Thailand U-23 Football Team Concludes Vietnam Tournament with Third-Place Finish

The Thailand national under-23 football team has concluded its participation in the U23 GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026, a four-nation friendly tournament held in Pleiku, Vietnam. The team finished in third place, securing a 3-1 victory against Singapore in their final match. Head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, known as 'Coach Wang,' expressed optimism regarding the squad's development despite the challenges faced during the competition. According to Khaosod Online, the coach noted that the players showed significant improvement in both offensive and defensive coordination by the final game, having had limited time to implement tactical training prior to the event. While the coach apologized to fans for performances that did not meet expectations in earlier matches, he emphasized that the tournament provided valuable learning experiences for the young athletes. For residents and visitors interested in Thai football, this tournament serves as a developmental milestone for the U-23 squad as they prepare for future international fixtures. It remains to be confirmed how the coaching staff will adjust their training regimen to address the defensive inconsistencies observed during the earlier stages of the tournament. The team's ability to maintain this upward trajectory in performance will be a key focus for observers in upcoming regional competitions.