Phuket Andaman

 

The history of the professional football club of Phuket Andaman FC can be traced back to 2019 when they began life as Patong City FC. They follow in the footsteps of other professional clubs from the southern holiday island.

Phuket FC was formed in 2009 and placed in the Regional Division 2 South with home games being played at Surakul Stadium. The goals of Diarra Ali took them to the title in 2010 and promotion to Thai Division 1 League, which was the second tier at the time. 

The club lasted five seasons at that level as the likes of Adama Koné, Dudu, and Berlin Ndebe-Nlome topped the scoring for the Southern Sea Kirins. The owners pumped considerable sums into the club and launched a big marketing campaign before withdrawing their finances with some player's contracts being left unpaid.

In their final two seasons, Phuket FC played in and were relegated from Regional League Division 2 South. In 2017 the side ended second in Thai League 4 South as Nattapoom Maya top-scored before the club dissolved over the license being denied owing to unpaid contracts. 

In 2018 and 2019 the owners of the newly formed Phuket City FC somehow moved Banbueng FC, who competed in Thai League 3 Lower, to Sarakhul Stadium and changed their name accordingly, while a legal battle commenced. In 2020 they returned to Chonburi to resume as Bangbueng FC.

Meanwhile, in 2019, Patong City began life in the Thailand Amateur League, where a second place in the South region was enough to win promotion to Thai League 3 South. Walit Jitboonchuen was in charge as head coach when the 2020-21 season commenced as the side finished tenth.

Yodwong Misen led the scoring, going on to do so for the following two seasons. Adirek Bintuan arrived as head coach but was later replaced by Nipont Chanarwut during the disappointing 2021-22 campaign before the club took the title of Phuket Andaman in 2022-23.

This saw a much improved sixth place being achieved under the leadership of Jarupong Sangpong. Vilson James Dos Santos was appointed as head coach in 2023-24 which resulted in a ninth-place finish before the club was bought by foreign owners, Higher Sports Co. 

The group already had academy set-ups in other countries and wanted to introduce the same in Phuket, when Andaman became available to buy. Chairman Russ Horsley began the task of putting down foundations by appointing the returning Jarupong as coach.

The relationship failed to materialise, leading to him being replaced in the mid-October of 2024 by Phuwanart Saengsri, as the club looked to put a turbulent few months behind them.

Phuket Andaman FC will play in Thai League 3 South in the 2024-25 season.

My visit

Wednesday April 13th 2016

It was time for my annual visit to Phuket ahead of the Sixes Cricket tournaments that I was involved in. With the first event starting the following day, I decided to take myself off and enjoy some quality time, and head over the island from my hotel in Karon. 

My pal dropped me near Karon Roundabout where I knew a songthaew service went up over the hill and towards Phuket Town but no idea how often they ran. I'm not sure those in charge did either. After what seemed ages in the heat, I clambered aboard and off we went.

As soon as we reached the outskirts of the town my eyes were peeled looking out for the floodlights. This was in the days before I had an internet connection running on my iPhone to source Google Maps. It was just a couple of hundred metres along Vichitsongkram Road when I pressed the bell for the driver to stop. 

Thankfully, the gates were open, and I had access to take photos of what had a horseshoe-shaped continual terrace around the running track. One side had seats with a roof, opposite them were open to the elements. The road end had no spectator accommodation as such.

Once complete I continued to the old town. I had alighted there on a bus from Bangkok on my first-ever Thailand adventure but saw little of it. This time I had a nice look around, including a taxi ride down to the waterfront at Saphan Hin. It was extremely pleasant as I seem to recall. 

The songthaew took me back, jumping out so that I could wander down Taina Road to visit AllStar Aussie Bar, one of the cricket sponsors, to enjoy a good few drinks with Gary, the friendly host.

Later during the stay, a second cricket tournament was played at the Republic Ground where at the close of play in the cricket, the footballers of Phuket FC arrived for their training sessions.

 

Bangkok Pro Venues by Public Transport

How to Get to Bangkok Pro Venues by Public Transport

Please note that going by bus across Bangkok is not for everyone. It can be hot, slow, and frustrating. However, it is also extremely cheap and provides the opportunity to see new places and catch up with reading or listening to music and podcasts.

The recommended app is Viabus which on many routes allows those waiting at a stop to see how far away their next service is through real-time information.

