Thailand U17 Women Face Tough Test at Srikandi Merdeka Cup

Thailand's U17 women's football head coach Thidarat Wiwasukhu is using the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 tournament as a testing ground for her squad ahead of AFC Asian Championship qualifications. At a press conference held on August 13 at Super Soccer Arena in Kudus, Indonesia, organisers announced details of the tournament running from August 14-23. Thailand's U17 team is in Group B alongside Singapore, Jordan, and Indonesia U17 (Putri Nusantara), playing each opponent once in a round-robin format to determine which two teams advance to the semi-finals.

Coach Thidarat told reporters: "This tournament is preparation before the Asian Championship qualifiers. We believe every match will be challenging because all competing teams are high-quality. We hope the players will gain more international experience to use in the Asian Championship qualifiers."

She added: "We have prepared thoroughly from training in Thailand to arriving in Indonesia. Our goal is for our players to showcase their full potential."

Team captain Gavindhida Kikhuntod said: "We're pleased to participate in this tournament. The pitch conditions look excellent and the weather is similar to Thailand's, so adjustment shouldn't be a major issue."

Thailand's group stage schedule includes matches on August 15 against Indonesia U17 (3 p.m.), August 17 against Jordan (8 p.m.), and August 19 against Singapore (3 p.m.), all at Super Soccer Arena in Kudus.