Thailand's most-capped player Kiatisuk Senamuang has done an about face by agreeing to coach the nation at next month's AFF Suzuki Cup.
After leading the U-23 side to a credible fourth-place finish at the recent Asian Games, Kiatisuk initially said he did not want to coach Thailand in the prestigious Southeast Asian tournament, which will be co-hosted by Singapore and Vietnam from Nov. 22 to Dec. 20.
Things changed after a meeting with Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Worawi Makudi last week. The Association made a subsequent announcement that their former captain will be at the helm for the Suzuki Cup.
In a report on AFF's official site, Mr Makudi said: "Kiatisuk has agreed to coach the national team as well as the under-23 side.
"We will allow him to choose his staff and his first task will be next month's AFF Suzuki Cup. Our target is to win."
The former Thai captain lifted the Suzuki Cup three times. He played 131 times for Thailand and scored 70 goals, which is also a national record.
Thailand are drawn in Group B alongside co-host nation and defending champions Singapore, Malaysia and the winners of the qualifying tournament, which reaches its conclusion in Laos on Monday night.
Despite only taking charge last week, Kiatisuk has issued a statement of intent and is ready to lead the War Elephants to a fourth ASEAN title having won it back in 1996, 2000 and 2002.
He declared: "I will start my job immediately as it is important to win back the AFF Suzuki Cup,"
Their first Suzuki Cup match on Nov. 23 against Singapore is scheduled to be played at the Singapore Sports Hub, subject to the AFF approving the state of the stadium's pitch.