PETALING JAYA: Selangor are turning up the heat in midfield by securing Picha Autra (pic) of Thailand – a member of the AFF Cup and SEA Games winning team – for the new season.

And the 29-year-old Picha, stepping out of his homeland for the first time, promises to deliver.

“Joining Selangor is a big step for me. It’s a personal challenge and a chance to gain international experience,” said Picha.

“This is a professional club with high standards, and I’m proud to be part of the Red Giants family.”

Picha arrives with a wealth of experience from the Thai League and is expected to be a key figure not just in the Super League, but also in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two and the Asean Club Championship.

He was part of Thailand’s 2020 AFF Cup-winning squad and also clinched gold at the 2017 SEA Games with the Under-23 team, solidifying his reputation as one of South-East Asia’s top midfielders.

A graduate of the famed Muangthong United academy, Picha began his senior career at just 18 with Nakhon Nayok, before establishing himself as a standout player with Samut Prakan City.

There, he made 114 appearances, scoring 19 goals and notching 13 assists between 2015 and 2020, form that earned him a call-up to the Thailand senior national team in 2019.

He returned to Muangthong United in 2020 and for four seasons, he played in 159 matches, including two against Selangor in the ACL Two group stage last season.

His leadership qualities eventually saw him wear the captain’s armband, underscoring his influence both on and off the pitch.

Determined to make an immediate impact, the midfielder is focused on settling in quickly and making meaningful contributions.

“I want to build strong relationships with my teammates and the coaching staff. I hope my experience, especially in high-pressure situations, can help the team during tough moments,” he added.

Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi believes they have secured a gem.

“Picha embodies our fighting spirit. He brings a professional mindset and a dynamic style of play that aligns with our philosophy. His presence will add depth and quality to our squad,” said the Japanese tactician.

THE SQUAD

Foreigners staying on: Noor Al-Rawabdeh (Jor), Mohamad Abualnadi (Jor), Alvin Fortes (Cpv), Richmond Ankrah (Gha).

Locals: Faisal Halim, Nooa Laine, Quentin Cheng, and Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman, Samuel Somerville, Kalamullah Al-Hafiz; Sharul Nazeem. Zulphakar, Ahmad Zikri Khalili, Aliff Haiqal Lau, Alif Izwan Yuslan, Muhammad Khalil, and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi.

New foreign signings: Picha Autra (Tha), Chrigor Moraes (Bra), Willian Lira (Bra), Juan Pablo Anor Acosta (Ven).

New local signing: Moses Raj.