BANGKOK (24 November 2023) – The FA of Thailand (FAT) have unveiled Masatada Ishii as the new head coach of the national team to replace Alexandre Polking who was relieved of his duties last Wednesday.
Ishii had previously coached Buriram United since 2021 before being announced as the new boss of Thailand’s national team.
“We have given the utmost consideration before reaching the conclusion to appoint Masatada Ishii as the head coach of the national team,” said Thailand national team manager Nualphan Lamsam.
“Along with the coaching staff, they will immediately take over the team’s preparation as we are under time constraints given that the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar is in January 2024.
“So, we need to choose a coach that we know, and who we are familiar with. And Ishii knows Thai football well.”
Having played and coached Kashima Antlers previously, Ishii took up his first position in Thailand with Samut Prakan City in 2019 before joining Buriram United in 2021.
With Buriram, the 56-year-old Japanese delivered the treble (Thai League 1, Thai FA Cup, and Thai League Cup) for two seasons in a row.
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