FIFA President Infantino participated today in Bangkok in the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

Despite having never reached the FIFA World Cup™ finals, the men’s team is in the midst of its qualifying phase for Russia 2018 and reached the final round of the Asian qualifiers for the second time in its history. This adds up to a great performance from the women’s team, which last year qualified for its maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Aiming at strengthening the development of football in the country, FIFA and FAT are preparing a strategic plan encompassing technical, infrastructure, management and marketing components.

“Thailand’s steady development in different areas of the game is a remarkable example of how important it is that FIFA keeps on investing to develop football across its member associations worldwide. I wish the new leadership of the FAT under the Presidency of Somyot Poompanmoung every success in their mission, with the help of FIFA as well, to push Thailand’s football forward,” stated the FIFA President.

In addition to meeting the FAT's leadership, the FIFA President also had a meeting with Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Thailand hosted two FIFA tournaments in the past: the second edition of the then U-19 (now U20) FIFA Women’s World Cup, in 2004, as well as the last edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2012.‎