Charnwit opts to stay on as Thai coach - minister

BANGKOK, Mar 1 (Reuters) Charnwit Polcheewin has agreed to stay on as Thai national coach, just nine days after announcing he was quitting the post to take charge of a Vietnamese club side, a minister said on Thursday.

Thai Minister for Tourism and Sports Suvit Yodmani said he had encouraged Charnwit to retain the job for at least another year to steer the team through a hectic schedule, which includes the co-hosting of the Asian Cup.

''It's very difficult to find a coach of his standing and there some very difficult events we have to face this year,'' Suvit told Reuters.

''I spoke to the players and a many other people, and they all asked me to speak to him. The more he thought about it, the more he realised it was right for him to stay on.

''I know it was a really important decision for him.'' However, the Thai media reported that Charnwit had failed to agree terms with newly promoted V-League team Dong Thap, despite having already announced he would step down as Thai coach.

They said Dong Thap had offered Charnwit around 0,000 a year -- twice his present salary -- but could not agree to the 6,000 compensation he requested for quitting his other job with the Kingdom's Tourism and Sports Ministry.

''Charnwit still wants to be coach and still wants to be a civil servant, and now realises he would have given up two very good positions,'' Suvit added.

The coach's dramatic U-turn will be welcomed in Thailand, where he is hugely popular for his firm-but-friendly approach and for encouraging an attacking style of play.

He became the Kingdom's fifth coach in the space of 16 months when he took over from former German World Cup player Siegfied ''Sigi'' Held in March 2005.

Thongsuk Sabpahangsith, who was unofficially named last week as Charnwit's successor, will now become his deputy.

Thailand is co-hosting the July 7-29 Asian Cup with Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. They are in Group A with Australia, Iraq and Oman.

REUTERS SC SP1140