Thai fans simultaneously chant Vietnam's name after narrowly losing to China

Supporters from Thailand think that the uninspired display of the "War Elephants" against China bodes poorly for the upcoming AFF Cup.

The 0-0 draw against China not only disappointed Thai supporters in terms of the result but also sparked heated debates about the national team's direction. On football forums and social media, many fans from the Land of Smiles argue that the squad lacks energy and has yet to show positive signs ahead of the AFF Cup 2026 in July.

Although they managed a draw away from home, Thailand's performance was criticized as overly cautious. The team barely created any dangerous chances and mostly focused on defending against China's pressure. Many observers feel the current style of play is outdated, prioritizing safety over proactive control or seeking victory. This has raised concerns among fans as the AFF Cup approaches.

The disappointment deepened when looking at their results during the June FIFA Days. Earlier, Thailand was held to a draw by Kuwait and then shared points with China. Back-to-back winless matches led many fans to question the team's ability to compete for titles. In their view, if Thailand continues to perform as poorly as they have, they will face major difficulties against strong regional rivals, especially Vietnam.

One of the most discussed issues is the age of the squad. Many supporters believe the coaching staff is relying too heavily on veterans past their prime. While experienced players still offer value, the lack of standout young talents has made the team sluggish and devoid of creativity in their gameplay.

Beyond technical factors, many fans also feel the team is losing its appeal among supporters. Consistently using the same familiar names over the years has made the squad stale. Meanwhile, several young talents in the Thai League have yet to receive opportunities at the national team level, leading to a sense of regret within the fan community.

Based on what has happened, most opinions agree that Thai football is in a transitional phase and needs bolder decisions. The AFF Cup 2026 will be a crucial test for the team's development path. If they fail to refresh the lineup, give chances to younger players, and change their approach to matches, the "War Elephants" could entirely lose their established position in Southeast Asia in the near future.