Thailand gunning for strong start

War Elephants begin bid for 8th Asean title

Thailand coach Anthony Hudson has tipped his squad’s younger players to make a telling contribution at the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026, as the War Elephants launch their bid for a record eighth title against Laos in Vientiane on Saturday.

The Thais, who claimed the most recent of their seven titles in 2022, have never been beaten by Laos in three previous meetings in the competition, and Hudson believes his side can get their Group B campaign off to a positive start.

“We want to make a strong start,” said the Englishman. “We want to go into the game and be positive, aggressive and attacking. We want to start the tournament strongly tomorrow (today),

“We have a lot of young players in the team, and they are very good and exciting players. I have a lot of belief and confidence in them.

“We do not need to put pressure on the players, and I am not going to put pressure on them. I want them to go out, express themselves and show what they are good at.”

Hudson has named a squad blending emerging talents such as Yotsakorn Burapha and Chawanwit Saelao with more experienced figures like Pansa Hemviboon and Sarach Yooyen, who will be relied upon to steer the younger players through the challenges ahead.

“We have some exciting players with different talents,” said Hudson. “There is no need for me to put any extra pressure on the young players because I want to see what they can do.

“They have trained really well, and I have been very impressed with the whole squad.

“Going into the game tomorrow, I want us to be brave and attacking. I am looking forward to the match.”

Laos’ best result against Thailand in the Asean Championship came in Jakarta in 2010, when the two sides shared a 2-2 draw, and coach Vladica Grujic is well aware of the challenge his team face.

“We know that Thailand are one of the best teams in Southeast Asia and are the favourites, but we will be playing at home,” he said. “With the support of our fans, anything is possible. We will do everything we can to achieve a good result.

“We have four matches in 10 days and a squad of 23 players. I think everyone will have an opportunity to play because it is impossible to use the same team for four matches within 10 days.

“Every player is very important to us. The players know this, and I hope they will help the team.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to invite our fans to come to the stadium and support us. We will fight for them, and we need their support.”