Football Player Auctions Jersey for Myanmar Villagers: Shirt Sold for B36,500 by Woman Bidder

A football player with a heartfelt cause auctioned his Thai national team jersey to assist victims in Myanmar. Pongsakorn Sangkasopha, who plays for Ratchaburi FC in Thai League 1, sold his No 15 jersey worn during the AFC U17 Asia Cup Thailand. The winning bid, a generous 36,500 baht, came from a Mon woman named Pansuk. Pongsakorn plans to donate the proceeds to residents of Dhammatha village in Mon state, Myanmar, devastated by junta government gunboat attacks.

Born to a Mon family in Sangkhla Buri district of Thailand, Pongsakorn decided to take action upon hearing about the tragic events in Myanmar. After news broke of Dhammatha village’s destruction through fires sparked by military shelling, the young footballer was determined to make a difference. Nearly 300 homes were engulfed in flames, with the Myanmar army hindering firefighting efforts and forcing inhabitants to seek refuge in caves or the jungle.

Despite no fighting within the village itself, the dire situation prompted swift action from Pongsakorn, who mobilized support through the auction of his cherished jersey. Grateful for the overwhelming response to the initiative, Pongsakorn expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, especially the winning bidder, for their significant contribution to aiding the affected villagers.

This act of kindness resonated deeply with supporters, as Pongsakorn’s selfless gesture epitomizes the power of sports in fostering solidarity and care for communities in need. The teenager’s compassion and determination to assist those facing adversity across borders serve as a shining example of the positive influence athletes can have beyond the confines of the field. Through this simple yet impactful gesture, Pongsakorn embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and humanitarianism, reminding us all of the inherent connection between sports and social responsibility.