Like an adoptive father, Supachai reveals the teachings of Ray McDonald, who transformed his life into a football career.
On 21 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Arm Supachai Jaided, forward for Thailand's national team and Buriram United, shared his admiration for Ray McDonald, who opened opportunities for him as a child to become a successful professional footballer, during a funeral ceremony at Wat Yang Royal Monastery.
"I grew up in the South, just a kid playing football with friends at home and school. Then P' Ray had the Gothia Cup project; he himself had represented Thailand internationally. One day, he came to select players to compete in Sweden, and I was among those chosen from the three southern border provinces."
"P' Ray was like a club president selecting players and brought along staff coach Ajarn Sombun Inorn to help with selections. Honestly, I didn't know who P' Ray was at first, but after getting to know him, I felt connected. Living with him, he was close to all the athletes, caring for and supporting us well."
"Yes, when I was a kid, I just played football like any child. After playing in Sweden, P' Ray invited me to come to Bangkok to open opportunities for myself, making football a career that could support my family. He opened the door for me to become a professional footballer."
"As everyone knows, 'Do good with your right hand without letting your left hand know.' P' Ray, who was with us, was a very down-to-earth man and a great role model for me in life. He was close to us, ate with us from the three southern border provinces, and when he lived there, he followed our ways, helping us wherever we were."
"Yes, before I came up at age 11, my parents were very worried. Among them were P' Ray and P' Mam, who spoke with my parents to ask permission. They promised to take the best care of me and requested to adopt me. I have never forgotten that."
"They promised my parents they would take the best care of me during my life in the capital city, which was a great concern for my parents when I was just 11."
"Looking back, P' Ray was the one who opened the door and gave me the chance. As he once said in an interview, many helped him, but P' Ray was the first door that brought me to where I am today. He was a role model who inspired me to struggle and fight to reach this point."
"Yes, I've never seen P' Ray give interviews or claim credit. He never said anything like that. Whenever I was in Bangkok on holidays, I would visit P' Ray, P' Mam, and Nong Mika at their home; we kept in touch regularly."
"When I went to P' Ray's house, we hardly ever talked about football. We chatted about various things because he knew I had many stresses playing for clubs and the national team. He always tried to help me relax every time I visited, chatting about other topics casually."
"Actually, just two months ago. My family and I often visited P' Ray's house regularly. If we didn't see him, we'd see P' Mam or Nong Mika."
"None at all. Every time we visited, P' Ray was cheerful and lively. There were no signs of illness. We always thought he was fine because every time we came, he seemed normal and joyful. I often took my children and family to visit him."
"One morning, a fellow athlete who had been to Sweden with P' Ray messaged to ask if the news was true. I said I needed to check first, then I quickly called P' Mam. When someone answered and confirmed it was true, I was shocked because he was like a father to me."
"I'm still in shock and find it hard to believe since we had just visited and seen him recently. But I'm trying to stay strong to support and care for P' Mam and Nong Mika. I will continue visiting and helping take care of them."
"P' Ray was an athlete, a sportsman with his own dreams. He once told me to continue his legacy, whether in club competitions or the national team."
"I will do my best. I will follow P' Ray's dream. I believe today P' Ray and his family are proud of me. I will continue this path, keep improving myself, and aim even higher."
