.

For residents and visitors interested in the local sports scene, this exchange highlights the ongoing intensity and high stakes within the Thai football community. It remains to be confirmed whether the coach in question will issue a formal response or if further disciplinary actions will be taken by league authorities regarding the public criticism of officials.