Madame Pang Offers 2 Million Baht Bonus for ASEAN Cup Group Victory

Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, has announced a 2 million baht incentive for the national football team, known as the 'War Elephants,' should they finish as group winners in the 2026 ASEAN Cup. This announcement follows the team's strong start, having secured six points from their first two matches. The squad defeated Laos 5-0 away and recently secured a 2-0 victory against Malaysia at Rajamangala National Stadium on August 1, 2026, in front of 16,000 spectators.

According to Khaosod Online, Nualphan noted that the current tournament does not fall under the official FIFA international match calendar, necessitating a roster featuring many new, younger players. She expressed pride in the team's hunger and determination to prove themselves despite the absence of several core senior players.

For residents and visitors in Thailand, the team's performance at Rajamangala Stadium highlights the ongoing local enthusiasm for football. Matches at this venue often draw significant crowds, which can impact traffic and public transport in the Ramkhamhaeng area. While the team has shown promising form, it remains to be confirmed if they can maintain this momentum to secure the group title and advance to the semi-finals. Fans should monitor official announcements for future match schedules and ticket availability.