An excellent guide to Bangkok buses can be read about here.

MRT and BTS are the modern train systems which are increasing in number across the city. An excellent guide and explanation can be sourced here.

Please take care when walking and be sure to take on plenty of liquids.

A Guide to the Pro Venues in 2024-25

Assumption United

Wongprachanukun Stadium, Assumption College, Thonburi. Bus 91 from Sanum Luang (Opposite the Supreme Court) to the college entrance. Journey 62 stops. Sunam Luang can be reached from Times Square in Sukhumvit on buses 2 / 3-1. A journey of 20 stops.

AUU Inter Bangkok

72nd Anniversary Stadium, Minburi. From Minburi Bus Depot buses 131 / 1-46 to stop Opposite Khumklao Road, a journey of 16 stops, then 30 minutes’ walk down Khumklao Road. Alternatively taxi from Minburi or Lat Krabang Airport Link railway station.

Bangkok FC

Chalerm Phrakiat Bang Mod Stadium, Thung Khru. (72nd Anniversary Stadium, Minburi until 2025) Bus 75 / 4-13 from Hua Lamphun MRT station to Bangmod Stadium stop. Journey 48 stops.

Bangkok United

Thammasat Stadium, Rangsit. Bus 59 or 1-8 from Victory Monument (25 stops) The bus goes via Lak Si and Zeer Rangsit. Or 501 / 1-53 from Asok BTS, which is 31 stops. After the game, the stop on the main road outside the front of the campus is required Opposite TU Dome.

BG Pathum United

BG Stadium, Pathum Thani. Bus 538 / 1-24E to Wat Khian Khet from Victory Monument (48 stops). The bus goes via Lak Si and Zeer Rangsit. After the game, cross the footbridge for the return bus. It is worth checking out the club's social media as shuttle buses run between the stadium and Khu Kot BTS station.

Chamchuri United

Chulalongkorn University Stadium. MRT to Samyan. Leave by Mitrtown exit. Then a 10-minute walk along Rama IV Road and then right along Soi Chulalongkorn 9.

Customs United/Samut Prakan City

Lad Krabang 54 Stadium, Samut Prakan. Airport Link Train to Lat Krabang from the city. From outside there are songthaews which go to the top of Lat Krabang 54. Also, songthaews from there to outside the stadium, though not regular. Taxi is possibly the best alternative from the station and back.

Dome FC

Bangkok University Stadium, Rangsit. Bus 510 / 1-19 from Victory Monument, which is 62 stops. Then a 20-minute walk from the university campus to the stadium.

Kasem Bundit University

Kasem Bundit University, Rom Klao, Minburi. Airport Link Train to Lat Krabang where plentiful vans and songthaews travel along Rom Klao Road to outside the university campus gates. Alternatively, Minburi station on the MRT Pink Line is a 25-minute walk away.

Kasetsart FC

Insee Chantarasatit Stadium. BTS to Kasetsart University and then a 20-minute walk through the campus, or alight at Bang Khen on the Dark Red Line from Bang Sue. A slightly shorter walk to the stadium from that direction. There is a small open gate at the foot of the steps which is a shortcut to the university over a khlong footbridge bridge.

Muangthong United

Thunderdome Stadium, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. There is an express van, number 86, from Victory Monument on the Phahon Yothin side to Impact Arena which saves much time as it only stops 3 times and uses the tollway. Another option is the slow 166 bus, which is an option after a game to go as far as Si Rat MRT on the Pink Line, where it is wise to change at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat for the BTS into the city. The stadium will have a station on the Pink Line in a year or two when the spur is completed.

Nonthaburi United

Nonthaburi Province Stadium. Bang Phlu is on the MRT Purple Line. From there it’s either a 3.2km walk or taxi ride. There are both Songthaews and bus 127 / 2-19 down Ban Kruai -Soi Noi Road. Alight at Donprom Market followed by a 10-minute walk.

North Bangkok University

North Bangkok University Stadium. Follow the same advice as for BG Pathum United but alight at the stop of the same name. There are occasional courtesy large buggies with transport from the entrance by the 7/11 to the stadium and back at full-time.

Police Tero/Prime Bangkok

Boonyachinda Stadium. There are several options which include the Dark Red Line to Thung Song Hong followed by a 25-minute walk. Alternatively, it is a similar distance stroll from BTS Bang Bua which offers the opportunity to see real Bangkok village communities.

