Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worawit Baru, chairman of Pattani FC, opens up about the team's strategy after promotion to Thai League 1.
On 24 May 2026 GMT+7, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worawit Baru, chairman of Pattani FC, spoke after leading the team to promotion to Thai League 2026/27 by winning a penalty shootout 5-4 against Nongbua Pitchaya, after a 3-3 aggregate tie over two matches.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worawit said, "We have a quota of 10 foreign players, with 7 allowed to play. We're still figuring out the best approach. We plan to focus on the south, reaching out to Johor and Selangor."
"From June onward, we aim to explore Turkey and Saudi Arabia. If the players there are not utilized, they can be loaned to us. We provide accommodation, food, and full care. We have the capability to manage this. This is the concept we're considering."
"Starting from having no money or capital, gradually we've gotten this far. We've discussed with our team and expect to use about 55 million baht at minimum. We've already secured 37-38 million baht per season. For the remainder, we might seek support from friends in Bangkok. We won't expand excessively, but player salaries will be paid clearly and on time. Foreign players want to come to Pattani and share this among themselves. This is important. We aim to finalize everything by the 5th."