Trailblazing Thai defender Surat Sukha has extended his contract with Melbourne Victory for a year, keeping him at the club until 2012, club officials announced today.

The 27-year-old has made 18 appearances including last month's Grand Final since joining from Chonburi FC last year, when he became the A-League's first south east Asian player.

"He's the first player from south east Asia to play at the highest level in Australia and we couldn't be more impressed with the way he's adapted and performed since joining the club," said operations manager Gary Cole.

"He's fitted in so well, he's always laughing and smiling and he and his family thoroughly enjoy living in Melbourne."