Although Thailand are still looking forward to their first-ever World Cup berth, Thais can be proud of a compatriot who will officiate at the 2006 finals.

Linesman Prachya Permpanich will be the only second Thai match official to do duty at the World Cup finals after Pirom Unprasert was the first Thai referee to officiate at the 1998 tournament in France.

Only six Asians were chosen by world's soccer governing body FIFA, with two being referees and four assistant referees or linesmen.

"I'm glad and proud to be part of the World Cup which is the top football tournament watched by people around the world," Prachya was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying.

He should be proud of his hard work. At least, he will become rich by Thai standards when he returns home from Germany.

He got an initial bonus of 40,000 U.S. dollars and receives a daily allowance of 350 U.S. dollars. Each match official stays in Germany for at least 28 days until the end of the first round. If he is not picked for the knock-out stages, he will receive a total allowance of 9,800 U.S. dollars.

The Thai central native has been involved in sports, particularly football, since a very young age. He played in the province's youth team along with Piyapong Pue-on, one of Thailand best strikers of all time.

Prachya, 44, is also a veteran journalist having worked as a sports writer at Khao Sod newspaper for 15 years and is also secretary of the FAT's referee committee.

Prachya admitted that the off-side rule could be a problem and confusing, and FIFA has told the referees and linesmen that a player who is in an off-side position but is not in play is not considered off-side.

"I will do my best as the representative of Thailand. I'm confident that I can do the job as good as other officials," he said. "To me, every game at the World Cup is difficult. If I consider a certain game an easy one, I may become careless. If there is any mistake, not only myself but also the country's reputation will be affected."

For those who want to be match officials, Prachya suggested that they should have determination, stay as fit as possible, be fluent in English language and know the rules accurately.

Source: Xinhua