Virat throws hat into ring for soccer boss
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Virat Chanpanich says he is inspired by the desire to help Thailand return to prominence in world football. The man behind one of the country's most successful periods yesterday launched his bid for the presidency of the Football Association of Thailand w
Thailand, once regarded as soccer’s frontrunners in Southeast Asia, have endured years of mediocrity and seen their word ranking plummet beyond the top 100. This is a far cry from the days of Virat, who was the team’s manager two decades ago, when he helped the country win eight successive SEA Games titles starting in 1993 in Singapore.
Better known as “Big Krong”, Virat said he had been disappointed to see the national team slip down the rankings in recent years, and that was one of the reasons behind his decision to run for the presidency again after losing to incumbent Worawi Makudi two years ago.
“I love Thai football and feel a deep attachment to it. Our team used to maintain a far higher spot in the rankings. We were once a top-five side in Asia. But we are now sinking lower and lower. I feel we can’t let things continue this way.
“If we liken the football association to a company, the national team is our product and we must keep improving it. Why? Because the team brings happiness to the people.
“I was fortunate to get involved with the team after being invited into the set-up by Khun Tawatchai Sajakul, or ‘Big Hoy’, and getting support from the then FAT president Vijit Getkaew. We together helped the team win the SEA Games title eight consecutive times, while we also reached the last-10 stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
“Since then, the national team has not received proper attention from the association. I would like to make the Thai team into something we can be proud of again.”
Virat insisted Thailand’s goal of reaching their first-ever World Cup finals was achievable provided they overhauled the team management.
“I feel annoyed every time I hear people say that they will only see the team at the World Cup in a future life. I don’t think we need wait so long; actually we could do it soon with better management of the team.
“We have gotten close to achieving that dream before, so I believe there’s no reason why we can’t eventually make it. But we have to become ‘top dog’ in the region first and then aim for the top three in Asia. If we can do that, World Cup qualification would be within our reach.”
