Thailand Japan

Theerathon, Thitipan Unveiled in Japan

Shortly after completing campaigns with the Thai National Team at the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE, War Elephants stars Theerathon Bunmathan and Thitipan Puangchan have been unveiled by their new J.League clubs.

Left-back Theerathon spent the 2018 season in Japan with Vissel Kobe, alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta and Lukas Podolski, on loan from four-time Thai League Champions Muangthong United. This new deal, with Yokohama F. Marinos, is another temporary move from the Kirin. However, Thailand’s Number 3 is expected to play a key role for the Kanagawa based club in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Thitipan Puangchan is a newcomer to Japanese football as he joins newly promoted Oita Trinita. Rising to prominence recently with a number of excellent performances for Chiangrai United, Bangkok Glass, and the Thai National Team, the box-to-box midfielder’s energy make him a unique prospect in the nation.

While their unveilings made headlines this week, Thitipan and Theerathon aren’t the only Thai players to make the northeastward move this winter window. Thitipan’s teammate at Bangkok Glass, winger Jakkit Laptrakul, has joined Tokushima Vortis in the Japanese second division. Additionally, Bangkok United youngster Nattawut Suksum is set for a temporary spell with FC Tokyo’s U23 side in J3.