Madam Pang visits Hanoi to promote Vietnam-Thailand ties

Madam Pang at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi, on April 3, 2025. Photo by VnExpress

Nualphan Lamsam, widely known as Madam Pang, landed at Noi Bai International Airport at noon and was warmly welcomed by fans. She was scheduled to attend a friendly U17 women's football match between Vietnam and Thailand at 3 p.m.

Alongside her role as FAT President, Madam Pang also serves as vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand. Her visit is not only aimed at fostering football development but also at enhancing economic, trade, social and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking at a press conference on March 24, Madam Pang said the match on Thursday represents an opportunity to deepen ties between the two countries, where football is the most popular sport.

"In Thailand, 70% of the population watches football. In Vietnam, that number is even higher with 82%," she said. "This match is part of a long-term strategy to support the growth of youth women's football in both countries."

At 59, Madam Pang has been a key figure in Thai football over the past decade. From 2015 to 2019, she was the leader of the national women’s team, leading them to the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. She later guided the men’s national team to back-to-back AFF Cup titles in 2020 and 2022. In February 2024, she was elected FAT President, becoming the first woman in Thai history to hold the position.

Outside of football, Madam Pang is the president and CEO of Muang Thai Insurance and hails from one of Thailand's most prominent business families.

Known for her elegance and fashion sense, Madam Pang has a significant following in Vietnam as well. Her Instagram account has over 841,000 followers, including thousands of Vietnamese fans.

Shortly after her arrival in Hanoi, Madam Pang posted a video on social media with the caption: "Check in Hanoi. Xin chao."