Thai football undergoes a historic change

The Football Association of Thailand officially increased the total number of foreign players allowed to register in the Thai League from 7 to 10 players.

On January 22, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) held an online meeting (via Zoom) with all 16 member clubs of the Thai professional football league at the FAT’s second-floor conference room to prepare for the upcoming Thai League 1 season (2026/27).

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Pang Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, along with Mr. Ekaphon Polnavie, Secretary-General of the Football Association of Thailand, and representatives from all 16 member clubs of Thai League 1.

The main agenda of this meeting was to review the foreign player quota for the 2026/27 season, following proposals from several member clubs. The Sports Association sent a request letter for this information to all Thai League 1 member clubs on January 15, 2026.

After careful consideration and thorough discussion of the pros and cons, the majority of the 12 member clubs in Thai League 1 agreed to adjust the number of foreign players for the 2026/27 season.

Previously, for the 2025/26 season, a maximum of 7 foreign players (including Asian nationals) could be registered, plus an unlimited number of Southeast Asian players, with each team allowed to field up to 5 foreign players and 2 Southeast Asian players simultaneously. However, for the 2026/27 season, this was changed to allow up to 10 foreign players to be registered (regardless of nationality), with a maximum of 7 foreign players allowed on the field at the same time per team.

Furthermore, during the meeting, Mrs. Pang Nualphan Lamsam proposed reforms for the U21 football league to enhance competitiveness, improve quality, and increase its appeal. This would provide young athletes more opportunities to play and continuously develop their skills.

This might include increasing the number of overage players to a maximum of four, allowing one foreign player among them. However, these are preliminary proposals and will be further discussed in meetings with member clubs to ensure the best interests for both the youth national team and the Thai national team.

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