1. Early life
Kritsada Wongkaew was born on April 29, 1988. He is widely known by his nickname, ช้างChangThai.
2. Career
Kritsada Wongkaew's career spans both club and international futsal, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership.
2.1. Club career
Wongkaew has primarily played for Chonburi Bluewave, establishing himself as a foundational player and captain. He also had a brief, impactful loan spell in association football with Nakhon Pathom United.
2.1.1. Chonburi Bluewave
Kritsada Wongkaew has had an extensive and highly successful tenure with Chonburi Bluewave. He has frequently served as the team's captain, leading them to numerous victories in the Futsal Thailand League. For instance, on February 6, 2013, as captain, he led Chonburi Bluewave to a dominant 5-0 victory over Nonthaburi in the Thailand Futsal League 2012-2013 season. A week later, on February 13, he played a crucial part in Chonburi Bluewave's 8-2 win against Samut Songkhram in the same competition, further solidifying the team's strong performance. His consistent leadership and strategic play have been central to Chonburi Bluewave's sustained dominance in Thai futsal.
2.1.2. Loan to Nakhon Pathom United
On January 4, 2023, following the conclusion of the Futsal Thailand League 2022 season, Kritsada Wongkaew realized a long-held personal ambition by agreeing to a short-term loan to Nakhon Pathom United, an association football club. This three-month loan period allowed him to experience professional football, a dream of his. During his time with Nakhon Pathom United, he made a significant contribution, helping the team achieve promotion to the Thai League. Following this successful loan, he returned to Nakhon Pathom United for the 2023-2024 season.
2.2. International career
Kritsada Wongkaew has been a prominent figure in the Thailand national futsal team for many years, participating in multiple FIFA Futsal World Cups and other international tournaments. He has consistently worn the number 7 jersey for the national team.
His international career is notably highlighted by his contributions to the team's historic performances in the FIFA Futsal World Cup. In the lead-up to the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup, on October 21, 2012, Kritsada scored a goal for Thailand in a warm-up match against the Egyptian national futsal team. During the tournament itself, he was a key playmaker for the team. However, due to a suspension, he was unable to play in Thailand's match against the Paraguayan national futsal team on November 7. Despite this, he returned to action on November 11 in the Round of 16 match against the formidable Spanish national futsal team, where he scored Thailand's only goal. His pivotal role contributed significantly to Thailand advancing to the second round of the tournament for the first time in their history, a landmark achievement for Thai futsal.
Wongkaew has also served as captain for the national team in multiple World Cup campaigns, including the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup, 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup, and 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup. He continued to be a part of the squad for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup, showcasing his enduring presence and importance to the national team.
3. Achievements
Kritsada Wongkaew has accumulated an impressive list of team and individual achievements throughout his distinguished futsal career.
3.1. Club achievements
| Club | Competition | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Chonburi Bluewave | Futsal Thailand League | 2009, 2010, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021-22 |
| Nakhon Pathom United | Thai League 2 | 2022-23 |
3.2. Individual awards
- Futsal Player of the Year by Football Siam
- Futsal Player of the Year by the Football Association of Thailand: 2021-2022
- Best Futsal Player in the AFF Futsal Championship: 2022
4. Playing style
Kritsada Wongkaew plays primarily as a midfielder in futsal. He is widely recognized for his role as a key playmaker on the field, orchestrating attacks and dictating the tempo of the game for his teams. His tactical importance stems from his ability to control possession, distribute the ball effectively, and create scoring opportunities, making him an indispensable asset in both defensive and offensive phases of play.
5. Legacy
Kritsada Wongkaew's legacy is deeply intertwined with the growth and success of Thai futsal. His pivotal role in leading the Thailand national futsal team to the knockout stages of the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time in history stands as a monumental achievement, significantly raising the sport's profile within Thailand and internationally. As a long-serving captain for both the national team and Chonburi Bluewave, his leadership and consistent performance have inspired a generation of futsal players and fans. With numerous club championships and individual accolades, Wongkaew is recognized not only as a talented player but also as a dedicated professional whose commitment has been instrumental in shaping the modern era of Thai futsal. His impact extends beyond the field, contributing to the sport's popularization and the establishment of Thailand as a significant force in Asian futsal.