BEM and EXAT have launched Season 2 of the ‘Football Sharing Happiness Along the Routes’ project, moving forward to enhance quality of life through sports and engaging famous idols to inspire the new generation of youth.
BEM, in partnership with the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), continues the success of the ‘Football Sharing Happiness Along the Routes’ project into its second season after a strong response to the inaugural event last year. The project has expanded its scope from community and health to include environmental aspects, emphasizing youth engagement through practical understanding. It also features famous football idols who share their experiences to inspire and motivate young people intensely. A special highlight this year is fostering unity by opening the field for competitions between teams, culminating in a big surprise where the youth will watch a Thai League match up close for a full, immersive experience.
Mr. Thitiphan Panichprasan, Assistant Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), said, “With the shared goal of promoting health and improving the quality of life for youth and communities, EXAT is very pleased to collaborate with BEM in organizing the ‘Football Sharing Happiness Along the Routes’ project. Last year, more than 2,000 youths from 62 communities participated, receiving excellent feedback. This year, we will continue to involve communities near the five expressways: Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, Chalong Rat, Udon Ratthaya, and Prachim Ratthaya. These areas are where EXAT prioritizes and cares for residents’ quality of life. Activities will be held three times: first at Pan Sports 2 under the Si Rat Expressway near Uru Phong Intersection; second at the sports ground of Wat Soi Thong School near Prachim Ratthaya Expressway; and finally near Udon Ratthaya Expressway at Thunder Dome Football Park, Muang Thong Thani.”
EXAT not only builds expressways to connect travel routes but is committed to creating a “network of opportunities” that reaches communities and youth living along these routes. Utilizing spaces under or near the expressways to hold activities serves as a mechanism to promote physical and mental health for nearby residents and communities, while also helping to reduce inequality in access to sports opportunities.”
Mr. Rungsak Luangrattanamas, Assistant Managing Director of the Expressway Engineering Division at Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), said, “Under our sustainable operational approach guided by good governance and consideration of social, community, and environmental impacts to create a pathway of happiness—'Mobility for All: Sharing the Sustainable Journey'—BEM continuously implements projects reflecting happiness in three areas: Happy Journey (joy in travel), Happy Living Society (joy in community and society), and Happy Planet (joy of a sustainable world). These aspects cover community and social dimensions, health promotion, and environmental care. Building on last year’s focus on sharing happiness in communities through football and health promotion, Season 2 expands to emphasize environmental awareness, encouraging youth to engage with understanding. Simultaneously, the football skills training intensifies with 7-a-side competitions among communities to foster unity and mutual support, progressing toward the intended goals. This approach aims to nurture 'seeds' not merely playing for fun but developing discipline, sportsmanship, and inspiration for children to dream of professional careers. This is achieved through integrated cooperation among all sectors—government agencies, private sector, schools, communities, families, and youth themselves. Frequent joint activities build stronger relationships, helping youth stay away from screens and drugs, while also strengthening their bond with the BEM brand, as seeing the brand from a young age fosters recognition and understanding of the organization's role in community support along expressway routes.”
For the ‘Football Sharing Happiness Along the Routes’ Season 2 project, participating youth will experience dream fulfillment powered by sports through football clinics focused on skill development, fostering unity, and instilling determination. These clinics feature former famous Thai national team players such as Tong - Kawin Thamsatchanan (on 15 and 22 Mar 2026) and Leesaw - Teeratep Winothai (15 Mar and 5 Apr 2026). Additionally, well-known football influencers including 'Toote' from Toodooball Thai, 'Tongzui' Phanuwat Jaiyim, 'Max Yon Rian' Natthaporn Srima, 'Super Sub' Watanyu Srithongkham, 'Pee Football' Peeraphat Taengsee, and 'Bajjo' Panupong Jaikamsat will join to share positive energy and happiness with the community.
The grand finale on 5 April 2026 will surprise 200 youths with an opportunity to watch the Thai League match between Muangthong United and Chiangrai United at Thunder Dome Stadium, fulfilling their dreams and providing an unforgettable experience. This year's activities are further enhanced by support from SEE FAH and products from Campus Ball, including chocolate-flavored crispy snacks that are delicious, fun, and nutritious, along with Kato, a fruit juice beverage mixed with coconut jelly, offering a chewy and enjoyable treat.
The ‘Football Sharing Happiness Along the Routes’ project is another initiative from BEM and EXAT that brings smiles, happiness, and opportunities to develop youth potential in communities along the expressways. It aligns with their shared goal to deliver efficient services, ensuring expressway users travel conveniently, quickly, and safely, while providing responsible service to all stakeholders with regard to the environment, society, and corporate governance. This contributes to advancing Thailand's transportation service industry sustainably.
