Thai star defender Theerathon Bunmathan has publicly denied long-standing rumors of a conflict with Danish-born center-back Jonathan Khemdee, after speculation intensified over the national team’s latest call-up.
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Theerathon Bunmathan (number 3) plays in Thailand’s 1-0 win over Vietnam in the second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup final, at Thammasat Stadium, Thailand on Jan. 16, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
The rumors resurfaced after years of speculation as Bunmathan, 35, has been recalled to the national team after nearly 18 months, while Khemdee was notably absent.
Bunmathan, frustrated by the persistent slander, addressed the issue on his Instagram.
“Khemdee and I have never had any problems with each other. I have never said I don’t like him or hate him,” Bunmathan wrote. “I find it difficult to understand when some people say that I have problems with him… I hope this issue will end. For those who have read this far and still do not believe, I say it’s up to you. Believe whatever you want.”
New Thailand head coach Anthony Hudson clarified Khemdee’s situation at a press conference on Nov. 6. Hudson explained that Khemdee was initially on the list but had to return to Denmark to resolve nationality and passport issues.
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Thailand center-back Jonathan Khemdee. Photo by FAT |
Bunmathan’s return is part of a major squad overhaul by Hudson, who has replaced more than half the squad from the October training camp under Masatada Ishii, including a surprise call-up for 11 players over the age of 30.
The veteran presence is bolstered by the return of 33-year-old midfielder Sarach Yooyen and 37-year-old striker Teerasil Dangda, who also last played in June 2024. Their inclusion means the legendary quartet of Chanathip Songkrasin, Bunmathan, Yooyen and Dangda are all present in the squad for the first time in 18 months.
The team are preparing for a friendly match with Singapore on Nov. 13 before the crucial 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka. Thailand are currently second in Group D, tied on nine points with Turkmenistan but trailing on the head-to-head record. With only the group winner advancing, the final two matches are critical.
Bunmathan is widely considered one of Southeast Asia’s greatest-ever full-backs, having won three AFF Cups and becoming the first Southeast Asian player to win Japan’s J1 League in 2019.