The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) will later this month hold a meeting of its executives, which could determine the future of under-fire national team coach Winfried Schaefer.
Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer
After Thailand suffered an embarrassing 3-1 home defeat against Kuwait in their opening Asian Cup qualifier on Wednesday, it has been widely speculated that Schaefer's reign could soon end.
FAT president Worawi Makudi said yesterday that Thailand could still qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup, to be held in Australia.
"Although we lost in the first match, we still have five more games to play," he said.
But he admitted that the defeat was a disappointing result and the coaching staff must be held responsible.
"We will hold a meeting of the FAT executive board for the coaching team to give their explanation," Worawi said.
Asked if he would fire Schaefer, Worawi said: "It is not easy to do because it involves huge compensation. I will discuss the matter with the FAT executives, probably at a meeting on Feb 19.
"But I can assure you that he will remain as coach of the national team until at least the Lebanon match."
Thailand will travel to face Lebanon in their next Asian Cup qualifier, which will be played on March 22.
Schaefer began his stint in Thailand in 2011 on a four-year contract. Reports claim the deal could be terminated by mutual consent after two years.
The German coach said everybody was disappointed by the Kuwait loss and that he will be doing his best to get a result against Lebanon.
Chelsea to play in Thailand
European champions Chelsea revealed on Thursday that they will play friendly matches in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia during a pre-season tour of Asia in July.
Chelsea toured Asia at the beginning of last season, which culminated in a bumper year for the west London club, with victories in the Champions League and in the FA Cup.
Chelsea will play a Thailand All-Star XI in the Singha Cup at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on July 17, followed by a game against a Malaysia XI at the Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur four days later.
They will then play in Indonesia for the very first time on July 25, with a game against an Indonesia XI scheduled to take place at the 88,000-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
"It is fantastic that we will be returning to Asia for what promises to be an excellent pre-season tour," Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said on Thursday.
"Southeast Asia remains home to an ever-growing and passionate Chelsea FC support and it gives me great pleasure that we will again be able to experience that wonderful hospitality.
"In particular, I look forward to visiting Indonesia for the first time, a country where we have an extensive fan base that is eager to see Chelsea play."
As yet, Chelsea have not appointed a manager beyond the end of this season, with Rafael Benitez currently in charge on an interim basis. BANGKOK POST/AFP