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THAILAND LIFE AND CULTURE
Thailand’s Greatest Goalkeeper — Kawin Thamsatchanan
The National Team legend returns to the football club where it all started.
Match Day Magazine — Inside Kirin: Muangthong United vs PT Prachuap FC, Sunday, March 3rd, 2024.
Welcome to the Thunderdome Stadium and tonight’s Thai League fixture with PT Prachuap FC.
Thai League’s ‘Killer Wasps’
PT Prachuap must find their sting again in order to escape relegation. The club is currently at the bottom of the table, but their form is improving, with a win last week over Khon Kaen and recent draws against Port FC and BG Pathum United.
The Wasps’ main threat is Thai league veteran Jeong Woo-Geun (#99), responsible for 13 of the club’s 20 goals. Other players to watch are former Muangthong United forward Derley (#33) and midfielder Saharat Kanyaroj (#8). Chatchai Saengdow (#3) is also on loan at PT Prachuap FC.
Thailand’s Greatest Goalkeeper
Kawin Thamsatchanan’s career has come full circle, returning to where things started between the pipes for Muangthong United.
Born in Bangkok, Kawin emerged through the Assumption College football academy. He first appeared on Thailand’s national team at age 15. Over his career, Kawin became the country’s #1 keeper with 64 appearances at the senior level.
Muangthong United signed the promising footballer in 2008, and Kawin spent the next ten seasons as a Kirin. He was pivotal in the club’s promotion to Thailand’s top division in 2009 and three of four championships since then.
Manchester United and European Football
His speed and agility garnered him the nickname “The Flying Kawin”, and European clubs took notice.
In 2010, a possible trial with Manchester United fell through due to an injury sustained in the Asian Cup, and Kawin was picked up instead by Belgium side OH Leuven.
After four seasons in Europe, he moved to J.League club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, joining national team companion Chanathip Songkrasin.
