Experienced Coach Withdraws from Pro License Course Over Inability to Pay 500,000 Baht Lump Sum

Samchai Chuaybuunchum, head coach of Lamduanpleung Sisaket United, has withdrawn from the AFC Pro License coaching course after the Thai Football Association set a non-negotiable lump sum fee of 500,000 baht. The Football Association of Thailand announced 18 coaches selected for the fourth AFC Pro License course, but both Chuaybuunchum and Janthaphen Srisoem, a former Thai national women's footballer, were excluded due to late payment. Although Lamduanpleung Sisaket United offered to pay the fee upfront, Chuaybuunchum decided against participating because the association insisted on a single payment of 500,000 baht despite his attempts to negotiate installments. He explained that the one-year training program carries significant risk—if he cannot complete the course for any reason, the entire fee would be forfeited. At 72 years old, he argued, the financial risk is substantial and unpredictable. He therefore advocated for installment payments or at least splitting the cost in half. With extensive experience coaching Thai League teams and having previously led Thailand's U-19 national team to the Asian Championship in 2011 before reaching the continental final, Chuaybuunchum believes that Thailand's football league should provide opportunities for A-licensed coaches to gain experience, noting that such qualified coaches are plentiful in the country.