Thailand U17 Coach Eyes Best Squad for Asian Qualifier
Thailand's U17 football coach has completed two training camps while scouting talent for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in November, with a third camp planned for September to finalize the squad.
Coach Waspol Kaewphluek, head coach of Thailand's under-17 national football team, has completed two training camps in preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying tournament. The coaching staff submitted a summary report to the Football Association of Thailand.
Kaewphluek explained that the two camps aimed to give players maximum opportunity and explore talent across multiple positions and schools. "The first and second camps featured largely different rosters," he said. "Going forward, we'll continue monitoring player form through the current PE Department U16 competition and the Coke Cup Thailand championship rounds. We'll combine data from both camps and match performances to select the best, most-prepared players who fit our tactical approach."
The coach noted that this month's U16 and Coke Cup championship matches run through late August, so the planned third camp will take place in September. He acknowledged that in two camps, players demonstrated strong commitment and drive to represent Thailand, though refinement is needed given that many players from different schools joined only recently. "The third camp should feature players ready to execute deeper tactical instructions and better understand our team's playing direction," Kaewphluek said.
Regarding the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualifiers, scheduled for November 8–20, the coach expressed hope for a favorable draw and enthusiasm about hosting matches before Thai fans. "No match is easy, and we must prepare thoroughly through quality camps to get players in peak condition." The qualifying tournament will send seven group champions to the main tournament in Uzbekistan (May 12–29, 2027), where eight Asian teams will compete for spots at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.