A Thai girl named Kamolwan Krathinthong, affectionately known as PukPik, recently traveled to Hanoi, thanks to the generosity of a Vietnamese benefactor. This special trip allowed her to meet her idol, Vietnamese footballer Đình Bắc, and experience the excitement of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final.

PukPik has long admired Đình Bắc and dreamed of meeting him in person. After the first leg of the finals, she expressed her desire to meet him while interacting with Vietnamese fans. However, due to heavy traffic around the stadium, she struggled to find transportation to the hotel where the Vietnamese team was staying.

Moved by her passion, a Vietnamese supporter named Trần Duy Đạt decided to sponsor her entire trip, covering round-trip airfare and accommodation. PukPik, who has a disability and relies on a wheelchair for mobility, was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the news of her trip to Vietnam.

On August 26, PukPik and her companion, Nguyễn Thị Mơ, arrived in Hanoi and immediately headed to Mỹ Đình Stadium to join the vibrant atmosphere of the football match. Dressed in her Thai national team jersey, PukPik quickly captured the attention of the crowd, who welcomed her warmly despite the sea of red representing the Vietnamese team.

After the final match, PukPik had the opportunity to meet Đình Bắc in the hotel lobby. The moment was brief but meaningful, as he greeted her with a handshake and expressed gratitude for her support. "I never thought I would visit Hanoi and meet my idol during such a special night for Southeast Asian football," she shared.

PukPik believes that football has the power to connect people and foster friendship among nations. She hopes that fans from all ASEAN countries can unite and support each other. Currently, she works as a business analyst in Bangkok and has been passionate about football since childhood. This trip marks her second visit to Vietnam, where she plans to explore famous landmarks and enjoy the local cuisine until August 29.