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Frank Rijkaard 'has applied' for Thailand coaching job says FAT boss

Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard is the latest big name to express his interest in the vacant Thailand national coaching job.

The former Barcelona manager, who has previously worked in Asia as head coach of Saudi Arabia between 2011 and 2013, has sent in his application for the position, according to the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

"We have received the profile of Frank Rijkaard who has applied for the job of Thailand national team head coach after Kiatisuk Senamuang resigned as the head coach," FAT secretary general Pol. Lt. Pisan Judilok told The Bangkok Post.

"FAT President Pol. Gen. Somyot Poompunmuang and its technical chairman Witthaya Laohakul are busy making up their minds and will announce the decision later."

Rijkaard, 54, earned 73 caps for the Netherlands during a 13-year international career. He was Dutch national head coach between 1998 and 2000 before managing Sparta Rotterdam and Galatasaray at club level, in addition to Barcelona.

In five years at Barcelona, he won the UEFA Champions League in 2005-06, in addition to two La Liga titles.

Thailand have lifted Southeast Asia's AFF Suzuki Cup a record five times, most recently last December. But they have struggled to take the next step up, earning just a single point from seven matches in the final round of 2018 AFC World Cup qualifying.

Kiatisuk quit as Thailand boss last month after suffering heavy losses to Saudi Arabia (3-0) and Japan (4-0).

Ex-Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, Argentina's Alejandro Sabella and Brazilians Dunga and Zico have been mentioned as possible successors.