On 12 March 2018, Mr. Naruchai Ninnad, Deputy Consul-General of Thailand in Osaka, on behalf of the Consul-General, hosted a welcome dinner for members of Buriram United Football Club (BRUTD), led by Mr. Newin Chidchob, Chairman of BRUTD, who came to Osaka to play in the AFC Champions League 2018 (Group Stage) against Cerezo Osaka Football Club on 14 March 2018. Approximately 50 guests attended the welcome dinner including BRUTD players and staff and members of Team Thailand in Osaka.

            Later, on 14 March 2018, the Deputy Consul-General together with around 30 Thai people in Osaka, comprising officers of Team Thailand and Thai students in Osaka, joined about 100 BRUTD’s supporters from Thailand, led by Governor Anusorn Kaewkangwarn of Buriram Province, in supporting BRUTD at Osaka Nagai Stadium.

            The atmosphere at the Osaka Nagai Stadium was lively. 8,479 Japanese and Thai football fans attended the match. Both teams played out a 2-2 draw.