Thai football fans are currently embroiled in a debate regarding the significance of Kim Sang Sik's unbeaten record of 19 matches as the head coach of the Vietnam national team. This milestone was reached after Vietnam's impressive 7-0 victory over Timor Leste in their opening match of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Kim Sang Sik's achievement marks him as the coach with the longest unbeaten streak in Vietnam's football history. Previously, the national team had an unbeaten streak of 18 matches from December 2016 to December 2018, which was achieved under the guidance of three different coaches: Nguyễn Hữu Thắng, Mai Đức Chung, and Park Hang Seo.

However, some Thai media outlets, such as Krian Buriram, have expressed skepticism about the validity of this record. They argue that the unbeaten streak has been accumulated against relatively weaker opponents. Fans have pointed out that Kim Sang Sik may have the opportunity to extend his unbeaten run in upcoming matches against Singapore, Indonesia, and Cambodia in the ASEAN Cup group stage.

The debate among Thai fans has been lively, with opinions sharply divided. One fan remarked, "We criticize them for only facing weaker opponents, but among their victims are Thailand, who lost to Vietnam in two finals of the ASEAN Cup 2024." Another fan added, "If we consider Vietnam's opponents weak, does that mean we view Thailand as weak too?" Others echoed sentiments that Vietnam currently holds an edge over Thailand in Southeast Asian football.

Conversely, some fans argue against the validity of Vietnam's achievements. One user, Suwat Srakaew, stated, "Thailand has won the ASEAN championship seven times, while Vietnam has only won it three times. They cannot be compared to the 'War Elephants.'" Another commenter, Rozin Rizuga, insisted that the quality of Vietnam's opponents has not been adequately tested and suggested that Kim Sang Sik's team should face stronger sides like South Korea, Japan, or Middle Eastern teams to truly gauge their strength.

Imam Malik suggested that Southeast Asian teams should seek more competitive matches against stronger Asian teams, proposing that Saudi Arabia or Australia be invited to participate in the ASEAN Cup. Pisant Kulsiri confidently predicted that Thailand would triumph over Vietnam and Indonesia to win the ASEAN Cup.

Vietnam's next match in the ASEAN Cup 2026 will be against Singapore at My Dinh Stadium on July 31 at 20:00.