Port FC

PAT Stadium. MRT Khlong Toei Exit 1 and go back on oneself and head down Rama IV Road. It’s just over a 10-minute walk to the stadium. Likewise, for MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Follow the exit towards Khlong Toei Market and then turn right on Sunthonkosa Road from where the floodlights are visible. Alternatively, a taxi from the Sukhumvit/Asoke area of town.

Royal ThaiAir Force

Thupatemi Stadium. BTS Yæk Kor Por Aor then any bus from outside for a 10-minute ride to the Before Lam Luk Ka Junction stop, a total of 12 stops. Then over the footbridge going on to cross Lam Ku Ka Road by the market.

Royal Thai Army

Bangkok Thonburi University Stadium. MRT Phasi Charoen and then the 91 extra bus from outside, to Bangkok Thonburi University. Buses are every 30 minutes or the 4-57 service, both for a total of 35 stops.

Samut Prakan FC

Samut Prakan Stadium. Bus 133 / 3-15 from BTS Ekkamai. 79 stops before alighting outside the main stand at the stadium. Those with access to the MRT Yellow Line can jump aboard at Seacon Square having left the train at Suan Luang Rama IX for a much shorter bus journey of 42 stops.

VRN Muangnont

Nonthaburi Youth Centre Stadium. MRT Sammakki on the Pink Line then songthaew from Soi Sammakki 1 along Sammathi Road to Pracha Niwet 2 Project 3 from where the stadium is a couple of minutes' walk away. Alternatively, BTS to Sena Nikhom and then bus 24 / 2-39 for 21 stops.

 

Bangkok Matchday Bar & Food Tips

 Bangkok Matchday Bar & Food Tips 

Having a few beers and a bite to eat is part of football traditions around the world, with Thailand being no different. Hopefully, this guide, which will be updated when new info becomes available, will help those extend and make their matchday experience even more enjoyable.

It is important to note that many places outside the tourist area are unlikely to be of a western pub experience. Some English is spoken, but all places mentioned are friendly and offer an authentic experience. Other tips are more than welcome as well as any errors that are spotted.

The capital is a huge metropolis. Despite this, aside from in the tourist areas, very few bars open before 4 or 5pm. Thais work and then enjoy themselves as the sun sets once temperatures have cooled down a little with outdoor bars and night markets providing plenty of options.

Therefore, those wanting pre-match beers are advised to head to the stadiums before the game where beer will be sold. However, it is important to remember that any stadiums located in educational establishments are not permitted to sell alcohol. 

Sukhumvit

Another option is to fuel up in town and then head to the game while allowing plenty of time if going by road. Especially for evening kick-offs, when many people are heading home after work which can treble normal distance times. Getting to the stadium early is never a bad option.

The Sportsman on Soi 13 Sukhumvit is a great option with multiscreen sports in a large venue that opens long hours. It also shows all Port FC home and away games. The Game on Sukhumvit Road below Nana BTS station is of a similar style, only showing fewer sports and games. The Clubhouse is a good alternative along similar lines for those finding themselves in Asoke. 

Club & Stadium Guide

Those heading to stadiums and wanting local options might like to try out the following.

AUU Inter Bangkok 

Desperados who find themselves at the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in the middle of nowhere need to take food and drink with them. It resembles a barren wasteland. The best bet for those wanting to experience something local is a taxi back to Minburi where Min Station Stop on the corner of Sihaburanukit and Suwinthawong Roads offers salvation from 6pm with views of passing overhead trains before heading back to the city.

Bangkok United

The trek to Thammasat Stadium is bound to make anyone thirsty. No beer inside the campus. An alternative is to take your own or for later kick-offs or when contemplating the journey back to the city after a game is Conversation Bar open from 5pm. A decent place with a youngish vibe being by the university. It's on the opposite side of Khlong Luang Road, about a 10-minute walk to the turnstiles. Other options appear to be available down the Sois running off the main drag.

BG Pathum United

A brilliant football venue with an excellent fan zone experience which includes the air-con Rabbits Bar & Restaurant. From 6pm Kin Do Funk on Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road is an excellent option for food, drink, music, and EPL on TV. It’s on the main road back towards Rangsit and the city.

