On the afternoon of May 25, multiple Thai media outlets simultaneously reported that Park Hang Seo would take charge of Kanchanaburi, a club currently competing in Thai League 2.

The news came as a major surprise to many football fans, as the South Korean strategist had appeared close to retirement since leaving the Vietnam national team.

According to Thai media reports, Park Hang Seo signed a two-year contract with Kanchanaburi, although salary details were not disclosed.

His primary objective will be guiding the club back to Thai League 1.

However, the former Vietnam coach will not immediately begin direct coaching duties with the Thai side.

The reason is that Park Hang Seo is expected to travel with South Korea’s delegation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, as he currently serves as Vice President of the Korea Football Association.

Assistant coach Lee Jung Soo will temporarily oversee Kanchanaburi in Park’s absence.

Since leaving his role as Vietnam national team head coach, Park Hang Seo has not managed another club or national team despite receiving multiple offers.

The Korean coach currently works as a senior advisor for Bac Ninh FC in Vietnam’s First Division while also operating a football academy in the country.

“Although I received offers from many countries, including Vietnam, I chose Thailand because this is a path where no one has truly succeeded before,” Park Hang Seo said.

“The long-term vision and sincerity toward football shown by Kanchanaburi motivated me to return and embrace this challenge. I will do my best in my role as a football coach in Thailand, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.”

The move marks another remarkable chapter in Park Hang Seo’s football journey in Southeast Asia after his historic success with Vietnam, where he led the national team to multiple regional achievements and transformed the country’s football landscape.

Dai Nam