The FIFA President welcomed General Poompanmoung Somyot, President of The Football Association of Thailand, to FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich today.

Following introductions to various members of the FIFA team, discussions got underway on the progress of the FIFA and the FA Thailand jointly drafted strategic plan for the development of football. The plan, which encompasses technical, infrastructural, management and marketing development at FA Thailand, was brought to life following the FIFA President’s visit to Bangkok last year to celebrate the association’s 100th anniversary.

In addition, FA Thailand President Somyot updated Gianni Infantino on the association’s ‘Come Together Towards 2026’ project, which is part of the FIFA Forward programme, and run in co-operation with Ekkono Method Soccer Services and Bangkok &Thonburi University & Police Hospital. The project encourages, supports and develops young football players, while working to establish a national women’s league and strengthening Thai football, with the ultimate goal of steering Thailand towards the FIFA World Cup™ by 2026.

Speaking about this initiative, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Come Together Towards 2026 is a remarkable project and a great example of what the FIFA Forward programme is all about: improving the way football is developed, so that we break down barriers, meaning anyone can play. I commend President Somyot and the FA Thailand team for their dedication to pushing this project forward, and in particular, their commitment to establishing a national women’s league in Thailand.”