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Published on July 4, 2007

Young executive Praputt Kamlang-ek is a man with a mission. He's determined to turn Thailand into the new world champs of foot volley - a relatively new sport that's also known as beach soccer and is a variant of association football.

It's not an impossible dream. After all, he points out, Thailand did bring home fourth prize from the Beach Soccer World Cup in 2002, a mere year after the sport was introduced to the Kingdom.

The 31-year-old has been passionate about sport, especially football, since his childhood - much of which he spent in England, the home of soccer.

"I was sent to the UK when I was eight," he says. "Over there they teach you to study hard and to play hard."

Every evening after class, Praputt and his classmates were encouraged to play sport. The Thai youngster, who had little experience of team sports, found it difficult at first but gradually came to enjoy the discipline. Soon he was playing football, rugby, hockey and cricket.

"My school placed a great deal of emphasis on sports.

"They taught us all about technique and teamwork. We played other schools on the weekends, often travelling to other towns.

"It was a wonderful time for me. I fell in love with the spirit of competition and made so many friends."

After earning his master's degree from the London School of Economics, Praputt returned home and started his own business in analysis design and the management of information technology. The dotcom sector and his company thrived. But Praputt's real interests lay in sports marketing.

Thais have long been familiar with beach volleyball, but few had heard of beach soccer, which was formally launched in 1992 in Brazil. So Praputt decided to bring this new sport to Thailand by signing up with Beach Soccer Worldwide, the licence owner of beach football in 2001.

"Actually, my dream was to have a football team, but soccer in Thailand is still far from reaching international standards. With beach soccer I felt we had a chance of reaching the world championships," says the young chairman of the Football Association of Thailand and Pro Beach Soccer (Thailand).

Thailand was the dark horse in the 2002 World Cup but nonetheless claimed fourth place. Last year, the Thai team ranked third in Asia. The first round of Asia qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup is being held in Dubai next month and if the Thai team makes it, they'll move on to play in Brazil in November.

"Beach football players must be able to improvise. Unlike football, which is played on the ground, in beach soccer, the ball moves through the air.

"Players can hit a goal every 30 seconds. It's exciting, fast and fun. That's why the game has become so popular.

The adopted son of General Arthit Kamlang-ek is also hoping to spark an interest in youngsters by launching the Kamlang-ek Football Academy in October. Set on a 15-rai property on Sukhumvit 71, the academy will feature fields for football and footsal as well as sandy pits for beach football and volleyball, plus a clubhouse.

"I love football and I want everyone to enjoy playing the game. Football for all is my aim."

The academy will work in cooperation with a top English football club, though Praputt declined to name which one.

"The academy will coach those who want to play football, no matter what their level. The coaches will come from the English club. I want people to have fun playing football."

The academy will be open to males and females aged between three and 50. Fees will vary from Bt300 to Bt500 per class.

"I want to make football a popular sport. The academy will use the concept of fitness to promote soccer as a lifestyle sport offering the option of playing in an excellent and well-organised atmosphere."

Praputt plays football at least once a week at Thaibury, on Rama IX Road, and also lifts weights twice a week.

"Exercise is essential to maintaining good health. I also exercise my mind by meditating for at least 30 minutes every day," he says.

Tanaporn  Tangcharoenmankong

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