By OTB in Player — 27 Apr 2025

CAPTAIN No.12 "Nirut Surasiang"(Part 2): The Legacy

The Journey with the War Elephants

Throughout his decade-long career with the Thailand national team, Nirut Surasiang earned 62 official caps between 2000 and 2009.

(Some even suggest the true number exceeds 70 matches, including non-official friendlies, since record-keeping back then wasn’t as standardized as it is today.)

He was part of Thailand’s 2001 SEA Games gold medal-winning team in Malaysia, and also celebrated victories at the 2000 and 2002 ASEAN Football Championships (formerly known as the Tiger Cup), as well as multiple King’s Cup titles.

In official competitions, Nirut scored four goals for Thailand — and notably, Thailand won every match in which he found the net.

First Caps for Thailand: Stepping onto the Big Stage

"P'Dam Kritsada (Kritsada Piandit) got injured.
The coach asked me if I could step in, and I said yes immediately.
That day, I started at right back — and kept playing there ever since," Nirut recalled.

His debut for the Thailand national team came in a match etched into Thai football history —
the 43rd King's Cup in 2000, where Thailand faced the full senior squad of Brazil.

Facing Brazil's Golden Generation

Thailand suffered a heavy 0–7 defeat, but the opportunity was unforgettable.

That Brazilian squad was brimming with legends — Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Emerson, Roque Júnior, Mário Jardel, Giovane Élber, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Juninho Pernambucano, and Zé Roberto.

(The only absence? Ronaldo, who missed the game due to injury.)

"I was playing right back, directly up against Roberto Carlos... I was beyond nervous,"
Nirut said, laughing as he remembered that surreal night.

Despite the result, the match remains a treasured memory — both for Nirut and for Thai football fans, who still talk about it to this day.

A Dream Come True: Facing Real Madrid

In 2003, another unforgettable moment arrived.
Thailand faced none other than Real Madrid, during their legendary Galácticos era.

The Spanish giants, featuring superstars like David Beckham (in his first year with Madrid), Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Raúl González, Roberto Carlos, Guti, and Ronaldo, brought their full squad to Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Thailand, now wearing the newly designed War Elephant crest instead of the national flag, was managed by Peter Withe.

The squad featured Thai legends like Kiatisuk Senamuang (Zico), Tawan Sripan, Therdsak Chaiman, Dusit Chalermsan, Choketawee Promrut, and Sarayut Chaikamdee —
the latter eventually scoring Thailand’s lone goal in that historic match.

Captain's Armband Against the Galácticos

Nirut was subbed on in the 65th minute, replacing Choketawee Promrut, with Thailand trailing 1–2.
He played the rest of the match — wearing the captain’s armband.

The final score stayed 1–2, but the experience was priceless.

After the match, he exchanged jerseys with Fernando Morientes, a Madrid striker at the time who would later join Liverpool — Nirut’s favorite club.

"It was honestly the highlight of my life," Nirut smiled.
"You don’t even dare to tackle them. You’re afraid of injuring them."

"It felt like we were there just to admire how they played.
They made everything look so easy — the passing, the movement, everything was beautiful."

The excitement in his voice made it clear:
that match would forever be etched in his heart.

Wearing the Armband in Saitama: Brave in the Cold

Another unforgettable memory came when Nirut captained Thailand in a tough away match against Japan during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The venue? Saitama Stadium, packed with passionate Japanese supporters.

The weather was brutally cold — snow was falling, and the regular gloves they brought from Thailand were no match for the chill.

Still, with pride, Nirut wore the captain's armband and led his teammates onto the frozen battlefield.

Against all odds, Thailand stunned the home crowd first.

Receiving a pass from Suthee Suksomkit just outside the penalty area,
Teeratep Winothai ("Leesaw") struck a magnificent shot into the top corner — past Japan’s captain and legendary goalkeeper, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi — tying the game at 1–1.

Although Thailand eventually fell 1–4 — especially after being reduced to ten men —
that brave performance under such harsh conditions remained a proud memory.

