SONGKHLA — Thai football fans are overjoyed as the national team clinches the 50th King’s Cup championship for the first time in 7 years since 2017 and for the 16th time since 1976. This marks the first championship win outside of Bangkok.
The Football Association of Thailand organized the 50th “King’s Cup” tournament, a competition that began in 1968. It featured 4 teams, competing at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla Province. Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-1 in the first game, while Syria beat Tajikistan 1-0.
In the final on October 14, Thailand (world ranking 100), coached by Japanese Masatada Ishii, faced Syria (world ranking 94), led by Spanish coach José Lana, at Tinsulanon Stadium, which was packed with 24,121 spectators. Prior to this match, the Philippines defeated Tajikistan 3-0 to secure third place in the tournament.
Thailand narrowly won 2-1 against Syria. Thailand’s Ekanit Panya scored in the 44th minute of the first half. In the second half, Sasalak Haiprakhon’s misplaced pass allowed Ezequiel Naim Ham to equalize for Syria in the 53rd minute. Team captain Chanathip Songkrasin scored the winning goal in injury time (90+1).
“The turning point of this game followed football dynamics, with both good and bad moments. We had opportunities to finish several times. I must thank all my teammates. There were minor mistakes in details, but ultimately it’s about whether we fight or not. This team represents a new generation of players,” said Chanathip, nicknamed “Messi J”.
He also thanked fans from Songkhla, the South, and all over Thailand, saying their support helped the team win the championship today.
Head coach Masatada Ishii also said, “The fans cheering for us, whether in the stadium or watching on TV, played a crucial role in helping us perform well.”
“This time, we had Chanathip as team captain, which created a good atmosphere in the team, and everyone was committed to training. Of course, the field conditions and today’s weather – I must thank everyone who came to cheer, giving the players energy to play throughout the game,” the Japanese head coach said.
Meanwhile, Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, announced a 5 million baht bonus for the Thai national team, an increase from the previously announced 3 million baht.
This victory is a significant achievement for the Thai national team since she took office as the association’s president in mid-2023, following the Thai U16 team’s runner-up finish in the ASEAN U16 Boys’ Championship Indonesia 2024, where they lost to Australia 7-8 on penalties.
Aside from the competitive matches, this tournament also featured an amusing incident involving a dog that ran onto the pitch during the Thailand vs. Philippines game on October 11. The dog even defecated on the pitch amidst the rain.
Although this might result in a fine for the tournament organizers, it became a viral, humorous sensation on social media. People nicknamed the dog “Mah Deng,” playfully referencing “Moo Deng,” the famous pygmy hippo celebrity.
Enterprising individuals even produced and sold T-shirts featuring the incident outside the stadium during the final match, priced at 299 baht each. They stated that the proceeds, after deducting expenses, would be donated to feed dogs.
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