Witthaya Laohakul, the technical chairman of the FA of Thailand (FAT) has put his job on the line when he said this week that he will quit should Thailand fail to defend their AFF Suzuki Cup crown at the end of the year.
Thailand are the most successful winner of the biennial championship with five titles (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014 and 2016).
The FAT had initially planned to use a young squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup at the end of the year but after a meeting this week with President Somyot Poompunmuang, they have decided against doing so.
This year will also be the first year where the AFF Suzuki Cup will be utilising a new home and away format for the group stage.
“We will use the senior team for the AFF Suzuki Cup. If we use a young side and fail to defend the title, it will be a disaster for Thai football. If we use the senior team and still fail to retain the title, then I will shoulder responsibility,” said Witthaya to the Bangkok Post.
