Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Former Thailand international Therdsak Chaiman has hailed his country's recent progress and believes that a first ever FIFA World Cup may not be too far away.
The Chonburi FC head coach, who won the AFF Championship with his country in 2000 and 2002, was speaking ahead of Thailand's FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifying match with Saudi Arabia at Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday.
And although the War Elephants enjoyed plenty of regional success in Chaiman's time, Thailand remained a long way off challenging Asia's heavyweights for a place at football's biggest showpiece.
"You can see in the last game against Australia that we are improving and we can fight with them," said Chaiman, who scored 22 goals in 75 appearances for Thailand.
"I'm not saying we have to go to a World Cup yet, but we're close (to opponents) with our systems and fitness. Now we also need to improve our youth development. The Football Association of Thailand are working on this, have targets for the future and are doing things the right way."
Therdsak Chaiman on Thailand's progress
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