PAVIN Bhirombhakdi believes the opportunities to spread Oxford United’s name extend well beyond Thailand due to the city’s global brand.

Last week the U’s announced a partnership with Singha beer, with the family who own it now looking to purchase a stake in the club.

It arose due to a link with United owner Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth, who has been looking to recruit other investors from his homeland since completing a takeover in February.

The club’s long-term success under his ownership is likely to depend on encouraging others to follow Singha’s lead – and he is confident it will happen.

He said: “Yes, we will have some more.”

Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday are also owned by Thais – but while the U’s operate in a lower division, their trump card is the city itself.

And Bhirombhakdi believes it will open doors not just at a national level, but the entire region.

He said: “Oxford is a very well-known name in the world and there is Blenheim Palace and a lot of public schools here.

“I think the name of the city itself stands for a premium type of knowledge all around the world, especially in Thailand.

“It goes well with our brand as well, which is a premium brand.”

He added: “Most importantly, how (do) you get Oxford United as a football club and spread it out in terms of the brand in Thailand itself?

“If we can be exposed to South-East Asia which accounts for 600 million people, that’s a big market that we can play with.

“The key is setting the brand alight and to show the Asian people that not only the Premier League teams can be associated, but also those in the Championship and League One.

“They have the tradition and long history of clubs in England for more than 100 years.”

Thanakarnjanasuth was particularly pleased to get Singha on board due to their previous experience in football, on top of their financial power.

The company own Bangkok Glass in the Thai Premier League and Pavin Singha sees a chance to build footballing links with the U’s.

He said: “I think there are opportunities for both clubs to be a part of an interchange or whatever you want to call it.

“We’re talking in detail about it, but it won’t happen straight away.

"Hopefully within this year we’ll see something.”