Tono Pakin fulfills childhood dream by becoming 50% co-owner of Roi Et PB United
The Thai singer and actor opens up about stepping into a full ownership role and serving as president of his hometown football club.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Tono Pakin acquires a 50% stake as co-owner and club president of Roi Et PB United
- Describes the milestone as a childhood dream come true from playing video games
- Reports overwhelming local support with merchandise and jerseys completely sold out
- Gears up for the official league opening matches starting next month
After catching the attention of Thailand's sports circles with his executive role, Tono Pakin has opened up about the behind-the-scenes reality of managing Roi Et PB United during a press appearance at Bangkok's Siam Paragon shopping center. He confessed that owning a football club was merely a far-fetched childhood dream born from playing video games, but he has now seized the opportunity to become a 50% co-owner alongside Khun Book, officially stepping in as the club president—a major step up from his previous advisory roles at two other clubs.
Discussing the unique dynamics of running a provincial team, Tono noted that Roi Et benefits from being the sole football club in the entire province, drawing a remarkably warm reception from local fans. Official jerseys and club merchandise have consistently sold out across all batches. Furthermore, the management has prioritized improving players' welfare by hiring a dedicated team doctor and providing nutritional supplements and proteins for both the senior squad and the youth academy to support players who may not earn high base salaries.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Running a professional sports organization, however, comes with constant hurdles. The celebrity president admitted facing a wide array of daily challenges ranging from personal life matters to organizational obstacles, emphasizing the ongoing effort required to keep everyone aligned toward a shared goal while navigating the inevitable pressures of competitive sports.
"When I was a kid, I could only play video games and thought one day owning a club was just a fantasy. But when the opportunity finally arrived, it has been both exhausting and prideful, requiring daily problem-solving."
Tono Pakin
Celebrity involvement in regional Thai football clubs often injects fresh energy and local media attention into lower-tier leagues. Addressing fundamental operational needs such as sports science, medical staff, and nutritional support demonstrates a modern professional approach necessary for the long-term sustainability of provincial sports franchises.
Looking ahead, Roi Et PB United is set to kick off its official competitive season next month. Tono acknowledged the inherent stress and uncertainty of how fan backing might hold up if match results falter, yet pledged to push the club forward for as long as he is capable. Meanwhile, regarding his entertainment career, he confirmed that film projects remain on his radar, though his current focus is squarely on the upcoming football season.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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