Head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang has ended months of speculation over his future by signing on for another year with the Thailand national team.
Former national striker Kiatisuk finally put pen to paper after reportedly being issued an ultimatum by FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang.
Kiatisuk had suggested he might look at other options after leading his country to their fifth AFF Suzuki Cup title in December last year after defeating Indonesia in the two-legged final. He also guided them to the 2014 title after prevailing over Malaysia in the championship games.
But the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) revealed on Tuesday that the man revered as arguably the country's greatest-ever player was staying.
Today Kiatisak (Zico) signed a 1 year contract extension as Thailand national team head coach https://t.co/kOFJhe0tjH
- Thai League Football (@thai_league) February 28, 2017
A statement on the FAT's website read, "The FA Thailand has extended the contract of the national senior team head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang. His new contract will last for one year, to 28 Feb. 2018".
The news came before Thai champions Muaung Thong United, stacked with national team players, stunned Japan's Kashima Antlers 2-1 on Matchday 2 of the AFC Champions League to keep intact their unbeaten record in the 2017 competition. It was a first-ever win for a Thai team on the top continental club stage.
Kiatisuk has brought huge success back to a national side that was ailing when he took over in 2014. It brings stability to a squad that has improved dramatically in the last three years.
The man who is known as Zico will prepare Thailand for two more third-round 2018 World Cup qualifiers later this month.
They will host Saudi Arabia in Bangkok on March 23 before travelling to Saitama to play Japan on March 28.