Thailand’s national team were back on the training pitch at BGTC 3 on Wednesday, stepping up preparations for their Group B second fixture against Malaysia in the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026.
Defender Pansa Hemviboon, speaking ahead of the evening session, said the squad was in good shape with no fresh injuries following the opening match.
“Every player is ready for the next match. We had a full recovery in fitness terms,” he said. “Malaysia are a good side with a good standard — they’ve always played well against us, especially their strikers, who have real quality.”
Pansa added that a home crowd would give Thailand a lift. “I believe the fans will come out in full force. That will also help pressure the opponent. We have to beat Malaysia to keep our qualification hopes alive.”
Midfielder Worachit Kanitsribumphen said the squad’s condition was improving after a demanding double session.
“The coaching staff have been stressing fitness and tactics for the Malaysia game,” he said. “We need to be wary of their counter-attacking threat — they switch from defence to attack very quickly, and both their wingers and strikers are dangerous.”
Worachit praised the squad’s cohesion following the opening win over Laos and said the younger players had settled in well under head coach Anthony Hudson.
“Coach Hudson has told us not to underestimate anyone — Laos wasn’t easy, but we delivered. Malaysia is a must-win game at home. Three points here would give us a strong chance of topping the group.”
Worachit also acknowledged the physical toll of a congested travel schedule but said a lengthy rest period beforehand had left the squad refreshed and ready to face Malaysia.
Thailand face Malaysia on Saturday at Rajamangala Stadium, kicking off at 8pm.
Meanwhile, Thailand have been drawn alongside Vietnam, Pakistan and the Philippines in Group B for the inaugural Fifa Asean Cup, world football’s governing body confirmed on Wednesday.
The new tournament will be split into two divisions, with the top tier staged in Indonesia and the second division held in Hong Kong. The competition runs from Sept 24-Oct 3, with Fifa expected to confirm the full format and schedule in due course.