[1][2] Born in a village called Oudomvilay located in Savannakhet Province, he started playing association football as his uncle was a coach of the local side.

[3] Aged 8, Phathana joined his first team and made his way to the Korean-backed Ezra F.C.. During his time here, he attracted the interest from Lanexang United who saw him as a footballer they could build their squad around.

[3] Making 1 appearance in the Mekong Cup against Buriram United of Thailand in 2016, his club viewed him as a regular starter in the 2017 season[3] and his coach Leonardo Vitorino praised him as 'the most talented player he had seen in Lao football'.

[3] His progress as a player would be “hampered” by the disbandment of his club Lanexang United.

[7] On June 7, 2017, the Savannakhet native made his senior team debut in a 4–0 loss to the UAE.