Bangkok Glass midfielder Thitipan Puangchan is hoping that this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup will prove to be his debut in the ASEAN competition, and one that could prove a golden one with his sights firmly set on a winner’s medal.

Thitipan has become a regular in the Thailand engine room since Milovan Rajevac took over as head coach last year and the Bangkok Glass midfielder spoke exclusively to affsuzukicup.com ahead of the draw.

The draw for the AFF Suzuki Cup is coming up. What do you think of the new format of the tournament?

I think it definitely makes the tournament more colourful as fans of all countries have the chance to cheer on their teams. It also makes it a bit more even, with every team having the opportunity to play home and away and no specific host country.

Thailand will be favourites for the AFF Suzuki Cup again. Which teams do you expect to challenge you for the title?

Vietnam and the Philippines will definitely be among the main challengers. They look the strongest at the moment and we know from facing them in the past that they will be tough. But we don’t underestimate other teams either as there is still a long time before the tournament and anything is possible.

Will having the AFC Asian Cup so soon after the AFF Suzuki Cup affect the AFF Suzuki Cup’s intensity, with Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines involved at both tournaments?

I don’t think the level of the AFF Suzuki Cup will be affected. The Thai team will want to build confidence before the AFC Asian Cup by winning the AFF Suzuki Cup. And, of course, other Southeast Asian teams will want to take our title from us, so I expect it to be as competitive as ever.

For you personally, how important is the AFF Suzuki Cup?

It is very important to me. I have never had a chance to play in the AFF Suzuki Cup before and I really want a winner’s medal. It’s a significant landmark in my career.