'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As Thailand aims to emulate the heroics of their fourth-place finish at the 2014 Asian Games, a few names stand out above the rest in a tournament widely expected to be the launching pad for a new generation of future Thai stars.
Many players who have established themselves this season have narrowly missed out on this list. Goalkeeper Nont Muangngam has been touted as a long-term successor to Thailand's Kawin Thamsatchanan in goal and has continued to prove his worth this season at Police Tero, on loan from Chiang Rai United.
His counterpart Kwanchai Suklom has emerged from relative obscurity to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the country this season, putting in a string of excellent performances for the highly overachieving PT Prachuap this season.
Defender Shinnaphat Leeoh has become a regular starter for Chiang Rai United this season and will be expected to play a key role for the Young War Elephants in Indonesia this summer. His teammate Suriya Singmui also doesn't make the cut, despite being the most capped player in the squad at senior level.
Midfielder Sansern Limwattana has also impressed this season playing at Sukhothai FC on loan from Bangkok United, while forward Supachai Jaided has had a breakout season at Buriram United; both of whom come very close to making it into the final five.
#5 Worachit Kanitsribampen (Attacking Midfielder, Chonburi FC, Age 20)
Exploding onto the scene in 2018, Worachit turned his potential into a reality after having an incredible season in a somewhat dreary and unimaginative Chonburi side, being one of the few shining lights in what has been a very dull season for the Sharks.
After scoring 9 goals and registering 5 assists in the Thai League this campaign, he leads the way for his club in both categories and is the second most prolific local player in the division behind Bangkok United's Sumanya Purisai.
Having already played more minutes this season than both of his two prior domestic campaigns combined, a strong tournament this summer could be a launching point for Worachit's career and could make him a highly coveted talent.
#4 Phitiwat Sukjitthamakul (Defensive Midfielder, Chiang Rai United, Age 23)
Rising from relative obscurity to become one of the standout performers this season, Phitiwat has been a cornerstone in Chiang Rai United's team this season. Filling in the boots of departed national team stars Tanaboon Kesarat and Thitipan Puangchan, Phitiwat has played more minutes than any other for Chaing Rai United this season.
A tough-tackling defensive midfielder, Phitiwat's experience and tenacity could make him a valuable asset against some of the more physically imposing sides of this tournament. Despite having never won a senior cap with the War Elephants, Phitiwat's performances this season have made him one of the most highly rated players in the country and could further his reputation in Indonesia this summer.
#3 Rattanakorn Maikami (Central Midfielder, Buriram United, Age 20)
Featuring regularly for Thai Champions Buriram United is no mean feat, but Rattanakorn Maikami has managed to become a centrepiece of the Thunder Castle's midfield in recent seasons. Despite being primarily a defensive-minded player, his recent performances in the Thai League and AFC Champions League have shown an impressive attacking dimension to his game that makes him an incredibly valuable asset in this budding Thai team.
His energy and discipline allow him to play in a box-to-box role in Buriram's organized and slightly conservative system under coach Bozidar Bandovic, and Rattanakorn can regularly be seen making both defensive and offensive contributions. The midfielder will likely be the engine for his team this summer and will carry a lot of expectation after his excellent performances in the domestic league.
#2 Jakkit Wachpirom (Right Back, FC Tokyo, Age 21)
While players such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan and Teerasil Dangda have been stealing the headlines for their recent moves to the Japanese league, some of Thailand's younger players have also made the journey north in search of self-improvement. Of these players, Bangkok United's Jakkit Wachpirom particularly stands out as he is currently completing a highly successful campaign on loan at FC Tokyo's U23 side in the J3 league.
Being trained at one of Japan's biggest clubs, Jakkit is expected to bring a level of competence and professionalism which is rare at this level of the game. An excellent attacking right-back, his forays down the wing could soon become a highlight of this summer's tournament.
Known for his explosive pace and attacking ability, the Tokyo youth star is comfortable both on the right-wing and at right-back and gives Thailand a level of energy and dynamism that will be needed to take on some of their tougher opponents in this tournament.
#1 Supachok Sarachat (Attacking Midfielder, Buriram United, Age 20)
Yet another player to come through the ranks at Buriram United, Supachok Sarachat has been considered as the Thai Champions' brightest prospect for a number of years. After already registering 5 goals and 7 assists in all competitions this season, the versatile attacking midfielder could be on course for his best season yet at his club.
On the international stage, Supachok was rewarded with a senior international cap in 2017, being included in Milovan Rajevac's squad for the 2018 World Cup Qualifying Campaign, coming off the bench in a 2-1 defeat to Iraq.
The attacking midfielder was expected to come into his own at the AFC U23 Championships in China earlier this year and may get another chance to shine after Thailand's underwhelming campaign. Despite stern competition for attacking midfield places in the Thai national team, a strong showing at this tournament could earn him a spot in the War Elephants' senior team for years to come.
