Football Thai Factory Sporting Goods Co, Ltd., known as FBT, is a Thai sports equipment company founded in 1952. It operates over 300 stores nationwide and exports to over 40 countries worldwide.
History
In 1947, the founder of FBT, Kamol Chokephaibulkit emigrated from China to Bangkok, Thailand. Initially working as a leather repairman, his interest in sports equipment began in 1950, when he was asked to repair an imported football. After studying its design, he began making footballs by hand, producing two to three balls per day from his home. He later sold these footballs at local sporting goods stores and department stores, such as Nightingale–Olympic.
In 1952, Chokephaibulkit established the Football Thai Factory, located in Lat Krabang district. By 1954, it had expanded and become Football Thai Factory Sporting Goods Co., Ltd.—FBT for short. By 1961, FBT had opened its first retail store, in Siam Square. In 1963, Chokephaibulkit had the opportunity to present FBT-made footballs and rugby balls to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, during the Thai Products Exhibition.
FBT continued to grow and gained recognition at the 1966 Asian Games, in Bangkok, where it served as the official sponsor. The company's profile grew among Thai and international athletes, leading to the opening of its flagship retail store, near Suphachalasai Stadium. In 1978, FBT became the first Asian company to receive certification from FIFA for its footballs, which were subsequently used at the 1978 Asian Games, in Bangkok.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, FBT received multiple awards, including the Best Sporting Goods Manufacturer Award (1984) and the Prime Minister's Export Award (1988).