'Giant-killing' underdogs beat the odds and unite a nation

Underprivileged kids score more than goals with viral football success story

- WISAWAPORN JUKGOLJUN

The Mon Thong Wittaya School football team pose with their coach Sakon Kliangprasert, center, at the Supachalasai National Stadium. CH7HD SPORTS

A seven-player student football team from the provinces broke the internet and made it to the final of the 7HD Champion Cup 2025 on Nov 8 at the Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, drawing crowds of supporters cheering for the boys and their coach, who have captured Thais' hearts in recent weeks.

Where did it all start?

From a "dream carrier" song thaew (open-air passenger truck) to huge public support and admiration, it is the story of an underdog team that relied on their determination to carry them to national stardom.

Mon Thong Wittaya School is a communal school in tambon Mon Thong of Bang Nam Priao district in Chachoengsao.

It is located on a 35-rai Ratchaphatsadu land plot, and teaches around 500 students in middle and high school with 15 classrooms in all.

BBC Thailand reported that Sumet Ridmat, president of the school's football club, said the community has been known for its sports for a long time, which led to the idea of establishing the school team.

This then emerged as a seven-player team, led by captain Worakorn "Te" Changkhiandee. It has been coached by Sakon Kliangprasert since 2021.