Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, presided over a significant ceremony at City Hall on May 14, 2026, celebrating the expansion of international opportunities for children within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) school system. The event centered on the successful conclusion of two major initiatives: a language and culture exchange in Higashikawa and an elite football development program with J-League club Consadole Sapporo. By honoring ten exchange students who returned from a two-month residency in Japan, the Governor emphasized the importance of the “Good Learning” policy. He urged these young ambassadors to apply their newfound Japanese discipline, academic skills, and cultural insights to the future development of Bangkok, highlighting the program’s role in creating high-quality citizens with a global perspective.
In parallel with the academic success, the BMA highlighted the “Promoting the Potential of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Students as Football Players 2026” project. Twenty-four selected athletes recently returned from Hokkaido, where they trained under JFA-certified coaches at Consadole Sapporo. During their time in Japan, these athletes gained firsthand experience in advanced technical tactics and embraced a “never give up” attitude along with strict punctuality. Beyond the pitch, they practiced Japanese environmental values, such as meticulous waste separation and maintaining public cleanliness.
Governor Chadchart revealed that the BMA is now laying the foundation for a “progressive pathway” to professionalism based on these experiences. This long-term strategy involves implementing the J-League Academy Model in city schools and establishing a “Train the Trainer” system where the participants who traveled to Japan now share their expertise with peers. By building strong networks with Thai League clubs and offering special quotas at BMA sports schools, the city aims to bridge the gap between youth sports and professional careers, ensuring the participants grow into quality citizens of international standard.
