Park Hang-seo to coach Thai second-division club Kanchanaburi Power FC

Park Hang-seo, the celebrated former coach of the Vietnam national football team, is set to return to management after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus. The 67-year-old tactician has agreed to a two-year contract with Thai second-division club Kanchanaburi Power FC, with his official start date slated for July.

Park's return to the dugout comes after a highly successful tenure with Vietnam, where he guided the team to an AFF Championship title, an AFC U-23 Championship runner-up finish, two consecutive SEA Games gold medals, and Vietnam's first-ever appearance in the final round of FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. He has since been considered a footballing hero in the country.

After parting ways with the Vietnamese national team in January 2023, Park had expressed his intention to step back from coaching roles in Vietnam and South Korea, opting instead to focus on developing youth football in Vietnam. However, Kanchanaburi Power FC, recently relegated from the Thai top flight, actively pursued Park, presenting him with a roadmap for the club's future development. This proactive approach, coupled with the club's vision, has reignited Park's competitive spirit.

"Although I received offers from various Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, I rejected them all," Park stated through his management company, DJ Management. "Kanchanaburi Power FC's proposed long-term vision and sincerity towards football awakened my fighting spirit."

Park's immediate focus will be on supporting the South Korean U-23 team at the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup, before he transitions to his new role in Thailand. His former assistant, Lee Jung-hyo, has been confirmed as the new head coach.

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Although I received offers from various Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, I rejected them all. Kanchanaburi Power FC's proposed long-term vision and sincerity towards football awakened my fighting spirit.