Arm Supachai Jaidek The Thai national footballer and Buriram United player shared his admiration for Re MacDonald the famous actor and travel YouTuber who gave him the chance to pursue a successful football career, also recalling the day when Re and Mam Sarinya Re's wife, asked Arm's parents to adopt him to provide the best care.
Please tell us how you first met Re?
"I was living in the south, just a kid playing football with friends at home and school. My brother had a project called Gothia Cup; he was once a representative of Thailand competing abroad. One day, my brother held a football tryout to select players for a tournament in Sweden, and I was among the players selected from the three southern border provinces. (Arm, you were on that team, right?) Yes, that's right."
Do you remember the first moment you met Re? What was your impression?
"The first day I met him, Re was like the club president overseeing the selection, bringing along staff coach Ajarn Sombun In-on. Honestly, I didn’t know who Re was at first, but after getting to know him, I felt a strong bond. He got involved closely with all the players, treated us with care and importance."
What was Re's role at that time?
"He was the club president, supporting the team and personally taking us everywhere—handling everything."
Would you say Re was the one who pushed, revived, or transformed your life?
"Yes. When I was a kid, I just played football like other kids. After going to Sweden, Re invited me to Bangkok to open opportunities for myself and to pursue a career that could support my family. He opened the door for me to become a professional footballer."
Did you talk with Re about what he saw in you that made him support you?
"At that time, I was the youngest in the group. Re didn’t just invite me; he invited many others, but I was the first to come. Then about 10 friends joined me in Bangkok 3-4 years later."
Is there a phrase from Re that has guided your life until now?
"As everyone knows,‘Do good with your right hand; there’s no need for your left hand to know.’"Re, who was with us, was a very down-to-earth man and a great role model for living simply. Being close to us, eating meals with the kids from the three southern border provinces, he adopted our ways, even eating with his hands. Wherever he was, he helped us."
You love Re like a foster father, don’t you?
"Yes. I came up to Bangkok when I was 11. Of course, my parents were very worried. Re and Mam spoke to my parents to ask permission, promising to take the best care of me and asking to adopt me. I’ve never forgotten that."
How did you feel when you heard they wanted to adopt you?
"Very happy. They promised my parents they would care for me well in the big city, which was a big concern for my parents with me being only 11."
Now that you’ve succeeded in football, playing for Buriram and the national team, can you say it would have been difficult without Re?
"Oh, definitely. Looking back, Re opened the door and gave me the chance. As he once said, many people helped me, but he was the first door that brought me here. He was a role model who inspired me to fight and strive for today."
Re once said not to call it a debt of gratitude, right?
"Yes. I’ve never seen Re take credit or talk about it. Whenever I’m in Bangkok on breaks, I visit Re, Mam, and Mika at their home. We hardly talk about football because he knows I have stress from club and national duties. He tries to help me relax by chatting about other things."
We know Re has helped youth football in the three southern border provinces for a long time, but few know what he has done. What can you tell us?
"Re held an annual competition to find athletes and open opportunities for youth in the three southern border provinces. The tournaments were held in Pattani, gathering players from nearby provinces like Yala and Narathiwat. He has consistently supported these events."
So Re has helped many kids in the south without much public recognition?
"Yes. No one outside knows, but everyone in the three southern provinces knows Re. He is very caring; it’s rare to find someone like him."
When was the last time you saw Re?
"Actually, just two months ago. My family and I regularly visit Re’s home. When we don’t see him, we see Mam or Mika."
During those visits, did you notice any signs of illness or problems with Re?
"None at all. Every time, Re was cheerful and lively. We thought he was always fine because he appeared normal and playful. I often bring my kids and family to visit him."
How did you learn about Re’s passing?
"Early in the morning, a teammate who went to Sweden with Re sent me a message asking if the news was true. I said I needed to check. I quickly called Mam and was told it was true. I was shocked because he was like a father to me. I still can’t believe it since we just saw each other. But I try to stay strong to support Mam and Mika, visiting and helping them continue."
Is there something you wanted to do for Re but didn’t get the chance?
"Of course. Re was an athlete with dreams. He once told me to carry on his legacy, whether in club or national competitions. I will do my best to fulfill his dream. I believe Re and his family are proud of me. I will keep improving and aim higher."
Did you have a chance to say anything to Re recently?
"I simply told him that I came to see him and that I would do my best in my work. I will take care of Mam and Mika continuously."
Besides you, has Re supported any other footballers who succeeded?
"Yes, there are several. Another is P’Aon, who went to Sweden with us and now plays in Division 2, though I’m not sure which team. There’s also another player previously with Phrae United whom Re supported, but I’m unsure where he is now."
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