Sergeant First Class Anucha Suksri, a Thai goalkeeper, changed roles to serve the country by guarding the border area in Sa Kaeo province amid the Thai-Cambodian situation.
On 1 January 2026, news was reported about Staff Sergeant Major Aphinan Waengwan, known as “Sergeant Kung,” a former footballer who played for Buriram United Academy, Assumption Bangkok, and Army United FC, winning the Coke Cup Bangkok Zone championship. He later played for Lopburi City in Thai League 3 and won several cash prize tournaments. He was part of the mission to reclaim Hill 350 for Thailand.
Netizens, upon seeing the news, expressed admiration for their bravery in protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
Besides “Sergeant Kung,” who transitioned from sports to military service, there is also Sergeant First Class Anucha Suksri, a goalkeeper who has guarded goals for various clubs in Thai League 3 and Thai League 4, now stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province.
Anucha posted on Facebook: “#ThaiSovereignty #Warriors2025 Thai-Cambodian border ✌️✌️✌️”
Anucha Suksri previously played for Kanchanaburi City in the 2022-23 Thai League 3 season, alongside Thai national team legends Dusakorn Thonglao and Suchao Nuchnum.