An Interview With A Legend: Sunisa Srangthaisong
When you look back at your early years, what first made you fall in love with football, andwhen did you feel that this game could truly become your life?
Football started as something fun for me when I was young. I enjoyed playing freely, without pressure, just because I loved the game. As I grew older and began training more seriously, competing at higher levels, I slowly realized that football was not just a hobby anymore. It became my passion and my purpose. There was a moment when I understood that this was what I wanted to dedicate my whole life to — not only as a sport, but as a way to grow as a person.
What is one moment in your journey that changed you deeply, whether as a footballer or as a person?
Going through failures and difficult moments changed me the most. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, and the pressure felt overwhelming. Those experiences taught me important lessons about patience, resilience, and self-belief. They helped me grow stronger, both on the field and in life, and shaped who I am today.
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What has been the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you find the strength to push through it?
Pressure has been the toughest challenge throughout my career — pressure to perform, to improve, and to meet expectations. What helped me push through was the support from people around me, especially my family and teammates. My family gives me determination and resilience, reminding me to never give up even during the hardest moments.
Who has been your closest friend in football, and how has that friendship supported you through the highs and lows?
My teammates are my closest friends. They understand me better than anyone because we have been through both good and difficult times together. Sharing victories, losses, and challenges on and off the pitch created strong bonds. Their support has always helped me stay motivated and focused.
How do you feel knowing that so many young girls in Thailand look up to you and see you as someone they want to follow?
I feel very proud, but also a strong sense of responsibility. Knowing that young girls in Thailand look up to me motivates me to be a good role model, both as a footballer and as a person. I hope my journey shows them that women can succeed in football and follow their dreams with confidence.
How did it feel representing Thailand in 2015 during the country’s first ever Women’s World Cup, and especially achieving Thailand’s first World Cup win against Ivory Coast?
It was the greatest honor of my career and the most meaningful memory I will always carry with me. Captaining Thailand at our first Women’s World Cup was incredibly special, and winning our first World Cup match against Ivory Coast made it even more unforgettable. It was a proud moment not only for me, but for Thai football and the entire country.
In 2019, during your second World Cup in France, what was it like stepping onto the field against players such as Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan?
It was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to learn. Playing against world-class players like Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan showed me the true standards of top-level football. It challenged me to improve and gave me valuable lessons about intensity, professionalism, and
belief at the highest level.
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After everything you’ve experienced, how has your time in Singapore with Still Aerion shaped you, and what differences do you see between women’s football in Singapore and Thailand?
My time in Singapore opened my perspective and helped me grow as a player. I could clearly see differences in systems, structure, and professionalism. Experiencing another football environment taught me new ways of thinking and training, which I believe is very important for player development.
What are some things you learned from playing abroad that you wish more young Thai players could experience?
I learned a lot about discipline, responsibility, and professionalism. Playing abroad teaches you how to adapt, take care of yourself, and become more independent. I really hope younger Thai players will have opportunities like this, because it can help them grow both as athletes and individuals.
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When you think about your career so far, who are the people you want to thank for helping you become the player and the person you are today?
I would like to thank my family first for their unconditional support. I’m also very grateful to my coaches and all my teammates throughout my career. Without their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What advice would you give to young Thai players who dream of wearing the national team jersey someday?
Stay committed, train consistently, and never give up on your dreams. There will be difficult moments, but if you believe in yourself and keep working hard, opportunities will come. Enjoy the journey and always keep learning.
And looking forward now, what are your hopes and plans for the future, both in football and in your life beyond the pitch?
I want to continue improving myself as a footballer and as a person. In the future, I hope to help develop women’s football in Thailand and support the next generation of players. I want to give back to the sport that has given me so much.