Thai football legend speaks out ahead of Asean Cup 2026

Theerathon Bunmathan's glittering track record speaks for itself. The 2022 ASEAN Championship Best Player continues to add team and individual honors even after turning 30, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in regional football history.

The Buriram United FC midfielder recently added the 2025/26 Thai League 1 Best Player award to his impressive collection, following another outstanding season.

"I am very happy to be chosen for this award once again, but I couldn't have done it alone," wrote Theerathon, 36, on social media after receiving the honor for the third time, having previously won it in 2013 and 2022.

"I give credit to the team, the coaches, and my teammates for helping me. The team's success is because everyone contributed. I will maintain the standards in what I do next, not only for myself but also for the club, the football fans, and the next generation of young players."

A three-time ASEAN Championship winner—the tournament now known as the ASEAN Hyundai Cup—Theerathon continues to be a force at both club and national team levels.

He played a crucial role in Buriram United's latest treble-winning season, scoring a spectacular goal in the second leg of the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup final against Selangor FC. Earlier, he provided two assists for Suphanat Mueanta, helping the club successfully defend their title.

Theerathon also played a central role in the club's Thai League 1 and Thai FA Cup triumphs, as Buriram United successfully defended both titles and maintained domestic dominance.

The versatile midfielder is one of the key reasons Buriram United has sustained its success. Over a long period, he has also been central to the Thai national team's championship victories.

Theerathon made his senior national team debut in October 2010 at age 20, under legendary Manchester United F.C. and England manager Bryan Robson during his stint with Thailand. He then became a regular fixture in the Thai squad that finished as ASEAN Championship runners-up to Singapore in 2012.

Though only 22 at the time, Theerathon's performance was so impressive that he was selected for the tournament's Best XI. Four years later, he built on those displays, helping Thailand win the regional title after defeating Indonesia in the final.

That was Thailand's fifth championship in the tournament and the focal point of a new wave of success for the "War Elephants," with Theerathon consistently playing an indispensable role in the team's best achievements.

A move to Japan prevented Theerathon from participating in the 2018 ASEAN Championship. There, he became the first Southeast Asian player to win the J1 League in 2019 with Yokohama F. Marinos. He later returned and led Thailand to another title in the 2020 edition.

However, it was at the 2022 ASEAN Championship that Theerathon's performances reached a new level, as Thailand successfully defended their crown.

Wearing the captain's armband, Theerathon was not only an inspiring leader but also the orchestrator of the team's play. A goal against Vietnam in the second leg of the final, along with six assists over eight matches, were key to Thailand winning their seventh title and extending the tournament's record.

Even as he approaches the final chapter of his extraordinary career, Theerathon remains one of Southeast Asian football's top leaders, both on and off the pitch. A true ambassador of Thai football, his place among the region's greatest players is assured.

First held in 1996, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup—considered the jewel in the crown of Southeast Asian football—will take place from July 24 to August 26, marking the 30th anniversary of its founding.