Sports
Surat Sukha Returns to Thailand
Surat Sukha of Victory is tackled by Cassio of United during the round 12 A-League match between the Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United at Etihad Stadium
Chiangrai News Press Release
Melbourne Victory has confirmed that defender Surat Sukha has been released today, with immediate effect and join the club of Thailand, Buriram PEA, after a transfer was negotiated with the Bangkok-based club.
Sukha, 28, received permission to return home to Thailand for humanitarian reasons.
The international Thailand made 36 appearances in his two seasons in the Hyundai A-League and 5 other clubs in the recent campaign Champions League AFC – the same competition that first brought him to the attention of Melbourne Victory in 2008 .
Melbourne Victory coach, Mehmet Durakovic, said: “We would like to thank for their enormous contribution Surat in the last two seasons and wish him well in the future.
“Surat was very popular with the gaming group and quickly became an important part of our set-up because of his competitive nature and his versatility on the side of the left and right of defense.
“The enormous cultural differences between Thailand and Australia made it difficult for his family to live here in Melbourne, and as a result, reluctantly agreed to transfer to Buriram PEA.” Durakovic added.
Sukha, farewell to his former teammates after the training session this morning, thanked the club for their support, “I enjoyed my time at Melbourne Victory, but it was in the best interests of my family to return to Thailand.
Surat's twin older brother Suree is also a footballer, he plays for Chonburi as a right back
“I made great friends here in Melbourne and I wish him all the club’s success in the future.” He said.
Thailand international recruited from Chonburi FC in Thailand. Surat Sukha joined Melbourne Victory following a successful stint with Chonburi, where he was part of the Thai club’s AFC Champions League 2008 and AFC Cup 2009 campaigns. Sukha made his international debut for Thailand in 2008 and joined Melbourne Victory for two years in 2009.
Surat joined 2-time A-League champions, Melbourne Victory, for a transfer fee of ฿1.5million (A$57,700) on 14 May 2009 on a 2 year deal worth A$140,000
“I am very proud, happy and excited to be the first player (from south-east Asia) to play in the A-League.” he said.
He made his first appearance for his new club substituting in the 78th minute of the game on 15 August 2009 and made his first line-up at Melbourne Victory in a 1-0 win over North Queensland Fury on 20 August 2009.
