1. Overview
Natipong Sritong-In, known by his nickname "Alfred", is a former Thai professional footballer who primarily played as a striker. He achieved significant success during his playing career, notably scoring 25 goals for the Thailand national football team between 1995 and 1997. He was the top scorer at the 1996 AFF Championship (also known as the 1996 Tiger Cup) with 7 goals. After retiring from international football at the age of 25 in 1997, and from professional football around 1999, he transitioned into playing golf and later returned to football as a coach, holding various positions including assistant coach for BG Pathum United.
2. Personal Background
Natipong Sritong-In (เนติพงษ์ ศรีทองอินทร์Thai) was born in 1972. He is known by his nickname "Alfred". He is of mixed heritage, being part Thai-French and also having Vietnamese ancestry through his paternal grandmother.
3. Playing Career
Natipong Sritong-In had a distinguished career as a striker, playing for various clubs and representing the Thailand national team. He was known for his goal-scoring prowess, netting 25 goals in 55 appearances for the national side.
3.1. Club Career
Natipong Sritong-In achieved considerable success at the club level, most notably with Thai Farmer Bank. During his tenure with the club, he contributed to their victories in several major competitions. He helped Thai Farmer Bank secure the Asian Club Championship title twice, in 1994 and 1995. The club also won the Kor Royal Cup in 1995, the Queen's Cup in both 1994 and 1995, and the Afro-Asian Club Championship in 1994.
3.2. National Team Career
Natipong Sritong-In represented the Thailand national football team for three years, from 1995 to 1997. During this period, he made 55 appearances and scored 25 goals. He participated in the finals of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. He was also the top scorer at the 1996 AFF Championship (then known as the Tiger Cup), where he netted 7 goals. Natipong retired from international football in 1997 at the age of 25.
3.2.1. International Goals
Natipong Sritong-In scored 25 international goals for Thailand:
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 December 1995 | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Vietnam | 3-1 | Won | 1995 Southeast Asian Games |
| 2. | 10 December 1995 | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Vietnam | 3-1 | Won | 1995 Southeast Asian Games |
| 3. | 12 December 1995 | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Cambodia | 9-0 | Won | 1995 Southeast Asian Games |
| 4. | 16 December 1995 | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Vietnam | 4-0 | Won | 1995 Southeast Asian Games |
| 5. | 16 December 1995 | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Vietnam | 4-0 | Won | 1995 Southeast Asian Games |
| 6. | 9 February 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Finland | 1-0 | Won | King's Cup 1996 |
| 7. | 16 February 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Finland | 5-2 | Won | King's Cup 1996 |
| 8. | 16 February 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Finland | 5-2 | Won | King's Cup 1996 |
| 9. | 16 February 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Finland | 5-2 | Won | King's Cup 1996 |
| 10. | 27 June 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Maldives | 8-0 | Won | 1996 Asian Cup qualification |
| 11. | 27 June 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Maldives | 8-0 | Won | 1996 Asian Cup qualification |
| 12. | 27 June 1996 | Bangkok, Thailand | Maldives | 8-0 | Won | 1996 Asian Cup qualification |
| 13. | 7 July 1996 | Singapore | Myanmar | 7-1 | Won | 1996 Asian Cup qualification |
| 14. | 9 July 1996 | Singapore | Singapore | 2-2 | Drew | 1996 Asian Cup qualification |
| 15. | 2 September 1996 | Singapore | Philippines | 5-0 | Won | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 16. | 2 September 1996 | Singapore | Philippines | 5-0 | Won | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 17. | 6 September 1996 | Singapore | Brunei | 6-0 | Won | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 18. | 6 September 1996 | Singapore | Brunei | 6-0 | Won | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 19. | 8 September 1996 | Singapore | Malaysia | 1-1 | Drew | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 20. | 13 September 1996 | Singapore | Vietnam | 4-2 | Won | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 21. | 13 September 1996 | Singapore | Vietnam | 4-2 | Won | 1996 Tiger Cup |
| 22. | 9 February 1997 | Bangkok, Thailand | Japan | 1-1 | Drew | King's Cup 1997 |
| 23. | 9 March 1997 | Bangkok, Thailand | Hong Kong | 2-0 | Won | 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 24. | 30 March 1997 | Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong | Hong Kong | 2-3 | Lost | 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 25. | 12 October 1997 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Cambodia | 4-0 | Won | 1997 Southeast Asian Games |
4. Coaching Career
After concluding his playing career, Natipong Sritong-In transitioned into football coaching, taking on various roles within Thai football. He served as the forward coach for the Thailand U-19 women's team between 2016 and 2017. He then entered the Thai League as a head coach for Kalasin FC in 2017, leading the team to an 8th-place finish in the upper zone of Thai League 3. He also held the position of head coach for Royal Thai Navy F.C. in the Thai League. Currently, he serves as an assistant coach for BG Pathum United in the Thai League.
5. Post-Playing Activities
Natipong Sritong-In retired from international football in 1997. Two years later, around 1999, he officially retired from professional football entirely and shifted his focus to playing golf.
6. Honours
Natipong Sritong-In earned numerous honours throughout his playing career at both club and international levels, as well as individual accolades.
6.1. Club Honours
Thai Farmer Bank
- Asian Club Championship: 1994, 1995
- Kor Royal Cup: 1995
- Queen's Cup: 1994, 1995
- Afro-Asian Club Championship: 1994
6.2. National Team Honours
Thailand
- Sea Games: 1995, 1997
- ASEAN Football Championship: 1996
- King's Cup: 1994
6.3. Individual Honours
- ASEAN Football Championship top scorer: 1996
- Asian Super Cup top scorer: 1995