Bangkok: 'Tong - Kawin', a legendary national team goalkeeper, coached the young participants in the 'Football for Happiness Season 2' project, organized by BEM and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), continuing the activity to foster unity through inter-community competitions.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Football for Happiness, Fun Around the Route" project, Season 2, by BEM and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), builds upon the success of last year's event. Expanding on the success of the first season, the project focuses on empowering youth through hands-on experience and features renowned football idols to inspire them. Held for the second consecutive year at Wat Soi Thong School, Rama 7, near the Prachimrataya Expressway, the event featured former Thai national team goalkeeper 'Tong' Kawin Thamsatchanan sharing his skills with young participants.
Attendees also enjoyed special activities from sports influencers and a 7-on-7 football match between youth from different communities to foster teamwork. The 'Football for Happiness, Fun Around the Expressway Season 2' project is organized by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) in collaboration with the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT). Their shared goal is to promote health and improve the quality of life for youth and communities surrounding expressways, using football to enhance skills and develop potential. They believe that every dream begins with opportunity. This year, the project continues to engage communities near five expressways: Chalerm Mahanakorn, Sri Ratch, Chalong Ratch, Udon Ratchaya, and Prachim Ratchaya, with a total of three activities.
The event was previously held once at Phat 2 Sports Field, located under the Si Ratch Expressway near Urupong Intersection. This second event was held at Wat Soi Thong School Sports Field, Rama 7, near the Prachimrataya Expressway, with over 150 young people participating. The children received basic football skills training from a special coach, 'Tong' Kawin Thamsatchanan, a former Thai national team goalkeeper nicknamed 'Kawin the Flying Goalkeeper', one of the nine best goalkeepers in Asia, and an AFC B License coach, at the football clinic.
The highlight of 'Football for Happiness Season 2' was the intensified football skills training through 7-on-7 matches between youths from different communities. This aimed to foster unity and mutual assistance. Sports influencers Super sub 'Watanyu Srithongkham' and Pee Football 'Peerapat Taengsri' also joined in bringing joy to the youth and communities at this event.
Kawin Thamsatchanan expressed his feelings about participating in the Football for Happiness Project Season 2, saying, 'This is truly a happiness-sharing activity, whether for the recipients or the givers. We shared our experiences with the youth and received happiness in return from seeing the kids happy and doing what they love. I must thank BEM and the Expressway Authority of Thailand for giving me the opportunity to participate in this project for the second time.'
He added, 'I believe this project will inspire and provide the fun of playing football for the kids, starting and igniting their dreams. I hope it continues every year, with Season 3, Season 4, and so on. I thank you on behalf of the kids for such a good project.'
The closing event of the project will be held on Sunday, April 5th, 2026, featuring legendary footballer number 14, former Thai national team player with a unique blend of talent and superstar aura, 'Lee So' Teeratep Winothai, at Thunderdome Football Park, Muang Thong Thani, near the Udon Ratchathaya Expressway.
The 'Football for Happiness, Fun Along the Expressway' project is another activity from BEM and EXAT that brings smiles, happiness, and opportunities to develop the potential of youth in communities around the expressways. This aligns with their shared goal of delivering efficient services to ensure expressway users can travel conveniently, quickly, and safely, as well as providing responsible service to all stakeholders, considering environmental, social, and corporate governance factors. This contributes to the sustainable growth of Thailand's transportation business.