Brotherhood in the National Team

"In the old days, the seniors would always take care of the juniors —
because back then, senior players usually earned higher salaries.
But now... I’m not so sure anymore," Nirut chuckled.

In the Thailand national team of earlier generations, there was a strong, family-like bond between players.

Since training camps often lasted for extended periods,
players naturally grew close — not just as teammates, but as brothers.

Respect flowed both ways: seniors mentored juniors, and juniors respected seniors.

"Whenever we went out for meals or coffee, the seniors always paid. Even if the juniors wanted to help, they wouldn’t let them.

They always told us: 'Save your money. Someday when you become the seniors,
you take care of the next generation in return,'" Nirut recalled.

Icons like Kiatisuk Senamuang (Zico), Tawan Sripan, and Dusit Chalermsan were not just stars — they were role models who led by example, both on and off the pitch.

When Nicholas Mickelson Brings Back Memories

Thailand’s current No.12, Nicholas Mickelson, has drawn comparisons to Nirut Surasiang — not because of numbers alone, but because of spirit, versatility, and heart.

In his prime, Nirut was known for his endless stamina, technical ability, and tactical intelligence.
He started as a central midfielder but proved capable of playing multiple roles —
right-back, center-back, and especially the pivotal "sweeper" position in Thailand’s 3-5-2 system at the time.

In that era, the sweeper was vital:
the player who read the game, commanded the backline, and provided the final safety net.

Before Nirut, that role had been anchored by legendary defender Natee Thongsookkaew — proving just how much trust was placed in Nirut’s footballing brain.

"I'm not here to compare who's better or anything. But for the newer generation of fans who never got to see me play, I think Mickelson shares some similarities with me."

And just like destiny, both men wore the same sacred number: No.12.

The Last Dance

After nearly a decade abroad, it was time for Nirut to return to Thailand.

At 33 years old, he signed with Bangkok Glass FC (now BG Pathum United),
wearing the number 8 jersey — previously worn by his old teammate Suthee Suksomkit.

However, with limited opportunities for playing time, he soon reunited with his former coach, Payong Khunnaen, joining the newly promoted Suphanburi FC in the Thai League.

There, he once again played alongside old comrades like Sutee Suksomkit.

Nirut eventually closed his professional playing career at Army United FC at the age of 36.

"I realized I had slowed down a lot.
I didn’t want to sit on the bench, waiting for chances.
So I decided to walk away on my own terms," he reflected.

After retirement, he shifted his focus to coaching,
working with clubs like Army United, Lopburi City, and Saraburi United —
always keeping the door open for new challenges and opportunities.

"Looking back, I sometimes regret retiring too early.
If I could tell younger players today one thing, it would be:
'Play as long as you can."

"Don’t rush to quit.
Because the salaries you earn today…
it’s not something easy to find elsewhere,'" Nirut shared with a smile.

Life Today: A Coach and a Father

Today, Nirut Surasiang lives a quieter but fulfilling life back in his hometown of Ratchaburi. He enjoys family life with his wife and their three children.

His eldest son, Euro, even once represented Thailand at the U-16 level —
though Nirut never pressured any of his kids to follow in his footsteps.

"I just want them to focus on their studies and be responsible in whatever path they choose," he said.

Keeping the Football Dream Alive

Football remains deeply ingrained in his life.

He runs his own football academy —
Nirut Soccer Academy Ban Pong — which has now entered its fifth year,
with over 100 young players training under his guidance.

He also volunteers at his alma mater, Sarasit Phithayalai School, helping coach the next generation of Ratchaburi’s football talents.

The Legacy of No.12

At Off The Bench, we proudly preserve the memory of a true servant of Thai football.

Thailand once had a captain who never stopped running, never stopped fighting.

Even though the No.12 jersey may now rest on a new player's shoulders,
Nirut Surasiang’s spirit remains — in every step, every tackle, every heartbeat of Thai football.

As a player, a coach, a father, and a mentor, he continues to embody the spirit of the beautiful game.