Time to Shine
The campaign “Thairath Cheers Thailand NEW ERA” announced by the Football Association of Thailand in partnership with Thairath TV
has signed a continuous 4-year contract to broadcast Thai national team football (from 2026 to 2029).
Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam, president of the Football Association of Thailand,
along with “Junior” Watchara Watcharaphol, CEO of Thairath TV and Thairath Online, held a major press conference last week.
This 4-year broadcast contract covers matches of the senior Thai national team and the Thailand U23 team in key competitions.
These include FIFA match days, the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, international tournaments such as the King's Cup, and other important Thai national team events.
Thairath plans to elevate the football viewing experience in the NEW ERA with a major overhaul of its broadcasts.
This includes launching entirely new studios, immersive Thairath-style graphics, and introducing modern game analysis technology to help fans better understand tactics.
Additionally, there will be integration between TV and online platforms through cross-platform collaboration.
This allows football fans to watch matches and follow Thai football content simultaneously across all Thairath channels.
Fans who follow Thai national team broadcasts on all Thairath platforms are guaranteed a satisfying experience!
The most important highlight at the end of March is the decisive Asian Cup qualifying match on Tuesday evening, 31 March 2026, at Rajamangala Stadium.
The match features the Thai national team against Turkmenistan at 7 p.m. at Rajamangala Stadium.
Our War Elephants have only one condition to advance: they must beat Turkmenistan by any score.
This victory would secure a place in the final round in Saudi Arabia.
Any other result, whether a draw or a home loss, would mean the end of the road for Thai football in this campaign.
Therefore, for the match against Turkmenistan on the 31st, I encourage fans to buy tickets and cheer loudly at the stadium.
The match can also be watched live on Thairath TV channel 32 and all Thairath online platforms.
I will provide an in-depth analysis of this crucial match later.
This week, the “Thairath Cheers Thailand NEW ERA” campaign will debut live broadcasts of the U23 four-nation CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an, China.
The young War Elephants U23 squad, led by Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul,
are starting preparations for the 2026 Asian Games men's football tournament in Nagoya later this year.
They will face three top East Asian teams according to the following schedule:
Wednesday, 25 March 2026: Host China vs. Thailand, broadcast 18:05–20:45.
Saturday, 28 March 2026: Thailand vs. Vietnam, the latest SEA Games gold medalists, broadcast 13:30–16:10.
Tuesday, 31 March 2026: North Korea vs. Thailand, broadcast 13:30–16:10.
Although this is a friendly tournament, the quality of opponents provides a valuable measure of the Thai U23 team's young talent.
Many players have experience from SEA Games and final championship stages.
Including superstars like “See Four” Khakhana Kamyok and “Jao Nuea” Thanakrit Chotmuangpak,
along with Chanon Thamma, Chanaphat Buaphan, and Phichitchai Siakkrathok.
Rising stars Vision Inaram, Usamma Tiangkam, and several others are also notable.
“Jao Pao” Theeraphat Prueathong, a fast-rising young forward not yet 19,
was loaned by BG Pathum United to Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, a J2 League team in Japan.
At first, I wasn’t excited, thinking it was just a marketing collaboration between the two clubs.
But surprisingly, this former Assumption Sriracha youth product is showing signs of shining brightly in Japan.
He started as a substitute from the season opener and was brought on in the second half.
Most recently, last Saturday, “Jao Pao” created a buzz by starting in the first 11 alongside “P’Check” Supachok Sarachat.
In the match where Sapporo narrowly defeated Ventforet Kofu 1-0.
This marked the first time in history that two Thai players started together in a J.League game.
Importantly, Theeraphat showed strength, dribbling through the opposing defense to assist the winning goal.
Japanese media outlets such as Sports Hochi and Doshin Sports enthusiastically praised “Jao Pao’s” performance.
They noted that this young Thai player has not only speed but excellent vision, quickly gaining trust from teammates.
Theeraphat’s hot form is expected to be a key boost for Consadole Sapporo this season.
Before he returns to serve the “War Elephants” Thailand U23 team in the four-nation tournament in China.
It seems the time has come for “Jao Pao” Theeraphat Prueathong to truly shine representing his country.
Just as Coach Wang has told me many times,
that he is a “versatile forward.”
He is the hope of Thai football’s new generation,
who will surely not disappoint anyone.
- Bee Bangpakong -