Park Ji-sung holds charity football match in Thailand

BANGKOK (Yonhap) -- Korean-born Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung on Wednesday drew thousands of Thai and Korean fans to a stadium near Bangkok to attend an all-star football match aimed at raising funds for young football players in the Southeast Asian country.

More than 8,000 local and Korean fans gathered at the SCG Stadium in Nonthaburi Province just outside of Bangkok to watch a special match played between an all-star team of professional Thai players and an international team comprising of Park and other top footballers, including North Korean national team player Jong Tae-se, South Korean-born Lee Chung-yong of Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League, and Manchester United center-back Rio Ferdinand.

"I understand Thailand was hit by floods last year," Park said during a news conference. "I decided to hold this charity match in Thailand to help the Thai people."

The home team beat the international stars 4-2, but the 31-year-old Park said he was "very happy" to meet passionate Thai fans at the second Asian Dream Cup hosted by his foundation. The JS Foundation launched the games in Vietnam last year with an aim to support young talented football players in Southeast Asia.

"I wish to extend my thanks to all players who took part in the game," Park said.