Through the Lens
Santos – The Photographer Who Captures the Soul of Thai Football
"Through the Lens: The Storyteller of Thai Football's History" 📸
"We are part of the behind-the-scenes team that ensures everything is delivered on time—whether it's a goal celebration, a decisive moment on the pitch, or a candid shot from inside the Thai national team camp. Everything must be captured and sent out quickly and accurately."
"Sometimes, I just want to sit back and enjoy the match like any other fan."
These are the words of a man who has been on the sidelines for almost every game played by the Thai national team. And when we say "on the sidelines," we mean it—he's right there, pitchside, closer to the action than anyone else.
"I’m on the field from start to finish, but when I walk out after the final whistle, I can hardly talk about the game with others. I barely know how the match unfolded."
Why? Because even though he stands just meters away from the action from kickoff to the final whistle, his focus is not on watching the game like everyone else. His view of football is through the lens of his camera.
Today, Off The Bench brings you the story of Santos—Sarayuth Klamthavorn, the Thai national team’s official photographer.
From Aspiring Photographer to the Heart of Thai Football
"You can call me a photographer, but technically, my role at the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) falls under the PR department.
Our team consists of about four or five people, and we handle everything together. While photography is my main responsibility, I also help with other media tasks when needed."
Due to budget constraints and an ongoing development phase, the FAT operates differently from larger football associations worldwide. Every expense is carefully allocated, and photographers are often required to multitask—taking photos, shooting videos, editing footage, and even drafting articles.
More Than Just Photography
"Our job scope is broad. We coordinate with the media, distribute photos, and handle press registrations for FAT-organized matches.
Since we work directly with the association, we have closer access to the team compared to other media outlets. That means our content—whether it's from training sessions or behind the scenes—is exclusive and officially owned by the FAT. If any other outlet wants to use our images, they have to request permission from us."
Conversely, when FAT member clubs want media coverage or publicity assistance, they can reach out to the PR team. If the request aligns with the association’s interests, Santos and his team help distribute the news across FAT’s official channels.
Despite his reputation as a leading sports photographer, Santos didn’t originally train in photography. His journey started with a love for football and a fascination with cameras. He began as an assistant photographer at small tournaments, learning camera settings and lighting techniques from friends in the field.
While juggling his studies, he took every opportunity to practice, gaining experience and eventually landing freelance gigs. His big break came when he was hired by Hot Score, a well-known sports newspaper at the time.
"I've been with the FAT for nine years—since Somyot’s presidency, all the way to the current era under Madam Pang."
Santos' growing reputation as a sports photographer coincided with Somyot Poompanmoung's election as FAT president. A friend within the association mentioned that FAT was looking for a dedicated photographer and encouraged him to apply. He took the opportunity and became the first official photographer for the Thai national team.
A Professional Approach
"It’s not just about picking up a camera and shooting whatever I want."
Every match requires preparation. Before stepping onto the field, Santos outlines what needs to be captured—beyond the in-game moments, there are standard shots to consider: team photos before kickoff, coach reactions, fan atmospheres, and stadium energy.
Even though he works directly for FAT, that doesn’t mean he gets special privileges. While he’s guaranteed a media pass, different stadiums, especially those abroad, have varying rules. In major Asian tournaments, journalists and photographers must register in advance, and each match has a strict cap on how many can access the field.
Once inside, movement is also regulated. Pitchside photographers must follow designated positions—some are restricted behind the goal, others along the sidelines. If someone wants to switch spots at halftime, they must negotiate with other photographers.
"For me, the best photo isn’t necessarily the one with the perfect lighting or composition. It’s the one that tells a story on its own."
Capturing Moments That Matter
Every photographer has their own style. Even when standing side by side, no two photographers will capture the same image. Santos specializes in action shots from behind the goal—whether it's a goal celebration, frustration after a missed chance, or a dramatic reaction.
One of his most memorable images came during an AFF Championship match in Singapore, when Chanathip Songkrasin scored and immediately ran to hug Kawin Thamsatchanan, who was warming up on the sidelines. The moment was deeply emotional, as Kawin had recently lost his father. The image went viral, resonating with fans across Thailand.
"Every match is different. Even in the same stadium, under the same lights, sitting in a slightly different position changes everything. Rain, intense sunlight, overcast skies—these are challenges we adapt to. But shooting in snow? That was a first for me."
One of the biggest challenges Santos faced was in Mongolia with the Thai U19 team. Heavy snowfall made the pitch almost entirely white, and the subzero temperatures made it nearly impossible to operate the camera while wearing gloves. But despite the extreme conditions, he knew that the young Thai players on the field were enduring far greater hardship.
"If they could fight through it, I had no excuse to give up."
Staying Humble in a Digital Age
"I have no ego. If someone tells me an image is inappropriate, I delete it without question."
In today’s world, where online controversies can arise from the smallest details, Santos occasionally faces criticism over his photos.
For instance, he once captured a shot of the team’s bench where a player had their foot resting on the seat—someone pointed out that it looked disrespectful. Another time, a playful moment between teammates appeared as if one was hitting the other. Though unintentional, such images could be taken out of context.
"If an image isn’t appropriate, I remove it immediately. No hard feelings."
The Man Behind the Camera
"We shine the light on others, but who shines the light on us?"
Photographers remain unseen. Fans recognize the players and celebrate the moments, but rarely do they think about who captured them. Santos, like many in his profession, dedicates himself fully to his craft—wherever the national team goes, he follows.
Even during off-seasons, his job isn’t over. He repairs equipment, edits photos, and handles administrative work. Luckily, his family understands his passion and the demands of his job.
Looking back, Santos considers himself fortunate. Many skilled photographers would love to be in his position but never get the opportunity.
"In a way, I’m part of the national team. I may not wear the jersey, but I’m still contributing to the dream."
When asked about his ultimate goal, he answers without hesitation:
"My dream? To see Thailand at the World Cup. And if that day comes, I hope I’ll be there to capture the moment for all Thai football fans to cherish."
With his dedication and love for the game, Santos isn’t just taking pictures—he’s preserving history. And at Off The Bench, we recognize him as one of the unseen heroes who immortalizes Thai football’s greatest moments.
📸 Follow Santos' work at:
Facebook.com/sarayuthk
