For the first time in world history, the sports competition for the "Dhamma Century Cup" takes place, where there are no "losers"—only "winners." Victory is achieved through the power of unity, as everything "wins through Dhamma."
The football rivalry between Thailand and Cambodia has a long history, with both nations having faced each other multiple times on various stages, especially in men's national team competitions. These encounters have taken place in prestigious tournaments such as the AFF Cup (ASEAN Football Federation Cup), the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and even in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
The year B.E. 2568 (A.D. 2025) marks another significant national milestone as the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. To commemorate this occasion, Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, one of Thailand’s esteemed intellectual institutions, in collaboration with three key organizers My Mate Nate (Nathan Bartling), Bell Khobsanam, and Joe (Nopparat Phuttharattanamanee) is hosting a historic football competition featuring artists, celebrities, and professional fighters representing both Thailand and Cambodia. This groundbreaking event, named "IDOL LEAGUE ASIA," will be contested for the "Dhamma Century Cup" a trophy that has never before been featured in the history of sports competitions. The event is organized by Idol Games Co., Ltd., the legendary production team behind the most epic LEAGUE FOOTBALL tournaments for online communities, boasting a combined subscriber base of over 300 million followers.
The closeness and similarities between Thailand and Cambodia—in terms of geographical location, language, and certain cultural aspects—as well as their status as neighboring countries sharing a common border, have occasionally led to friction. However, their diplomatic relations have endured for as long as 75 years.
Mr Maris Sangiampongsa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that...
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia, we have reached an era in which both nations are developing together in the 21st century. This is a time when the younger generation is growing and becoming a crucial force in shaping the future—a generation commonly referred to as "Generation Z" (Gen Z). The Thai government, along with the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, is committed to promoting people-to-people connectivity between Thailand and Cambodia, fostering stronger ties and deeper mutual understanding between the people of both nations.
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute and the initiator of the "Dhamma Century Cup" competition, spoke about the significance of this "Dhamma Century Award" as follows:
The Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute is committed to supporting the policies of both the Thai and Cambodian governments. As part of this commitment, the institute actively promotes activities for the new generation Gen Z to instill knowledge and understanding of Buddhist principles. These teachings serve as a vital bridge connecting the people of both nations, in alignment with the institute’s long-standing mission. This approach has been exemplified by the Five-Nation Dhammadayatra along the Mekong River Basin, which has demonstrated remarkable success. By applying Buddhist principles to strengthen international relations, the initiative has enabled people to embrace moral values, fostering unity and harmonious coexistence. Ultimately, this leads to genuine peace and lasting harmony.
The countries of the Mekong River Basin - Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand have shared the same land for more than two thousand years, united by their common adherence to Buddhism. Notably, China, the country where the Mekong River originates, has the largest Buddhist population in the world. The religious beliefs of these nations have all been influenced by the same source India, the civilization of the Ganges River Basin. Cambodia, in particular, serves as one of the most prominent testaments to this religious and cultural influence, with its magnificent Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom temples standing as evidence of deep-rooted Brahmanic, Hindu, and Buddhist beliefs. Similarly, Thailand, as Cambodia’s neighboring country with a shared border, has also absorbed religious, traditional, and cultural influences that closely resemble those of its counterparts in the region.
As the 21st century is recognized as the "Asian Century", we now step into the "Dhamma Century" with the introduction of the "Dhamma Century Cup". This prestigious award was established with the intention of hosting a special international football tournament to commemorate the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia. This event serves as a vital mechanism to foster unity among the younger generation, bringing together artists, celebrities, influencers, legendary athletes, and influential figures from both Thailand and Cambodia to set an example for future generations. These individuals will help shape the modern world by following the principles of Dhamma as a guiding light. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to **strengthen unity among the Mekong region, Southeast Asia, and the broader Eastern world**, with the ambition of extending this harmony towards achieving **global peace**.
As "My Mate Nate" Nathan Bartling, Managing Director of Idol Games Ltd., shared his thoughts on organizing this event, he stated: "We have all given our utmost effort to unite in creating the power of peace. More important than victory itself, this football competition among idols from all over Thailand and Cambodia will serve as a great and high-quality example for the younger generation, inspiring them to come together and make history together."
Belle Khobsanam, co-founder of Idol Games Ltd., shared insights on the preparation for the competition, stating that for the Thailand All-Star team, they have gathered a diverse group of participants, including Youtubers, TikTokers, rappers, artists, influencers, and legendary football players such as "Leesaw" Teeratep Winothai, Michael Byrne, and Datsakorn Thonglao. Additionally, many other well-known figures will be attending the event because the goal is to bring everyone together to create an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Football will serve as a bridge to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Nopparat Buddhadhammanamani, co-founder of Idol Games Ltd., shared his vision for organizing this event, stating: "I feel immensely proud that we have been able to host this event because sports, Dhamma, and culture serve as powerful tools for fostering relationships in this era. Sports, in particular, act as a universal language that transcends borders and communicates the essence of human connection. This event holds even greater significance as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian relations. We have put our utmost effort into making this happen, aiming to showcase the beauty and charm of both nations' cultures. This is a wonderful opportunity to organize such an event and strengthen ties between our countries. It marks a promising beginning for regional cooperation in ASEAN, with Cambodia being the first country to set this precedent."
Mr. Chai, President of the National Boxing Association of Cambodia, also shared his thoughts on co-hosting this event, saying: "Cambodia is delighted to host this competition, as it will help strengthen the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia. Besides football, both countries also share Dhamma and cultural values. This event will showcase how we come together to foster unity. Many celebrities from both nations will be attending, ensuring an exciting and enjoyable experience for everyone." The IDOL LEAGUE ASIA tournament for the Dhamma Century Cup is scheduled for March 8, 2025. Each country will be represented by two teams, including: - Thailand All-Star Team, featuring well-known figures such as My Mate Nate, Phaw Wallop, Boat Kamsing, P-Hot, Boy Thaprachan, Pam Watalookball, Jae Dam, and a team of Muay Thai fighters. - Cambodia All-Star Team, alongside a team of Cambodian boxers. Additionally, a special guest commentator, Sompong Nakhonthai, will provide exclusive football commentary during the match. The event will take place at the Olympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and will be conducted under world-class standards for event management and live broadcasting technology.
