Pongsakorn Sangkhawopha: The journey of a Thai footballer of Mon descent through the Paris Saint-Germain Academy and trials in European leagues.,
Pongsakorn Sangkhawopha, nicknamed “Eric,” is one of the most promising young midfielders in Thai football today. He is regarded as a "gem" who emerged and developed from the Maralena FC Academy, also known as Maralena Sport Resort on Koh Samui, before rising to the top tier and gaining national recognition.
Pongsakorn Sangkhawopha hails from the Mon ethnic group in Sangkhla Buri district, Kanchanaburi province. His family is deeply rooted in football, with his father, Somdet Sangkhawopha, a former Thanong Thai footballer, serving as his first coach. Pongsakorn began playing football at age five, initially as a goalkeeper before switching to an outfield player later on.
A major turning point came when he joined the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Samui, operating under the Maralena structure. He spent two full years living, training, and honing his skills intensively on Koh Samui. His talent caught the eye of Abdoul Koulibaly, then the academy’s coach who later became head coach of Maralena FC, leading to Pongsakorn’s opportunity to enter professional football.
Pongsakorn’s professional football career began with Maralena, which sent him to gain experience in lower leagues. He became a key player for Hua Hin City in the 2022/23 season at just 16 years old, appearing in 21 matches and scoring 3 goals. His outstanding potential attracted Thai League 1 giant Ratchaburi FC, who signed him to their squad.
Subsequently, Pongsakorn was loaned out to Khon Kaen United to gain regular playing time. During the 2025/26 Thai League 2 season, he delivered an impressive performance with 32 appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 3 assists across all competitions.
Returning to Ratchaburi FC this season, “Eric” caused a nationwide sensation in the Thai League’s 7th round against Sisaket United. Coming on as a second-half substitute while the team trailed 0-2, he exploded with four goals on his own, leading the team to a 5-2 comeback victory. He became the first Thai player in nine years to score four goals in a single Thai League 1 match since Theerathep Winothai in 2017.
Additionally, Pongsakorn has been a key figure in Thailand’s national youth teams, starting from the U17 squad at the 2023 Asian Championship under coach Pipop Onmo, progressing through U20, and being called up to the U23 national team at only 18 years old. He also has European experience from training and trialing with Westerlo in Belgium’s top league.
Pongsakorn’s playing style is highly versatile offensively, capable of performing as an attacking midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, or shifting to the wings (left winger). His strengths include relentless running, aggressive play, and sharpness in making forward runs to score. He is now regarded as one of the brightest young talents Thai fans place their hopes on to become a future star of the national team.