Teeraphatt Fulfills His Dream with Thai National Team Call-up and Playing in Japan
Young Thai footballer Teeraphatt Prue Thong earned his first senior national team call-up after impressing with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in Japan's J2 League, viewing the selection as a dream come true but just the start of his career.
Teeraphatt Prue Thong has revealed that his first senior call-up to the Thai national team is the fulfillment of his highest dream, but he views it as just the beginning of his journey. The footballer has performed impressively with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in Japan's J2 League, appearing in nine special season matches with one goal and four assists, helping his team secure second place in the zone. He has now been selected for Thailand's senior national team for the first time for June's FIFA international window, where Thailand will warm up against Kuwait and China.
The Thai national team star said: "I'm delighted to be selected for the senior national team because it's been my dream. I'm not sure how quickly this came, but I've worked hard to perform well. As for age, I don't think it matters—we just have to prove ourselves on the pitch."
"My expectations for this camp aren't high; I just want to give my all. If I get the chance, I have to make it count. Coming to Japan, I have seniors like Check Suvichuk Saraisat here with me, which makes adaptation much easier than going somewhere with no Thai people. Plus, Mew (Narusan Chumpali) is here as an interpreter, guiding me both on and off the pitch, taking care of everything. We talk constantly, which helps me feel relaxed and at home."
"I still think there are many areas I need to develop. I don't think I'm playing well enough yet, and after every match I review my performance to see where I went wrong. Everything feels like a dream right now—playing in Japan, being selected for the Thai national team. But seeing that we're still in the J2 League, I think this is just the beginning. I want to reach the J League. My hunger is still completely there. My main focus is playing football."
"I want to thank all the fans for supporting me, and all Thais living in Japan. Thank you for cheering me on, and please give me your support."
Thailand's warm-up matches during June's FIFA international window consist of two matches: June 5 at 7:30 PM against Kuwait (ranked 134th globally) at True Bli Stadium, with tickets available at https://bit.ly/3R8o5bn, and June 9 against China at Huanglong Sports Center, broadcast on Channel 32.