– The charity football event brought together Thai and international residents for a day of sport and community fundraising in Bang Saray on October 23rd.
– A total of 49,640 baht was raised and divided equally among four local charitable organizations, with each receiving 12,410 baht.
– Six teams competed in a light-hearted walking football tournament, with Bang Saray FC winning the final 3–1 against the Thai Navy Veterans team.
BANG SARAY, Thailand – What began as a friendly football gathering among friends has grown into a community charity event, with The Sawasdee Cup 2026 raising 49,640 baht for four organizations supporting children, young people and veterans.
Held at the Bang Saray football field on October 23rd, 2026, alongside the Siam Powerboat racing event, the tournament brought together Thai and international residents for a day of sport, fundraising and community activities.
The event was organized through cooperation between Paul Collins, who runs bangsaray-property.com and the I Love Bang Saray Facebook group; Piyapong “Dome” Kaekphong, Chief Operating Officer of Sisaran Group; and the Royal British Legion. Adam Rhodes, owner of Captain’s Lounge, also helped host a charity raffle.
Six teams of 10 players each took part: Royal British Legion, Bang Saray Expat FC (Blue), Thai Navy Veterans, Sisaran Group, Bang Saray Expat FC (White) and Bang Saray FC.
The competition used walking football rules, including a prohibition on running and a limit of three touches of the ball, along with several additional special rules designed to keep the matches entertaining. Around 150 local residents attended to watch and cheer on the teams.
In the final, Bang Saray FC faced the Thai Navy Veterans team and secured the championship with a 3–1 victory.
Fundraising activities took place throughout the event. Sisaran Group operated a roadside booth near the beach, featuring its mobile ECO Café and an “Art for Education” painting activity for children. Donation points were also set up along the beach and at the football field, with all proceeds going towards the charitable effort.
Local businesses and organizations contributed to the event, including Chai The Crane Machine, Nanthayos Construction, Pro Engineer Service, HERO Rnn Supply and Security P4 Guard Thai. Restaurants, bars and attractions also donated more than 20 prizes for the charity raffle. Supporters included Ramayana Water Park, Captain’s Lounge, Bentley’s, Le Bistro, Sunshine Kitchen, Sirinya Massage, Boardz and ECO Café.
The Siam Powerboat races, organized by Supachai “Ae” together with John Lindsay, also attracted visitors to Bang Saray Beach. Lindsay competed and secured first place overall, while his daughter Jessica finished second overall.
Following the sporting events, competitors and supporters gathered at Captain’s Lounge for a social evening. Local DJs Florence and Phil provided music free of charge in support of the charity event, while organizers held the prize raffle and thanked the businesses and individuals who had contributed.
The 49,640 baht raised was divided equally among four organizations, with each receiving 12,410 baht:
1. The BS Football Youth Team – Supporting football development, skills and activities for local children and young people.
2. Boonchoo Disabled Children’s Charity – Supporting the care of children with physical and developmental disabilities.
3. The Thai Navy Veterans Association – Providing assistance to former naval personnel and their families.
4. Royal British Legion Thailand – Supporting British veterans and their families living in Thailand.
A representative of the Boonchoo Disabled Children’s Charity thanked Sisaran Group and the event organizers, explaining that the organization currently cares for approximately 250 children, many of whom have been abandoned by their parents. The representative said donations and supplies would be used to provide the greatest possible benefit to the children.
Paul Collins described the event as a wonderful day that brought Thai and international members of the community together to enjoy themselves while supporting a good cause. He congratulated Bang Saray FC on its victory and expressed hope that everyone would reunite for The Sawasdee Cup 2027.