Former world champion Andre Cason will be hired to train Thai runners, officials said yesterday.
Thailand were empty-handed in the men's and women's 4x100m relay events at last year's Asian Games. file photo
The 45-year-old American is expected to sign a contract with the Athletic Association of Thailand later this month.
He will be assigned to train short-distance runners and 4x100m relay teams.
"We have agreed in principle and we will sign a contract later this month," said national coach Supanat Ariyamongkol.
"He has visited Thailand a few times to watch our athletes. I think he will be able to make our runners become better. He will focus on the 100m, 200m and 4x100m events."
Cason was a member of the US 4×100m relay teams which triumphed at the 1991 and 1993 World Championships.
He also won gold in the men's 100m sprint at the Universiade Games in 1989, and was coach of the Dominican Republic in 2008.
Supanat said that Cason's immediate target is to help the Thai men's and women's relay teams win berths at this year's World Championships.
Under Cason, a Thai man should be able to run 100m in 10.15sec and a woman 11.15-11.20sec, Supanat said.
Supanat said the men's and women's 100m relay teams should also improve.
Once a powerhouse in the relay events, both Thai men and women failed to win a single medal at last year's Asian Games.
"They failed because they were nervous," said Supanat. "Working with Cason should boost their confidence."