Report Thai Fanatic Builds Shrine to Pompey, Dreams of Fratton Park

[webfact]

Pictures courtesy of Kai Sichomphu

 

In a small corner of Yala province, Thailand, Kai Sichomphu has constructed an extraordinary tribute to his beloved Portsmouth FC, known affectionately as Pompey. Despite never having travelled to the UK, his passion for the club exceeds borders, manifesting in an impressive array of memorabilia from the blue coast.

 

It all began in February 2004 when Kai, now 32, happened upon a televised match between Portsmouth and Liverpool, which Pompey clinched 1-0. The club's spirit and the electrifying atmosphere at Fratton Park captured his heart. The Portsmouth players’ passion and the fans’ fervour were enough to stoke a fire in the young Thai boy that has burnt brightly ever since.

 

Kai's admiration for the team led him to amass a remarkable collection over the years. Today, he owns 90 match shirts and 60 scarves, along with flags and countless matchday programs.

 

His investment, ranging between £2,500 (110,000 baht) and £3,000 (131,000 baht), is not just in merchandise but in a dream.

 

 

“From the beginning, I loved the heart-shaped TY sponsor on their shirts,” Kai recalls. This simple yet endearing detail ignited a devotion that set him apart from other fans in Thailand, where major clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool typically draw the largest followings.

 

Supporting a mid-table Premier League team from afar was no easy feat in 2004, but Kai's dedication did not waver. The young fan often stayed awake past midnight to catch matches live, even if it meant showing up at school the next day half-asleep. Some might see a collection of shirts as trivial, but for Kai, they represent memories interwoven with each season of triumphs and trials.

 

It wasn’t until after Portsmouth’s FA Cup victory in 2008 that Kai's collection truly began to flourish. Purchasing the 2007/08 home shirt marked the start of his hunt for memorabilia.

 

His collection boasts beloved pieces like the 1991–93 Goodmans shirts and the 1993–95 Asics kits, each design telling a piece of Pompey's storied history. Yet, the iconic 1997–99 KJC Admiral kits remain his absolute favourites.

 

Kai’s ardent support has not been solitary. He is part of a vibrant online community, the Portsmouth FC Thailand Supporters, where fellow fans gather to share news and passion for the club. They chat, watch matches, and even celebrate wins together, bridging the geographical gap with digital camaraderie.

 

Throughout his years of unwavering support, Kai has seen Portsmouth ascend to the heights of Premier League glory and plunge into financial turmoil, yet his devotion to the club remains unshaken. Fanciful dreams of attending a live match at Fratton Park fuel his commitment.

 

“When I finally visit Fratton Park, it will be one of the best days of my life,” Kai dreams aloud, envisioning the moment when his lifelong passion will be realised.

 

To Kai, football is more than just a game; it's a heart connection spanning continents, proving that true loyalty knows no borders. His shrine in Yala stands as a testament to his extraordinary devotion, embodying the spirit of a fan who lives and breathes Pompey, much to his heart's content.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-15

 

 

[MarkBR]

Thought it was going to be something erudite on the Roman general.  Sadly disappointed.

[garygooner]

Hope his dream of visiting Fratton Park comes true one day ... if he can afford it. 

[JRG23]

He'll be disappointed if he ever goes. Fratton Park aint what it used to be.

[hotchilli]

Portsmouth FC... it could be worse...

[hotchilli]

2 minutes ago, JRG23 said:

He'll be disappointed if he ever goes. Fratton Park aint what it used to be.

The Pompey Royal is still good though.

[newbee2022]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Pictures courtesy of Kai Sichomphu

 

In a small corner of Yala province, Thailand, Kai Sichomphu has constructed an extraordinary tribute to his beloved Portsmouth FC, known affectionately as Pompey. Despite never having travelled to the UK, his passion for the club exceeds borders, manifesting in an impressive array of memorabilia from the blue coast.

 

It all began in February 2004 when Kai, now 32, happened upon a televised match between Portsmouth and Liverpool, which Pompey clinched 1-0. The club's spirit and the electrifying atmosphere at Fratton Park captured his heart. The Portsmouth players’ passion and the fans’ fervour were enough to stoke a fire in the young Thai boy that has burnt brightly ever since.

 

Kai's admiration for the team led him to amass a remarkable collection over the years. Today, he owns 90 match shirts and 60 scarves, along with flags and countless matchday programs.

 

His investment, ranging between £2,500 (110,000 baht) and £3,000 (131,000 baht), is not just in merchandise but in a dream.

 

 

“From the beginning, I loved the heart-shaped TY sponsor on their shirts,” Kai recalls. This simple yet endearing detail ignited a devotion that set him apart from other fans in Thailand, where major clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool typically draw the largest followings.

 

Supporting a mid-table Premier League team from afar was no easy feat in 2004, but Kai's dedication did not waver. The young fan often stayed awake past midnight to catch matches live, even if it meant showing up at school the next day half-asleep. Some might see a collection of shirts as trivial, but for Kai, they represent memories interwoven with each season of triumphs and trials.

 

It wasn’t until after Portsmouth’s FA Cup victory in 2008 that Kai's collection truly began to flourish. Purchasing the 2007/08 home shirt marked the start of his hunt for memorabilia.

