Thailand U23 eliminated early: Fans admit Vietnamese football has pulled far ahead.

Thailand U23's dream of squeezing through the narrow gap at the 2025 AFC U23 Asian Championship officially ended after a frustrating 0-0 draw against China U23 in the final match of Group D. Having only secured 2 points after three matches, the "War Elephants" sadly exited the tournament, conceding their quarter-final spot to their rivals, Australia U23.

The pain of systemic decline

This defeat is not just an isolated incident, but the final straw, extending the string of dismal performances for Thai football in 2025. From losing the SEA Games gold medal on home soil to the decline at the national team level, the faith of Thai football fans is at rock bottom. On major forums such as the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) website and Siam Sport, a wave of fierce criticism has erupted.

Notably, the mindset of Thai fans has shifted significantly. Instead of the heated debates of the past, the majority of supporters have now acknowledged their inferiority to Vietnam. The image of Coach Kim Sang-sik's team proudly advancing to the quarterfinals with their fiery style of play has become a reflection of the lackluster and uninspired performance of the Thai U23 players.

The "10-year" paradox and the harsh reality.

Many fans bitterly recall the famous prediction of former football legend Kiatisuk Senamuang that Vietnamese football would need 10 years to catch up with Thailand. However, the reality of the past decade has proven otherwise. Vietnam has not only caught up but has also consistently achieved success in major competitions, while Thailand seems to be stagnating.

Pae Studioo's account frankly stated on social media: "We need to learn from Vietnam's approach to football. They are willing to adjust the V-League schedule to focus all their efforts on youth tournaments. That's why they have achieved sustainable success at all levels." The targeted investment and determination of Vietnamese football are seen as the key to making the difference.

The gap in morale and tactics.

Analyzing the situation further from a technical standpoint, Thai fans pointed out that the core difference lay in fighting spirit. A user named Thanakorn Patcharasuwakul shared: "Thailand is completely outmatched in terms of cohesion. Look at how Vietnam plays to see the desire that our players lack."

While the Thai U23 team displayed a cumbersome and slow style of play, even when they needed a goal to advance, the Vietnamese U23 team under coach Kim Sang-sik played a more scientific and effective game. Envy for the quality of their players and the tactical prowess of their neighboring rivals is a common sentiment among many Thai fans at this time.

Looking ahead, user Tharin Suwanphong commented resignedly: "We can't keep up with Vietnam anymore. Thai football has stagnated for too long, and even in Southeast Asia, we're no longer number one." This admission encapsulates the bleak picture and the enormous challenges facing the Football Association of Thailand in reforming its youth training system and developing the national team in the future.