Coach Masatada Ishii (Japanese) replaced Coach Mano Polking (as coach of the Thai national team a few days ago). After Mr. Ishii takes over the Golden Temple team, this team will likely have major changes in terms of personnel, similar to the Vietnamese national team under Coach Philippe Troussier.
One of the players who will soon return to the Thai national team is central defender Jonathan Khemdee.
Center-back Jonathan Khemdee could return to the Thai national team under coach Ishii (Photo: Daily News).
After watching the match between Buriram United and Ratchaburi FC on November 24 in the Thai-League, coach Masatada Ishii commented on center-back Jonathan Khemdee (playing for Ratchaburi FC): "He played well. Jonathan Khemdee is the type of center-back that the Thai team needs."
"He is tall (1m90), fast and plays aggressively. Imagine Jonathan Khemdee and Dolah Elias (a Thai player born in Sweden, 1m96 tall) playing as a central defender pair in the national team," added coach Masatada Ishii.
Jonathan Khemdee was mentioned in the context of the current poor performance of central defender Manuel Tom Bihr (a Thai born in Germany) in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. Jonathan Khemdee once announced his withdrawal from the Thai national team after the 32nd SEA Games, but if coach Ishii persuades him, this player may change his mind.
Coach Masatada Ishii (Japanese) of the Thai team (Photo: Daily News).
In addition to Jonathan Khemdee, Thai media reported that there are at least 5 more players who could be called up to the national team under coach Masatada Ishii.
These players include winger Jaroensak Wongkorn, midfielder Peeradon Chamrasamee, right-back Narubadin Weerawatnodom, midfielder Suphapron Sutthisak and left-back Ernesto Phumipha.
These are players who are not very famous in Thailand, and are unknown internationally. However, like coach Troussier of the Vietnam national team, coach Masatada Ishii may choose players based on trends that suit his philosophy, not based on the names of the stars.
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