"Being talented alone is not enough." This is the view of Ming - Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri, a former Thai national team left back who played for both Chonburi FC and Buriram United, directly experiencing the rigorous standards of "The Thunder Castle." The tags are [Buriram United, football, player standards, Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri, Thai football].
I had the opportunity to interview Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri, former Buriram United player, shortly after the Shopee Cup 2025/26 final, where Buriram United won the championship. Tags: [interview, Shopee Cup, Buriram United, championship, Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri].
Although Korakot is no longer a professional footballer, he now runs a football school and operates artificial turf football fields for rent. He is very smart in life planning, having successfully developed his business ventures. Tags: [Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri, career transition, football school, business, artificial turf].
But do you know from Korakot’s perspective what kind of players Buriram United prefers? And why does he highly praise Theerathon Bunmathan? Tags: [Buriram United, player qualities, Theerathon Bunmathan, Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri].
Korakot recalled when "Theerathon Bunmathan," the Thai national team left back from Buriram United, decided to return to play in Thailand with two main options: Buriram United and BG Pathum United. He praised Theerathon not only as a top-class player but also for his passion, attitude, and full professionalism. Theerathon does everything for the team's success on and off the field. Korakot believes any team with a player like Theerathon has a strong chance of winning a championship because such players are rare. It’s no surprise that Theerathon is among the most decorated players globally and still has opportunities for further success if he hasn't retired yet. Tags: [Theerathon Bunmathan, player qualities, professionalism, Buriram United, Thai football].
Additionally, Ming Korakot revealed the secret behind Buriram United’s success: "Being talented alone is not enough." Players must have discipline, fitness, endurance, and the ability to handle immense pressure because Buriram instills a serious culture of winning. Everyone must compete for their position and constantly maintain their standards. Tags: [Buriram United, team culture, discipline, fitness, competition].
He also shared that once the club assessed his playing style and, considering his age, suggested that playing as a wing-back—requiring constant up-and-down running during 90 minutes—might not suit his long-term physical condition. They discussed and recommended adjusting his role. This reflects Buriram United’s detailed data-driven planning and management. Tags: [Buriram United, player management, data analysis, role adjustment, Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri].
For Korakot, what sets Buriram apart from many clubs is not just team potential or high remuneration but the standards and expectations everyone must bear. The sole goal is "victory," and when they lose, the atmosphere is filled with pressure. While players are not directly blamed, the seriousness of management and club culture are enough to make every player avoid experiencing defeat again. Tags: [Buriram United, club culture, pressure, victory, management].
Korakot is regarded as a role model for younger players. Many now jokingly call him "Sia Ming." He runs artificial turf football fields for rent and football-related businesses. He also has a live sports streaming business, sports apparel sales, and a construction contracting company. However, these were not started within 1-2 years; Ming has thoughtfully and steadily developed them. His growth has been stable and is expected to become even stronger in the future. Tags: [Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri, business, career transition, entrepreneurship, sports].
- Pup Thattat - Tags: [journalist, reporting, Buriram United, interview].