Minister urges Thai trio to rethink decison to quit

BANGKOK, July 21 (Reuters) Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister has urged three of the country's top soccer players to rethink their decision to quit the national team after the Kingdom failed to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

Suvit Yodmani said captain Tawan Sripan, midfielder Therdsak Chaiman and striker Kiatisak ''Zico'' Senamuang -- Thailand's most capped player with more than 120 appearances -- were valuable to the team and should reconsider their decision.

''I was quite stunned when I heard about their retirement,'' Suvit was quoted as saying by the Nation newspaper today.

''In my view, the time is not right for them to quit. They are still useful to the squad.'' He added: ''If they leave at this moment, it might have a negative effect on the team. We are in a situation where team spirit is not good. Their presence would be very supportive to the younger members of the squad.'' Earlier this year Suvit, who was appointed by the Thai junta after last year's bloodless coup, successfully convinced Charnwit Polcheewin to turn down a lucrative job in Vietnam to remain national team coach.

Co-hosts Thailand were dealt a major blow on Monday when they were hammered 4-0 by Australia having needed only a draw to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The Thais have been the dominant power in South East Asian soccer for decades but have always struggled to make the grade in the big Asian competitions.

REUTERS BJR HT1612