A victory over Turkmenistan at Rajamangala National Stadium would secure top spot in Group D and guarantee Thailand’s passage to next year’s finals in Saudi Arabia, reports the Bangkok Post.
Both Thailand and Turkmenistan are locked on 12 points after five rounds of qualifying but the Central Asian side holds the head-to-head advantage, having beaten the War Elephants 3-1 earlier in the campaign.
Defenders Naruebodin Weerawatnodom, Manuel Tom Bihr and defensive midfielder Kritsada Kaman have been recalled while Port defender Peerawat Akkratham was the only new face in the team.
There were some notable absentees as Benjamin Davis, Suphan Thongsong, Jonathan Khemdee and Thitiphan Puangchan have all been left out.
Thailand will also be without the in-form Suphanat Mueanta as the Buriram United star has pulled out after he sustained an injury during the AFC Champions League Elite match against Melbourne City earlier in the week.
“It was difficult to select these 23 players. Some players will be disappointed that they are not on the list this time but there are many other tournaments and these players will for sure be important players for the Thai national team,” said Hudson.
“I hope the Thai fans will come and support the national team and help make it a special night for everyone,” he added.
The players will join the training camp on Mar 23 and will train at BG Training Centre.
The Thailand-Turkmenistan match will kick off at 7:30pm and will be shown live on Thai Rath TV (32) and the Thai Rath YouTube channel.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Kampon Pathomakkakul, Patiwat Khammai and Saranon Anuin.
Defenders: Suphanan Bureerat, Peerawat Akkaratham, Naruebodin Weerawatnodom, Pansa Hemviboon, Manuel Tom Bihr, Nattapong Sairiya and Nicholas Mickelson
Midfielders: Peeradol Chamrasamee, Theerathon Bunmathan, Chanathip Songkrasin, Sarach Yooyen, Kritsada Kaman, Iklas Sanron, Thanawat Suengchitthawon, Anan Yodsangwal, Seksak Ratree and Supachok Sarachart
Forwards: Supachai Chaided, Yodsakon Burapha and Jude Soonsup-Bell