Theerathon returns to the Thai team, determined to defeat Sri Lanka
The 35-year-old midfielder returned to the Thai national team after more than a year, affirming the goal of winning 3 points against Sri Lanka on November 18 under new coach Anthony Hudson.
Theerathon Bunmathan returned to the Thai national team after more than a year of absence and immediately set a clear goal: 3 points against Sri Lanka on November 18 in the fifth round of Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This is the first gathering under new coach Anthony Hudson, who has called back a series of veterans for the "War Elephants", including the defender born in 1990.
The joy of returning and the goal of 3 points
During the opening training session in preparation for the friendly match against Singapore, Theerathon expressed his feelings when returning to the national team after the last time in June 2024.
Theerathon shared: “I am very happy to be back wearing the national team shirt, it feels like starting over. The match against Sri Lanka will certainly not be easy and will bring a lot of pressure, but the team's goal is to win all 3 points. I have absolute confidence in my teammates and believe that we will achieve our goal in the match on November 18.”
Adapting to coach Anthony Hudson and the locker room
In this gathering, Theerathon emphasized that the integration process is the top priority, from understanding teammates' personalities to absorbing the professional requirements of the coaching staff.
“I am trying to get to know and understand everyone's personalities better, adapt to the coach as well as my teammates. The coach has given very clear directions, and we all know our roles and the goals we need to achieve.”
The presence of a veteran like Theerathon — who is currently with Buriram United — brings a sense of confidence to a team that has just changed coaching staff. The clarity of roles, as he himself mentioned, is the foundation for Thailand to approach upcoming matches with fewer mistakes.
Past Imprints: Reasons to Set Expectations
Theerathon's influence in the Thai national team was evident in the AFF Cup 2022. In the first leg of the final at My Dinh, he assisted twice to help Thailand draw 2-2. In the second leg at Rajamangala, the 1990-born player's long-range right-footed shot became the only goal, helping the "War Elephants" win the Southeast Asian championship for the 7th time.
Those decisive moments showed Theerathon's decision-making ability at crucial times. As he enters the November series, the experience and bravery from big matches are the values that Thailand hopes to exploit.
Background and impact ahead of November series
Thailand started with a friendly against Singapore before visiting Sri Lanka in Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. With a squad that combines veterans and new faces, the goal of “winning all 3 points” as Theerathon emphasized became an early measure of coach Anthony Hudson’s approach.
On a personal level, this is also an opportunity for Theerathon to assert his position under the new dynasty, aiming to compete for a starting position for the next campaigns of the "War Elephants".
The upcoming match schedule
- Friendly: Thailand vs Singapore (current meeting time)
- Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Group D: Sri Lanka vs Thailand (November 18)
Theerathon returns at a time when Thailand needs an experienced anchor for their orienting matches. From his smile on his return to his commitment to the three-point target, the message is clear: he wants to win and have a solid place in coach Anthony Hudson’s plans.
