Jude Soonsup-Bell chooses Thailand, waiting for November release

Jude Soonsup-Bell, a striker of British-Thai descent who grew up at Chelsea, has agreed to play for the Thai national team and could make his debut in November. Football Association of Thailand (FAT) President Nualphan Lamsam (Madame Pang) confirmed the news and said that passport and registration procedures are being completed in time for the upcoming FIFA Days matches.

War Elephant's staff boost, confirmed by Madame Pang

Soonsup-Bell's decision comes at a time when Thailand is aiming for mid- and long-term goals at the national team level. According to Madame Pang, the FAT is rushing to complete the paperwork so that the 21-year-old striker can be ready to compete in the November training session. This is a step in line with the "globalization" of player resources that the FAT is pursuing.

Player profile: from Chelsea academy, through Tottenham, to Grimsby Town

Soonsup-Bell came through the Chelsea academy, played for Tottenham's youth team and was considered one of the most promising talents in English football during his formative years. At international level, he represented England at Under-15 to Under-19 level between 2019 and 2021.

Currently, this striker is on the payroll of Grimsby Town (League Two - 4th tier England). He was on the Grimsby Town's registration list for the historic match that eliminated Manchester United from the Carabao Cup at the end of August, although he did not enter the field.

Imprint in England youth teams

Soonsup-Bell’s consistent presence at England U15, U16, U18 and U19 level (2019-2021) shows he is on a well-established development path. The choice to represent Thailand opens a new chapter where he has the opportunity to translate that training into a tangible contribution to the national team.

FAT's strategy of globalizing forces

Convincing Soonsup-Bell to return is seen as a signal shot for the strategy of expanding the pool of Thai players playing in Europe. This model has brought success to the Philippines and is expected to increase the depth of the squad, creating healthy competition for positions for Thailand in upcoming tournaments.

In terms of planning, the presence of a striker who grew up in the English football system not only adds to the squad but also acts as a signal to attract other Thai-origin players to consider the opportunity to contribute to the national team.

Expected match schedule and practical impact

According to the plan, Soonsup-Bell can debut when Thailand hosts Singapore on November 13 or visits Sri Lanka on November 18 in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers. If the procedures are completed in time, the 21-year-old striker will become an option to increase the depth of the "War Elephants" attack right in this training session.

Instantaneous Expectations

With qualifying matches often being intense and requiring a variety of attacking options, adding a centre-forward trained in a highly competitive environment could give Thailand more flexibility in their approach to the game. Competition for positions is also a catalyst to improve the team’s performance.

Main highlights

• Madame Pang confirmed: Soonsup-Bell agreed to play for the Thai national team.
• Passport and registration procedures are being rushed to completion.
• The 21-year-old striker grew up at Chelsea and was part of Tottenham's youth team.
• England U15-U19 member 2019-2021.
• Currently playing for Grimsby Town (League Two); was named in the squad for Manchester United's Carabao Cup elimination match.
• Possible debut: against Singapore on November 13 or Sri Lanka on November 18 in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

With a European training background and the decision to choose Thailand, Soonsup-Bell becomes a notable new piece in the ambition to raise the level of the national team, while strengthening FAT's strategy of exploiting Thai-origin players.