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Published on January 18, 2008

Thaksin was astounded when he found out about the players yesterday from Thai reporters who are with the national team in Manchester.

In an historic transfer, Suree Sukha, Teerasil Daengda and Kiatprawut Saiwaeo became the first Thais to sign a deal with an English club in the top-flight division. But they are said to have run into difficulties after not receiving any salary from City.

The three are currently with the national team in Manchester for two-weeks training at the Blues' headquarters in preparation for Asia's World Cup qualifiers, which resume next month.

Their plight was raised when Thai reporters accompanying the national team met Thaksin who has been living in exile since being toppled in the bloodless coup 16 months ago.

The ousted premier looked stunned when he heard the story. He said he did not have any information on it but promised to sort it out.

Fullback Suree admitted he had signed the City contract without knowing any of the details.

"Nobody told me about the contents of the contract. Some said the deal would take effect from January 1. Worawi [Makudi, the president of Football Association of Thailand] told me we would each receive around Bt300,000 a month.

"Almost two months after the contract signing, we still haven't been paid. I survive each day with just the training wage from the national team, which is Bt1,000 a day. That only gets me through the day. I wanted to know the details of the contract but I dared not ask the seniors.

"I'm in deep trouble as I have a responsibility to take care of my parents in north-east Thailand. I also have to pay instalments on my car, which costs me Bt10,000 a month. Fortunately, my former employer, Chon Buri Football Club, has lent me money until I get paid," Suree said.

Suree's mother Pairee said yesterday life would get very tough for her if she does not receive support from her son as she worked in a small bakery in Sakon Nakhon and earned only Bt8,000 a month.

"When I heard that my son had yet to receive his salary, I was barely able to sleep. He's the breadwinner for our family. I'm very concerned as to how he'll find money for the family's expenses. I don't want him to borrow from anyone.

"Suree's a good child. He doesn't want me to face difficulties. He used to send me Bt10,000 each month. Before he left for England he even gave me Bt15,000. I don't know where he found this money. He might have borrowed it from someone. Without his support, our family would run into trouble," she said.

The Nation