The ASEAN Championship 2026 has kicked off with Thailand securing a decisive 5-0 victory against Laos. Despite this impressive scoreline, the Thai team has come under scrutiny from fans and former players alike, highlighting ongoing concerns about their performance and fitness levels.

Former Thai striker Sarayuth Chaikamdee, known as 'Jo 5 yards', openly criticized the team's display under coach Anthony Hudson. He expressed confusion over the players experiencing cramps in the final minutes of the match, questioning why such issues arise when many players in global tournaments like the World Cup manage to maintain their fitness throughout.

Even with a comfortable lead, Sarayuth pointed out that the Thai team seemed to retreat defensively instead of capitalizing on their numerical advantage against Laos. He questioned the strategy of not pushing for more goals when they were already leading 5-0, suggesting that the team could have increased their margin of victory.

Thailand is under significant pressure in this championship, as they face tough competition from Vietnam and Indonesia for the title. The Thai team is not at full strength, which adds to the challenges they face. Meanwhile, Vietnam made a strong statement by defeating Timor Leste 7-0, showcasing their ambitions in the tournament.

Thailand's recent history, particularly their defeat to Vietnam in the AFF Cup 2024 final, looms large over the team. This loss is seen as a burden that they must overcome to reclaim their status as the top team in Southeast Asia. Sarayuth's insights reflect a broader concern that a single victory, even a large one, may not be enough to dispel doubts about Thailand's capabilities moving forward.

As the tournament progresses, Thailand will need to address both their physical conditioning and tactical approach to remain competitive against formidable opponents like Vietnam and Indonesia. The pressure is on for the 'War Elephants' to demonstrate their resilience and reclaim their championship title.