Bangkok: The Football Association of Thailand has announced the appointment of Anthony Hudson as the new head coach of the Thai national men’s football team, following the dismissal of Masatada Ishii. The decision comes after a disagreement over Ishii’s management style and overall team performance, which saw a win rate of 53 percent since he took charge in January 2024.
According to Thai News Agency, the decision to part ways with Ishii was based on a thorough evaluation of the team’s performance and recommendations from the technical management team, led by Dr. Chanwit Pholchiwin and Piyapong Pue-on. Despite Ishii’s success in winning the King’s Cup in Songkhla Province, the team fell short in significant tournaments, including the World Cup qualifiers and the ASEAN Football Championship in 2024.
Ishii expressed surprise at the termination, having been informed during a meeting about upcoming games with Chinese Taipei. He stated that the contract termination was abrupt, and he had not been prepared for such a decision. Meanwhile, prominent supporter Wirun Wichianwattanachai criticized the dismissal, suggesting it might impact Thai players’ prospects in international leagues like the J-League.
“Coach Yong” Worawut Srimaka, head coach of Ratchaburi FC, also voiced his disagreement with the decision, noting that the Thai national team still had potential to qualify for the Asian Cup. Madam Pang, president of the Football Association of Thailand, addressed the situation on Facebook, emphasizing that coaching changes are a common practice globally when results do not meet expectations.
Hudson, previously the Director of Technical Development for the association, brings a wealth of international experience, having coached national teams for the United States, New Zealand, and Bahrain. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the team’s performance and prospects in upcoming competitions.
The Thai national team’s immediate schedule includes a friendly match against Singapore on November 13, 2025, followed by an away match against Sri Lanka in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on November 18.