Former Kanchanaburi Power FC coach Wasapol Kaewpaluk has been appointed as the new head coach of the Thailand U17 national team.
The announcement was made by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) on Friday as Wasapol replaced German Marco Goeckel, who left his position on Wednesday following the team's disappointing campaign at the AFC U17 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.
Under Goeckel's stewardship, Thailand's U17 squad struggled to make an impact, exiting at the group stage after defeats to Tajikistan (2-0) and Saudi Arabia (2-0), alongside a 1-1 draw with Myanmar.
The team managed only a single point from three matches, falling short of expectations.
Wasapol has extensive experience in Thai football, having held various positions at club level. He was an assistant coach for several teams, including Army United FC (2013-2014), Suphanburi FC (2014), Bangkok United (2015-2020), and was Port manager (2025) and head coach of Kanchanaburi Power (2026).
He was also an assistant coach of the Thailand national team under Mano Polking.
Former Thailand international Mika Chunuansri is among his coaching staff and will serve as his assistant with the national team.
The U17 national team will participate in the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifying round in November.
Playoff in Pattani
Pattani FC and Nongbua Pitchaya face off in the second leg of the League 2 playoff on Saturday at Pattani Stadium (Rainbow Stadium).
Hosts Nongbua beat Pattani FC 2-1 in the first leg at Pitchaya Stadium last Saturday.
The winners of Saturday's match will earn a spot in the Thai League 1 next season. Rasisalai United and Si Sa Ket United have already sealed promotion to the top flight.
