Newly Selected Football Player in “Thammasat Games”: Hopes for Thai football to Reach Global Standards

Tuesday 21 January 2025

     The Thai football industry is entering a significant transitional era, particularly at the higher education level, which serves as a breeding ground for new talent that will become a crucial force in the sports sector in the future. However, advancing Thai football to a global standard is not an easy task. Here are the voices of college football athletes who are dedicated to driving Thai football to achieve standards comparable to those of the world, hopefully, through the 50th Thailand University Games, “Thammasat Games.”

     Ekapat Chaenoonduang, a player from the home team, Thammasat University, playing as a right-back in his first year, expressed in an interview his grand dream of taking Thai football to the World Cup. However, to reach that point, he believes support is needed from all relevant sectors, both public and private, to promote and develop the sport.

     Additionally, Peeraphat Chunhacha, a player from Thammasat University, in the position of left-back and currently in his fourth year, further stated that support in terms of training facilities and modern equipment is of utmost importance, as it will help enhance the athletes' capabilities to compete on equal footing with teams from other countries. Peeraphat does not only dream of success on the field but also recognizes the significance of developing various environmental factors that directly impact the creation of quality athletes.

     Veerathat Kaewsiri, a forward, and Nantawat Saihong, a midfielder, from the Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok team, shared their insights regarding the challenges faced by many athletes, specifically the disparities in opportunities and support. The organization of the Thammasat Games has provided them and their teammates the opportunity to fully showcase their potential.

     Thitiphan Aeksiri, a player from Bangkok University, in his fourth year as a midfielder, revealed that he has an important goal of leading the Bangkok University team to victory this year. He also wishes for the younger members of the team to gain experience that will help them develop themselves to the point of being able to play in the Thai League. He believes in the potential of Thai youth and hopes that all relevant sectors will provide greater support for the dreams of Thai children.

     Seksan Ranok, a forward from Bangkok University, in his fourth year, added that the Thammasat Games represents another form of support in the industry, providing him and many fellow players the opportunity to showcase their abilities to coaches from various agencies.

     Unity of Diversity, Victory for All - The unity of diversity leads to victory for all. The college football athletes participating in this competition come from various regions across the country, each bringing their own dreams and inspirations. Whether it is leading their institution's team to championship glory, pursuing a career in professional football, or elevating Thai football on the global stage, this diversity is a vital force worthy of support. Collaboration from all sectors is essential in building a strong foundation.

     The hopes and dreams of these athletes are a call for the Thai football community to continue advancing, so that one day we may see the Thai flag proudly waving on the World Cup stage.