PETALING JAYA: From a 14-hour solo train journey across Thailand at the age of 12 to becoming the key person for Buriram United and Thailand, Supachai Chaided is an epitome of greatness.
The 27-year-old prolific striker stands on the verge of adding another chapter to an already glittering career as Buriram United seek to retain the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup title.
Holding a 1-0 advantage over Selangor ahead of the second leg at the Chang Arena in Buriram today, the Thai champions are once again within touching distance of regional supremacy.
“This is now the second year of the competition, so every team has more experience and understands how to play against us,” said Supachai.
“There are also stronger and higher-quality teams involved, like Johor Darul Ta’zim, who we faced in the semi-finals. We are now hoping to win in front of our fans.”
Supachai’s resume is already among the most impressive in the region.
Supachai has scored 106 goals in 356 appearances for Buriram United while collecting six Thai League 1 titles, three Thai FA Cups and three Thai League Cups. Individually, he emerged as the league’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player in both 2023 and 2024.
He also played a pivotal role in Thailand’s Asean Championship triumph in 2020 and has netted eight goals in 46 appearances for the national team.
Supachai remains driven by the same hunger that pushed him onto that train to Bangkok all those years ago.
“I’ve fought through challenges at every stage of my life,” Supachai recalled of his decision to leave home in Pattani for Bangkok as a child.
“I think I’m mentally strong enough to keep maintaining high standards and stay at the top level.”
His started his professional career far from home at Pathumkongka School and eventually earned a place with Osotspa before securing a move to Buriram United, where he blossomed into one of South-East Asia’s most feared forwards.
