OFFICIAL: Former Thailand National Team Coach Fired Twice Within 3 Months

Masatada Ishii, the Japanese strategist who previously coached Thailand’s national team, is encountering a significant career blow after BG Pathum United ended his contract due to poor performance streaks.

This marks the second time in just over three months that Ishii has been dismissed from a senior coaching role in Thai football. According to Thairath (Thailand), on February 6, BG Pathum United confirmed their parting with Masatada Ishii after the club was consecutively eliminated from three major competitions within a short period.

One of the most ambitious clubs in the Thai League was knocked out in ACL 2, eliminated from the FA Cup, and most recently officially lost the chance to win the Shopee Cup following a 1-1 draw against Selangor on the road. With no trophies in these three key tournaments, BG Pathum now only has two remaining goals: the Thai League and the League Cup.

According to Thairath (Thailand), BG Pathum’s management believes the team’s performance under Ishii did not meet expectations, especially in crucial matches. Although the Japanese coach started reasonably well, instability and failure to make breakthroughs in cup competitions led to a loss of confidence from the club’s owners.

In 20 matches coaching BG Pathum United across all competitions, Masatada Ishii recorded 10 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. Early exits from multiple tournaments were seen as the final straw prompting his dismissal.

Notably, this is not the first time Ishii has lost a job in Thailand. Previously, on October 21, 2025, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) unexpectedly terminated his contract as head coach of the national team, less than a month before a crucial Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Sri Lanka.

At that time, FAT explained that Ishii’s philosophy and working methods “no longer align with the new development direction of Thai football.” In an official statement, the association emphasized that after months of evaluation, they found a clear mismatch between Ishii’s coaching mindset and the long-term strategy of Thai football.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Ishii left certain marks with the “War Elephants.” Appointed in December 2023, he led Thailand to the runner-up position in the 2024 ASEAN Cup. During his tenure, he achieved a 53% win rate (16 victories in 30 matches) and helped maintain stable performance in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with two wins over Taiwan, placing second in Group D with 9 points.