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.
Kawin returned to the Thai League in 2022 with an injury-plagued stint at Port FC, and he was welcomed home a few months later by Muangthong United.
Recovery took time and resilience. Kawin was ready to wear the gloves for Muangthong in the February 18th match against BG Pathum United, earning a clean sheet and a 2–0 win.
Determination, hard work, discipline. It’s what makes you different. Just find the way and Be Your Own Legend — Kawin Thamsatchanan
Kawin, who holds a Masters in Public Administration, and is completing a business degree, says achievement requires more than talent and ability. Several times he’s had to find the inner drive to overcome injury, and to harness his internal voice against weakness. It’s given him the discipline to train hard, have a growth mindset, and maintain a sense of humility.
What’s Next for the Kirin
Tonight is one of six home games running up to the match against the Lamphun Warriors on April 21. Also, on March 13, the Kirin travel to Satun in southern Thailand for the League Cup Round of 16 fixture.
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