The decision followed a meeting yesterday (Oct 21) at the FAT headquarters between Ishii and the association’s technical committee, led by the association’s vice-president Dr Charnwit Polcheewin.
Also present at the meeting were FAT general secretary Ekapol Polnawee and Piyapong Pue-on, a Thai football legend and member of the executive committee, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Japanese coach was informed about the decision after close monitoring, evaluation and review by the technical committee. It was concluded that his working methods and team management approach did not align with the association’s long-term vision, the FAT said.
The association expressed its gratitude to Ishii for his dedication and commitment in raising the standard of the Thai national team during his tenure and extended best wishes to him and his coaching staff for future success.
Ishii, in a statement on his Instagram account, said he was shocked by the decision.
“I was called to look back on the two matches against Taiwan. After the review was over, I was suddenly told ‘Your contract will be terminated today’,” Ishii wrote, referring to the ongoing Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
“And then in the afternoon, the dismissal was announced. What dishonest people.”
Since taking charge of the War Elephants in December 2023, the Japanese coach recorded 16 wins from 30 matches, amounting to a win rate of 53%.
However, published records of the past Thailand head coaches suggest that Ishii’s win-rate is second only to that of Mano Polking (56.7%), the man he replaced in the national team’s dugout.
The FAT confirmed that the process of appointing a new head coach would be expedited to ensure continuity ahead of the upcoming FIFA international window in November 2025.
Thailand are scheduled to host Singapore in a friendly on Nov 13, before travelling to Sri Lanka for their fifth match in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Nov 18.
Possible successors
The names that have surfaced as frontrunners to take over from Ishii are Kiatisak Senamuang, Sasom Pobprasert and Anthony Hudson.
Hudson currently serves as the technical director of the FAT. The English-born coach has international experience, including a spell as interim head coach of the United States men’s national team.
Sasom, widely known as “Coach Tia”, is regarded as one of Thailand’s most skilled domestic coaches. He is currently in charge of PT Prachuap, where he has earned respect for his tactical expertise.
Kiatisak, or “Zico”, is a former head coach of the national team and a celebrated figure in Thai football, who now serves as the director of Liverpool Academy Thailand.
During his previous tenure with the national team, Kiatisak guided Thailand to two consecutive ASEAN titles, a King’s Cup triumph, and qualification for the final rounds of the AFC Asian Cup. His win-rate stands at 50%.
Ishii’s record with Thailand was marked by notable success at the regional level, particularly in the ASEAN Cup and the King’s Cup, where his leadership was widely praised.
However, performances in continental competitions, including the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Asian Cup, did not meet the targets set by the FAT’s technical committee.
While Ishii’s tenure brought stability and success in Southeast Asia, the association has made clear that its ambitions extend further, with qualification for major continental and global tournaments a priority.
The FAT has emphasised that the decision to part ways with Ishii was made to align the national team with long-term goals, particularly in raising competitiveness at the Asian level.