The virtual session, chaired by FAT president Nualphan Lamsam and secretary general Ekapol Polnawee, concluded with 12 clubs voting in favour of reform, reports the Bangkok Post.
Under the current rules, clubs may register seven foreign players, including Asian nationals, alongside unlimited ASEAN players, though only five plus two ASEAN players are permitted on the pitch at any one time.
From next season, however, teams will be allowed to register up to 10 foreign players of any nationality, with a maximum of seven eligible to play in a match.
The decision comes in the wake of Thailand’s defeat to Vietnam in the SEA Games final last December, a result that extended the nation’s gold medal drought in the tournament to a decade.
The loss sparked widespread criticism, with one recurring concern being that Thai players are not afforded sufficient opportunities in domestic competition due to the heavy reliance on foreign talent.
Critics argue that the new quota, while offering clubs greater flexibility, risks further limiting the development of homegrown players unless carefully managed.
Officials at FAT insist the changes are designed to raise the overall standard of Thai League 1, aligning with regional trends and ensuring competitiveness in continental tournaments.
The debate over balancing foreign influence with nurturing local talent is likely to intensify when the new season approaches.
Thawatchai retains U23 job
The FAT has renewed the contract of Thailand U23 head coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul through to the Asian Games in Japan later this year.
The former national midfielder, who took charge in July 2025 after the dismissal of Japanese coach Takayuki Nishigaya, will continue to lead the side until the conclusion of the 20th Asian Games in September.
Thawatchai has overseen a busy schedule since his appointment, guiding the team at the ASEAN U23 Championship in Indonesia, the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, the 33rd SEA Games on home soil, and most recently the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.
His tenure has been marked by steady progress, though results have not always matched expectations.
The U23 squad will prepare for the Asian Games with a series of warm-up fixtures during FIFA international windows, before heading to Japan for the tournament scheduled from Sept 19 to Oct 4.
FAT officials believe continuity in leadership will provide stability, though the coach faces mounting pressure to deliver success after Thailand’s senior side faltered in the SEA Games.