Chiangmai deal gives Sarawut 'new life'

The 29-year-old forward said he wants to pay back the White Elephants for giving him a "new life".

"I am determined to become a 'new player'. I will do my best to help them get promoted to Thai League 1 next season," Sarawut said.

Chiangmai United chairman Chuchai Lertpongadisorn earlier said he and his team wanted to sign Sarawut because he is still a good player and has a lot of experience.

Sarawut had recently gone missing for a month after facing "a lot of personal and financial problems".

His disappearance compelled his club Nong­bua Pitchaya, who are also in Thai League 2, to terminate his contract. He came out last week to seek help from the Football Association of Thailand (FAT). During a meeting with FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang, Sarawut admitted that he had debts but said this had nothing to do with football gambling.

Sarawut was once one of Thailand's brightest young stars. Sarawut, then a player in Thai League 2, scored the winner in Thailand's win against Indonesia in the 2013 SEA Games final. After that success, he joined Muang Thong United and then Bangkok Glass (now BG Pathum).

He had a stuttering spell at Bangkok Glass and was loaned to Nakhon Ratchasima and PTT Rayong. He joined Nongbua Pitchaya this year before the season was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic. The top two leagues will resume in September. After four games, Nongbua Pitchaya, Chiangmai United and Navy are joint leaders on 10 points.