The sudden hospitalisation of Alexandre Gama has forced Port FC into an unexpected, yet strangely familiar, mid-season pivot. The Khlong Toei outfit have confirmed that Sarawut ‘Oud’ Treephan will take the reins as interim head coach, stepping into the breach as the Brazilian tactician recovers from emergency surgery.

Gama, who underwent the urgent procedure on the evening of 2 March, is expected to require at least a month of convalescence. The timing is far from ideal for Port, arriving at the sharp end of the 2025/26 campaign with both continental qualification and domestic silverware still fiercely contested.

The appointment of the 46-year-old Sarawut—affectionately known in Thai football circles as ‘Coach Oud’—is a pragmatic solution dictated as much by regulatory necessity as it is by club familiarity. Current Thai League mandates require a Pro Licence holder in the technical area; Sarawut, a graduate of Thailand’s second Pro Licence cohort, fits the bill perfectly.
He is no stranger to the intense pressures of the PAT Stadium. During his previous tenures across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, Sarawut orchestrated a highly commendable ten-match winning streak across all competitions. His pedigree also includes crucial experience on the continent, having guided the club through the 2021 AFC Champions League group stages, and he previously served as an assistant during their triumphant 2019 FA Cup campaign.

Sarawut will not be navigating this transitional period alone. He is set to work closely with assistant coach Jakkarat Tonhongsa, alongside Gama’s existing backroom staff.

Their collective mandate is clear: stabilise the squad and maintain the momentum necessary to secure an Asian cup quota, whilst mounting a serious challenge for the Muang Thai Cup.

The new interim era begins immediately. Port FC welcome Lamphun Warriors to the PAT Stadium this Friday, 6 March. It is a fixture that will demand absolute focus amidst the off-pitch disruption. For Sarawut, it is a rapid return to the spotlight; for Port FC, it is a crucial test of their squad’s resilience during the business end of the season.