 

His collection boasts beloved pieces like the 1991–93 Goodmans shirts and the 1993–95 Asics kits, each design telling a piece of Pompey's storied history. Yet, the iconic 1997–99 KJC Admiral kits remain his absolute favourites.

 

Kai’s ardent support has not been solitary. He is part of a vibrant online community, the Portsmouth FC Thailand Supporters, where fellow fans gather to share news and passion for the club. They chat, watch matches, and even celebrate wins together, bridging the geographical gap with digital camaraderie.

 

Throughout his years of unwavering support, Kai has seen Portsmouth ascend to the heights of Premier League glory and plunge into financial turmoil, yet his devotion to the club remains unshaken. Fanciful dreams of attending a live match at Fratton Park fuel his commitment.

 

“When I finally visit Fratton Park, it will be one of the best days of my life,” Kai dreams aloud, envisioning the moment when his lifelong passion will be realised.

 

To Kai, football is more than just a game; it's a heart connection spanning continents, proving that true loyalty knows no borders. His shrine in Yala stands as a testament to his extraordinary devotion, embodying the spirit of a fan who lives and breathes Pompey, much to his heart's content.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-15

 

 

I think a #gofundme will be appropriate to buy him a ticket to UK and a ticket for his beloved club.

Somebody who wants to visit UK voluntarily should be honored with money (at least for the ticket🤗)

[Seagull Sam]

1 hour ago, JRG23 said:

He'll be disappointed if he ever goes. Fratton Park aint what it used to be.

It was and still is still a terrible, if endearing, old school dump of a ground. Tiny pitch with the players and fans within touching distance 

[Reddavy]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

Pictures courtesy of Kai Sichomphu

 

In a small corner of Yala province, Thailand, Kai Sichomphu has constructed an extraordinary tribute to his beloved Portsmouth FC, known affectionately as Pompey. Despite never having travelled to the UK, his passion for the club exceeds borders, manifesting in an impressive array of memorabilia from the blue coast.

 

It all began in February 2004 when Kai, now 32, happened upon a televised match between Portsmouth and Liverpool, which Pompey clinched 1-0. The club's spirit and the electrifying atmosphere at Fratton Park captured his heart. The Portsmouth players’ passion and the fans’ fervour were enough to stoke a fire in the young Thai boy that has burnt brightly ever since.

 

Kai's admiration for the team led him to amass a remarkable collection over the years. Today, he owns 90 match shirts and 60 scarves, along with flags and countless matchday programs.

 

His investment, ranging between £2,500 (110,000 baht) and £3,000 (131,000 baht), is not just in merchandise but in a dream.

 

 

“From the beginning, I loved the heart-shaped TY sponsor on their shirts,” Kai recalls. This simple yet endearing detail ignited a devotion that set him apart from other fans in Thailand, where major clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool typically draw the largest followings.

 

Supporting a mid-table Premier League team from afar was no easy feat in 2004, but Kai's dedication did not waver. The young fan often stayed awake past midnight to catch matches live, even if it meant showing up at school the next day half-asleep. Some might see a collection of shirts as trivial, but for Kai, they represent memories interwoven with each season of triumphs and trials.

 

It wasn’t until after Portsmouth’s FA Cup victory in 2008 that Kai's collection truly began to flourish. Purchasing the 2007/08 home shirt marked the start of his hunt for memorabilia.

 

His collection boasts beloved pieces like the 1991–93 Goodmans shirts and the 1993–95 Asics kits, each design telling a piece of Pompey's storied history. Yet, the iconic 1997–99 KJC Admiral kits remain his absolute favourites.

 

Kai’s ardent support has not been solitary. He is part of a vibrant online community, the Portsmouth FC Thailand Supporters, where fellow fans gather to share news and passion for the club. They chat, watch matches, and even celebrate wins together, bridging the geographical gap with digital camaraderie.

 

Throughout his years of unwavering support, Kai has seen Portsmouth ascend to the heights of Premier League glory and plunge into financial turmoil, yet his devotion to the club remains unshaken. Fanciful dreams of attending a live match at Fratton Park fuel his commitment.

 

“When I finally visit Fratton Park, it will be one of the best days of my life,” Kai dreams aloud, envisioning the moment when his lifelong passion will be realised.

 

To Kai, football is more than just a game; it's a heart connection spanning continents, proving that true loyalty knows no borders. His shrine in Yala stands as a testament to his extraordinary devotion, embodying the spirit of a fan who lives and breathes Pompey, much to his heart's content.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-15

 

 

Well there’s always one 🔔🔚 born every day. 🙈

[wensiensheng]

10 hours ago, garygooner said:

Hope his dream of visiting Fratton Park comes true one day ... if he can afford it. 

If he hadn’t spent so much money on shirts, maybe he could have afforded it!

[NoDisplayName]

11 hours ago, garygooner said:

Hope his dream of visiting Fratton Park comes true one day ... if he can afford it. 

 

After sleeping through so many classes and not learning to code, he may be able if he sells....

 

18 hours ago, webfact said:

His investment, ranging between £2,500 (110,000 baht) and £3,000 (131,000 baht), is not just in merchandise but in a dream.