Melbourne Victory: Thai delight

Thailand midfielder Surat Sukha is set to become the first Thai to play in the Australian league.

Great news for the A-League and a fantastic initiative by Melbourne. Let's Surat brings a little bit of Thai football skill to our league and has a great season.

And for my AFL friends when did a Melbourne AFL Club ever recruit an Asian player!

A-League side Melbourne Victory have sent a letter of confirmation to his club Chonburi FC saying that they will sign Surat, Chonburi manager Annop Singtothong said yesterday.

Surat is scheduled to sign a two-year contract in Australia on July 1 subject to a medical. The A-League season starts in August.

Surat will receive 2.2 million baht in the first year and 2.5 million baht in the second year plus other incentives.

Chonburi, who have sold Brazilian Ney Fabiano to Melbourne Victory, will get 1.5 million baht for Surat's transfer fee.

"I am very happy that I will be the first Thai player to play in Australia's top football league," Surat said. "I hope this will be the first step for other Thai players to follow."

Chonburi coach Kiatisak Senamuang said he was glad for Surat and believes he is good enough for the A-League.

"I hope this will open the door for other Thai players," Kiatisak said. "We will certainly miss his services but we have other players to replace him."