Thailand's singular professional footballer competing in the Bundesliga
Witthaya Laohakul, born in Lamphun in 1954, is a trailblazer for Thai football. His courage, talent, and hard work have opened doors for other Thai footballers, demonstrating that they too can leave a mark on the world stage.
Witthaya's journey began with Bangkok Bank FC in Thailand, but it was his move abroad on a scholarship to Japan that set him on the path to international stardom. In 1977, he joined Yanmar Diesel (now Cerezo Osaka), where he helped the team win the Japan Soccer League and the Emperor’s Cup in 1978.
Witthaya's performances in Japan caught the attention of European scouts, and in 1979, he signed with Hertha BSC, becoming the first and only Thai footballer to play in Germany's top league, the Bundesliga. Over two seasons as a defensive midfielder, he made appearances in the Bundesliga.
After retiring as a player, Witthaya worked as an assistant coach at Gamba Osaka in Japan. He also served as head coach of the Thailand national team and the U19 squad. Witthaya represented Thailand in multiple international tournaments, earning 61 caps and scoring 18 goals between 1975 and 1985.
Witthaya's international career did not end in Germany. In 1981, he transferred to 1. FC Saarbrücken in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, appearing in 54 matches and scoring 7 goals.
Witthaya's trailblazing international career not only raised the profile of Thai football but also showcased Thai players' ability to compete in competitive leagues in Europe and Japan. Unfortunately, no Thai player has followed Witthaya into the Bundesliga since.
In addition to his playing and coaching career, Witthaya has continued to support football development in Thailand, helping scout and mentor young talent. His impact on Thai football is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Thai footballers.
[1] Source: Thai Football Archive
Witthaya Laohakul's journey in football extended beyond Thailand and Japan, reaching the European sports landscape when he signed with Hertha BSC in Germany's Bundesliga, becoming a trailblazer for Thai footballers in international sports. His exemplary performances led to his transfer to 1. FC Saarbrücken in Germany's 2. Bundesliga, further demonstrating Thai players' potential in competitive European leagues. Despite Witthaya's groundbreaking career, no Thai player has followed him into the Bundesliga since, showcasing a gap in Thai representation in technology-advanced European-leagues.
