A Rising Prospect
A Young Thai Talent’s Journey to the Singapore Premier League 🇸🇬
In Thai football, the name Thanet Suknate may not yet ring familiar to many fans. But with his dedication, talent, and unwavering determination, this 19-year-old defender is quickly emerging as a player to watch.
Moving abroad at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential and ambition. It’s not just a step forward in his career—it’s a testament to his willingness to grow and prove himself.
Today, we take a closer look at Thanet’s journey, from his early days in football to his exciting new chapter with Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Premier League.
Player Profile
Name: Thanet Suknate (Best)
Date of Birth: July 26, 2005 (19 years old)
Hometown: Ayutthaya, Thailand
Position: Center-back
Club: Tampines Rovers (on loan from BG Pathum United)
The Journey Begins
Thanet’s football path took a serious turn when he joined Suphanburi Sports School, one of Thailand’s most renowned youth academies for developing future professional players.
At just 12 years old, he had the rare opportunity to train with Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan—a club that, at the time, also welcomed Theerathon Bunmathan, the Thai national team captain.
During his early years, Thanet started out as a defensive midfielder, but as he grew taller and stronger, he transitioned into a center-back role. His leadership qualities soon became evident, and he was eventually named captain of his school team. Additionally, he developed the versatility to play as a right-back, further expanding his skill set.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed. While still in high school (Grade 11), he signed his first professional contract with BG Pathum United.
To gain experience, he was sent on loan to Suphanburi FC in Thai League 2, where he had his first taste of professional football.
'Best' learns from "the Best"
After returning to BG Pathum United, Thanet found himself training under Makoto Teguramori, a highly respected Japanese coach.
He was given the opportunity to train with BG Pathum’s senior team, where he shared the field with seasoned Thai national team stars—players he once admired on TV.
One pre-season match left a lasting impact on him. After the game, Teerasil Dangda, Thailand’s legendary striker, approached him and said:
"Know your strengths and weaknesses. Find them and improve."
Then, Teerasil added words that still echo in Thanet’s mind to this day:
"Don't be afraid. We’re all just human—why fear anyone?"
Another mentor figure in his career is Suphan Thongsong, a senior center-back whom he considers his role model.
It’s surreal for Thanet to now share the pitch with Suphan, as he once watched him play while serving as a ball boy at Suphanburi FC.
Thanet also draws inspiration from Pansa Hemviboon at the national level, as well as Sergio Ramos and Virgil van Dijk on the global stage.
A New Challenge: The Singapore Premier League
Before the start of the Thai League season, BG Pathum United made the decision to send Thanet on loan to their partner club, Tampines Rovers, one of Singapore’s top teams.
Tampines had just finished third in the Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup last season, making it a competitive environment for his development.
Thanet was not alone in this move—he was joined by another BG Pathum talent, Thitipat Ekarunpong, a promising 19-year-old forward.
When he received the offer, he didn’t hesitate for a second.
"Opportunities like this don’t come often. Playing abroad at a young age is a great chance to develop, and I wanted to take it immediately."
Settling into life in Singapore was a big transition, but he was fortunate to have the guidance of Seiya Kuno, a Japanese forward at Tampines, who helped him adjust in the early days.
Adapting to a Different Style of Football
When asked about the differences between training in Thailand and Singapore, Thanet noted that:
• Fitness training is heavier in Thailand—Thai clubs emphasize endurance and physical conditioning more than their Singaporean counterparts.
• Singapore focuses more on tactics and game intelligence, possibly because they play fewer matches per season.
• The pace of play in Singapore is faster than in Thailand, which forced him to adapt quickly to the increased intensity.
These challenges have only motivated him to push himself further and develop as a player.
Looking Ahead
Thanet is fully aware that his journey is just beginning.
He doesn’t know whether he’ll stay in Singapore beyond this season or return to Thailand, but his goal is simple:
Make the most of this opportunity and grow as much as possible.
While he has yet to play for the Thai national team, his progress suggests that it may only be a matter of time.
With his talent, work ethic, and valuable overseas experience, Thanet Suknate is shaping up to be a future asset for Thai football.
Keep an eye on this rising star. His journey is just getting started.
Follow Thanet’s Journey
📍 Facebook: Thanet Suknate
Let’s support this young talent as he takes his next big step! 🚀🇹🇭⚽
