Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Kiatisuk Senamuang has stepped down as head coach of Thailand, just days after his country’s bid to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup came to an end.
News of Kiatisuk’s departure comes in the wake of recent defeats to Asian heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Japan – results which have left Thailand rooted to the foot of their qualifying group with one point from seven games, and no longer able to book a ticket to Russia 2018.
The 43-year-old was named Thailand’s U-23 coach in January 2013 before assuming a caretaker role with the country’s senior side five months later following the departure of previous incumbent Winfried Schaefer. His position was made full-time in early 2014.
“I would like to thank [everyone] for all the support that my staff and I have received over the past four to five years. It’s the ultimate honour for me to have a chance to work as the coach of the national team,” the former Thailand international announced on his official Instagram account.
“Today, I would like to announce my decision to end my role as the national team trainer. I’ll clear all the work for the employers within 90 days.
“I’m thankful to every player, my coaching team, all the fans as well as my family for always standing by my side,”
Whilst in charge, Kiatisuk guided Thailand to two ASEAN Football Federation Championship titles, a King's Cup crown and Southeast Asian Games gold in 2015. He also oversaw the War Elephants' qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.