Bangkok: The Thai national football team, known as the "War Elephants," returned to Thailand after securing the position of runners-up in the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Head coach Anthony Hudson expressed satisfaction with the team's performance despite their defeat. According to Thai News Agency, the team arrived at Don Mueang Airport after their journey in the 2026 ASEAN Championship concluded with a runner-up finish. In the second leg of the final, Thailand drew 2-2 with Vietnam, leading to a 2-4 aggregate defeat, enabling Vietnam to capture their fourth ASEAN Championship title. Head coach Anthony Hudson acknowledged the overall performance of the team and commended the athletes for their dedication and hard work. While he expressed disappointment with the final result, he remained optimistic, acknowledging that the tournament provided a platform to discover new talents. Hudson emphasized the importance of identifying the best players in preparation for upcoming tournaments. Yotsakorn Burapha, who received the Y oung Player of the Year award at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, shared his thoughts on the team's performance. He expressed regret over missing out on the championship but highlighted the developmental opportunities the tournament offered. Burapha remains hopeful that the young players will seize the championship in future competitions. He also conveyed his gratitude to the supporters, acknowledging their presence both in the stadium and via live broadcasts. Looking ahead, the Thai national team's coaching staff plans to meet with the Football Association of Thailand to evaluate the results and strategize for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, scheduled from September 24th to October 5th.
