Teerapat Pruetong, J-League Thailand's New Generation

Some paths in sport require a first generation brave enough to break the ground, so that the next generation can walk it with greater confidence. The journey of Thai footballers to the J-League is one such path — and in 2026, Teerapat Pruetong, aged 19, is writing a new chapter in that story with his own hands.


Teerapat Pruetong — "Pao" from Ubon to Sapporo
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo officially registered Teerapat Pruetong, known as "Pao," an 18-year-old Thai youth international on loan from BG Pathum United, for the special 2026 J-League season — the "Vision 100" edition.

Teerapat became the fourth Thai player in the history of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, following Chanathip Songkrasin, Gawin Thammasatchanan and Suphanat Mueanta.


First Start, First Assist — History Written
In the seventh match of the J2/J3 Vision League 100 East Zone B, Sapporo hosted Ventforet Kofu, and Teerapat was named in the starting lineup for the first time.

In the 24th minute, Teerapat demonstrated dribbling ability to break through the opposition defence before delivering a composed assist to Shuma Kido, who finished to give Sapporo a 1-0 victory.

Japan's leading sports newspaper Sports Hochi highlighted Teerapat as the "key factor" that added variety and unpredictability to Sapporo's attack, noting that the young Thai was not just fast but possessed exceptional vision that earned the trust of his teammates quickly.

Japanese sports outlet Doshin Sports conducted a post-match interview in which Teerapat admitted to severe nerves at the start of the game, crediting the energy of the crowd with helping him through it.


Another Historic First — Two Thais Starting Together
The appearance of both Suphanat Mueanta and Teerapat Pruetong in the same starting lineup created another piece of history for Thai footballers in the J-League. Although Sapporo had two Thai players in the same squad in 2020 — Chanathip and Gawin — the two never started the same game together.


The History of the J-League — Asia's Most Influential Football Competition
The J.League was officially established in 1993 as Japan's top professional football league. Its three-tier structure — J1 (top flight), J2 and J3 — encompasses over 60 clubs. The J-League is widely regarded as one of the best-organised football leagues in Asia, with a fanbase of millions and a history of attracting world-class talent.

In recent years, the J-League has pursued an active "Asian Strategy", specifically targeting Southeast Asian talent to expand the league's regional following. The J-League adjusted its foreign player regulations to allow an additional slot specifically for players from AFC member nations outside the standard foreign quota.


Chanathip Songkrasin — The Pioneer Who Made It Possible
Thai footballers had moved to Japan since the 1980s, but the modern pioneer was Chanathip Songkrasin, who signed for Consadole Sapporo in 2017.

When Chanathip arrived in Japan from Thailand, his value was doubted by some — he stands at just 158 centimetres and weighed 58 kilograms, and had only professional experience in Thailand. J.LEAGUE

Chanathip silenced every critic. In the 2018 season he scored eight goals and helped Sapporo to a record fourth-place finish in J1, becoming the first Southeast Asian player ever selected to the J-League Best XI.

In 2022, Chanathip transferred to Kawasaki Frontale for approximately $3.8 million — a record domestic transfer fee in J-League history at the time.


Every Thai Player in J-League History
Chanathip Songkrasin (2017–2023) The modern pioneer. Scored 15 goals across five seasons at Sapporo before joining Kawasaki Frontale.

Theerathon Bunmathan (2018–2019, 2020–2022) After a loan spell at Vissel Kobe, Theerathon joined Yokohama F. Marinos permanently. In 2019 he played 25 league matches as Marinos won the J1 title, making him the first Southeast Asian player ever to win the Japanese top-flight championship.

Teerasil Dangda (2018–2019) Thailand's leading striker, who joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima on loan before moving to Shimizu S-Pulse.

Gawin Thammasatchanan (2020) Joined Sapporo on loan but never played in the same match as Chanathip.

Suphanat Mueanta (2026) Currently a regular starter for Sapporo in the 2026 season.

Teerapat Pruetong (2026) The newest generation, writing history right now.


Why the J-League Is So Valuable for Thai Players
In the words of former Football Association of Thailand president Somyot Poompanmoung: "Chanathip has become a better player after moving to Japan — everyone can see that. He is sharper and seems to be quicker. He is playing at a higher level."

The J-League's training standards, tactical sophistication and professional discipline represent a genuine step up for any player. Those who pass through it return to Thailand visibly improved, both technically and mentally. That is why the "Thailand to J-League" pathway has become the most coveted route for the country's rising generation of footballers.


Final Thought
From Chanathip, the trailblazer who walked into the unknown, to Teerapat, a 19-year-old from Ubon Ratchathani who is building on everything that came before — the story of Thai footballers in the J-League continues to grow more beautiful with each chapter.

Teerapat turned 19 on 17 February. Getting playing time in Japan's professional league just days before his birthday was the best gift he could possibly give himself.

His journey is only just beginning.