Thai Football Lacks World Cup Hope, Says Legend Coach Heng
Veteran Thai football coach Heng Vithaya Lauhaokul says Thailand lacks the structural development and youth training framework needed to compete for World Cup qualification, citing insufficient adherence to international standards.
Coach Heng Vithaya Lauhaokul, a 72-year-old Thai football legend, shared his views on the Thai national team's prospects for the World Cup during an interview with YouTube channel GoodDayPodcast. In the "Gossip Goal" episode titled "Why Thailand's First Bundesliga Player Says Thai Football Has No Structure," Coach Heng recounted his playing career from childhood through his time in Japan and Germany, as well as his encounters with world-class players.
When asked about Thailand's chances of reaching the World Cup, Coach Heng stated: "Other countries develop much faster than us. Looking nearby at Singapore and Vietnam—Vietnam has world-class training facilities." He added: "We keep saying we've surpassed ASEAN, but we haven't surpassed anything. We're still stuck in place. Surpassing means we need a proper youth development structure according to AFC standards. Even clubs with Thai League licenses—many just make things up. There's nothing in place."
Coach Heng emphasized that direction and leadership are crucial, citing Spanish former technical director Carles Romegaza, who established what he called the "Thai Football Iceberg"—a comprehensive framework aligned with international standards. "I don't see anyone using it," Coach Heng said. "He created something massive. Everything was correct by international standards, but we didn't follow through. By now, that iceberg has completely melted."
When asked whether an expanded World Cup format with 64 teams and a co-hosting quota could help Thailand qualify, Coach Heng answered firmly: "No. If Thailand were to host, there would be many requirements—stadiums have specific regulations." When asked if Rajamangala or Suphachalasai stadiums would meet standards, he replied: "Neither passes. It's not just about stadiums. There are other details—accommodations, hotels, training grounds. Where would we put everything?"
Regarding youth football competitiveness against countries like Japan and South Korea, the 72-year-old responded: "No. It comes down to learning capacity. Thai children lack this. If we teach them, we need to question them first, but they don't understand and are afraid. Football requires three things: effort, courage, and character. Thai children don't have these."
