Series Futsal Victoria (SFV) has caught the international imagination by unveiling its latest development. Thailand's most decorated international men's futsal player, Suphawut Thueanklang, has signed for SFV men's club Hume FC on a two-game loan deal.
Suphawut Thueanklang is quintessentially the Tim Cahill of the Thai futsal national team. Since making his international debut in 2008, the pivot has scored on 191 occasions from only 96 appearances while representing “The Small Table”, making him their all-time top goalscorer.
Thueanklang makes his Australian expedition alongside fellow Chonburi Bluewave FC and Thai national teammate Warut Wangsama.
Just months ago, Hume FC was in a period of transition. Club legend Moe Tankir had called time on his managerial career, with the reins passed over to former assistant Adem Colak.
As one of the competition's longest-standing clubs since its establishment in 2009, Hume has built a rich 16-year history. However, this moment stands as the club's most significant achievement yet.
This developing story has gained international attention, featuring in both Turkish and Thai newspapers. (Image supplied)
Thueanklang, who has extensive professional futsal experience in Indonesia, Japan, and Iran, expressed his excitement about expanding that experience in Australia.
"It's always exciting to have the opportunity to play in a new country with a different style of play. I'm really looking forward to playing in Australia," he said.
The Thai internationals are no strangers to Australian opposition. Over the years, the duo has locked horns with Aussie opponents, whether it was against former futsal powerhouse Vic Vipers at the AFC Futsal Club Championships or the Futsalroos at an international or AFC competition.
"Having played against clubs like Vic Vipers in AFC Club Championships a couple of times, as well as the Australian National Team in several competitions, I'm familiar with the level of play. I'm looking forward to being a key player for my teammates," Thueanklang added.
Meanwhile, Wangsama said: "I have played against the Australian National Team in a few competitions over the years and am excited to contribute as much as possible. Some of my best moments with the Thai National Team have come against Australia, and I'm eager to play with and against some familiar faces."
Futsal in Australia continues to flourish, with a yearly national competition, both men's and women's national teams qualifying for and remaining competitive in international tournaments, and strong domestic leagues growing across the country. Thueanklang acknowledged Australia's competitive presence on the global stage.
"Regardless of the score or results, Australian teams have always been highly competitive," he said.
Wangsama echoed his Chonburi Bluewave teammate's sentiments, highlighting the potential for Australia to become a dominant force in Asian futsal.
"I have always had a good impression of Australian futsal from my past meetings with the Australian National Team and can see the potential for Australia to become a serious threat in Asia," he said.
The Futsalroos and Thailand most recently faced off in a third-place playoff at the ASEAN Futsal Championship last year.
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Founder and CEO Peter Parthimos is excited to see what the Thai stars will bring to the Series Futsal Victoria court.
"This is a great opportunity for Aussie fans to watch two world-class futsal players live in the best league in Australia—Series Futsal," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Creative and League Commissioner Joshua Fusco highlighted the importance of international players in further advancing SFV as Australia's premier futsal league.
"I think it's a sensational opportunity and one that cannot be underestimated, particularly when you consider the social impact that players of this pedigree provide in further legitimising Australian futsal as a serious entity," he said.
Want to read more about Series Futsal in Victoria? Click here and read Adam's previous piece on the resurgence of the competition in 2025!
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