Another Thai star has joined the Meiji Yasuda J.League with Ekanit Panya signing with Urawa Reds on loan from Muangthong United.

Panya has long been one of Thailand’s most promising young players, starring at multiple youth international levels and helping lead his country to the AFF U-19 Youth Championship. He made his senior team debut at just 19 years old is now up to 19 caps.

The 23-year-old attacker came through his local club Chiangrai United and eventually played for the first team, helping them to the 2019 Thai League title and 2021 Thai FA Cup before moving to Muangthong United.

There is already a long list of Thai players who have played big roles in the J.League, from Supachok Sarachat to Teerasil Dangda, Chanathip Songkrasin and Theerathon Bunmathan. Now Urawa, the reigning AFC Champions League winners, are betting that the talent Panya will be the latest bright young Thai player to make it big in Japan.