Thai students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) say Leicester City Football Club’s incredible Premier League exploits are not just big news in the UK, they’re making headlines around the world – as one doctoral student found out recently when she returned home.
PhD student Nuntamon Kutalad (above), studying Design Managment in Museums, said: “I don’t have to explain where Leicester is any more! Football is an extremely popular sport in Thailand, my dad loves watching and my uncle is a loyal fan of Liverpool. Everybody at home follows teams like Manchester United, now they follow Leicester City too.”
Nuntamon, known as Noma, got a scholarship from her country in the field of Museum Studies: “I had never heard of Leicester before I came here, but my supervisor in Thailand suggested it was a good place to go.”
Leicester City’s owners and shirt sponsors are King Power, the biggest travel retailer in Thailand, and Noma's friends encouraged her to watch a match “because a very famous Thai businessman had bought the team”.
She’s seen games against Tottenham, Southampton and Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium: “I can call myself a Foxes fan – since I study here I should support Leicester. It was a good experience and I really enjoyed cheering them on to score.”
In her home city of Bangkok they’re taking a special interest in the team’s fortunes: “Nobody used to walk in the club shop very much, but now it’s sold out. We’re really pleased how well the team is doing.”
Engineering Management student Griddipong Boontharig (above right), who is also president of the Thai Students’ Society of Leicester, said: “I come from Chiang Mai and people there feel very proud to be a part of the Foxes success in the Premier League. When I walk around my city I see people wearing Leicester City shirts or key chains. When I mention studying in Leicester, they ask about the football team.”
Griddipong, who enjoyed the “crazy atmosphere” when he saw games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, believes the owner’s impact has been much more than financial: “There’s the traditional thinking of Thailand – we take care of everybody around us – which has helped the manager and players. And they bring Buddhist monks to pray and use holy water, to make a wish for the team and give them confidence in their hearts.”
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Prapasiri Sirisut (above left), known as Apple, is studying International Business Law, and has seen matches against Watford and Liverpool: “It was a wonderful, gorgeous experience. The fans really engage with the game and share all the emotions.
“I tried to buy a shirt for my friend back home in Khon Kaen, but now Leicester are very famous they’ve run out. I think the owner has been an important influence for the team and, of course, I am a fan.”
Wannipa Leelalerkiat (above), from Bangkok, started her Global MBA in January but has already visited the King Power Stadium, seeing Leicester beat Newcastle 1-0: “The atmosphere was ‘wow’! In my country English football is very popular – especially teams like Manchester City and Chelsea – so I thought I should experience a game for myself.
“In Thailand we’re all very proud of Leicester City and our newspapers call them the Siamese Foxes. They’re winning more support all the time and you can’t buy a shirt anywhere. My friends and family are talking about players like Vardy and Okazaki.
“Right now life in my country can be a little stressful, so it’s nice to focus on something happy. If Leicester City can win the Premier League, I think it will be very inspirational for Thai people.”
Posted on Thursday 28 April 2016