Andros Townsend opens a new world! He stops by a temple to pray and shops for food before playing in the Thai League, saying this kind of routine doesn’t exist in the Premier League.
On 11 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Andros Townsend, former Premier League star and current captain of Phonkanjan FC, shared his impressions after moving to the Thai League. He especially noted the pre-match routine where the team bus stops at a temple for players to pray for blessings, then spends up to 45 minutes at a convenience store so everyone can buy snacks—a practice he has never seen in the Premier League.
Townsend also expressed how impressed he is with the attitude of Thai football fans. Even after his team lost 8-0 to Port FC, fans applauded to encourage the players instead of booing, which contrasted with his previous experiences. Fans often bring coconuts, sweets, and gifts to him, making him feel very warm and deeply touched.
He added that although the team’s on-field performance still needs improvement, in terms of life off the pitch and experiencing Thai culture, this transfer has been one of the most worthwhile and impressive in his career. He emphasized that he did not come here to compare with the Premier League but to open his mind, learn, immerse himself, and enjoy a unique life experience not found elsewhere.