Chamchuri United/National Stadium

The newly developed area to the west of the National Stadium provides many food and drink offerings. A few blocks south many sports shops supply amateur teams with their outfits and gear as well as stocking plenty of Thai League kits.

Customs United/Samut Prakan City

Very little at the stadium apart from a single beer and snack seller. Better options are to be found in Lat Krabang on the main drag which has numerous food and bar options in a surprisingly vibrant district. Kota Bar & Café open all day and sells a good selection of beers by Soi 11/12 on Lat Krabang Road. Another option, on the highly expensive side, is Rest Up bar, which has several craft taps.

Bangkok FC

Bang Mod stadium has the usual stalls outside the venue. For those wanting to try local establishments which could include bars, the area at the end of Pracha Uthit Road looked promising on my visit. Alternatively, take the bus back to Hua Lamphong and then explore Chinatown with the bars on Soi Nana offering decent if expensive options.

Kasem Bundit University

Another alcohol-free venue. Those wanting a meal and beer may enjoy the lakeside location provided by Rim Lagoon Café & Restaurant, which is 30 minutes on foot to the stadium. Alternatively, Chomna Bar & Terrace by the Saen Seap Canal on Ramkhamhaeng Road, which is a similar distance might appeal. Both places are open from midday.

Kasetsart

Another university stadium so again no beer, though plenty of food and coffee options inside the campus. The best option for those wanting local culture bar-wise appears to be to head back to the area by Pathonyothin Road. Nothing is open before 5pm as found on previous recce missions.

Muangthong United

Fans, including ex-pats and Curva Sud Ultras, gather under the tollway on Popular Road. N Zone fans sell cheap beer outside their access gate behind the main stand with music being played. Those wanting an extremely expensive treat might fancy Flann O'Brien's Irish Pub by the Impact Arena while another option from 5pm is Nap Bar on Bond Street, otherwise known as Chaeng Wattana/Pak Kred Soi 33.

North Bangkok University

Same as BG Pathum United apart from no beer being available inside the campus so take your own. Those wanting an alternative post-match might enjoy one of the bar restaurants built on old boats across the Khlong alongside the main road.

Police Tero/Prime Bangkok

A small fan zone on the eastern side of the stadium. Those wanting adventure should arrive at Bang Bua BTS and walk through the village communities on the route to Boonyachinda. It's around 20 to 25 minutes on foot. On return cross Phahonyothin Road and walk down 46 Alley. About 50m on the right there is the wonderful open-fronted Curve Bar that shows EPL and plays good tunes. There are plenty of food options for what is as traditional a local bar as anyone could wish to find. A vibrant young crowd with a university nearby. The estimated opening time is 5pm.

Post-match fun at the Curve Bar

Port FC

A wonderful fan zone at the stadium with probably as good a beer garden as anywhere in Bangkok on a matchday. It is no frills, inexpensive, and buzzing with atmosphere and characters. Plus it isn’t far from the tourist bars in a taxi or just one stop and a walk on the MRT. A great experience before any game.

Rajamanagala Stadium

There are surprisingly few bar options for a stadium of this size. Especially before an evening kick-off. Muangthong fans use a shop that sells beers and has seating outside on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 57. Wink Bar south of the stadium on Ramkhamhaeng 24, Soi 30 is a good option to let the crowds die down after a game along with other options. The night market on Ramkhamhaeng is fantastic for cheap snacks before the game which can be taken into the stadium.

Royal Thai Air Force

Not too much happening at the once busy Thupatemi Stadium. A good option, as with anyone returning from games in the Rangsit area is to stop off at the excellent Save One Go Market by Yæk Kor Por Aor BTS station. It opens at 4pm and has a Chang beer garden where food can be taken in from the multitude of food stalls while there are also plenty of clothes shopping opportunities.

Samut Prakan FC

Quite possibly the standout feature is Modern Sporty, the sports shop on the main road opposite the main entrance along from the main stand. It stocks a wide range of football shirts. The area around the stadium is extremely urban, not unlike a town stadium of the old days in England. There are interesting-looking bars and food outlets at night two or three blocks south of the stadium.

Vichupa Football Field (Bangkok)

 

Vichupa Football Field is a football venue, primarily located on Soi Ram Intra 46/1, which has five full sized pitches, with another smaller pitch for training and age group football. Teams rent the venue to play for a full season in their respective competitions.

It is also booked for singular needs as a neutral venue for other local football, such as the Bangkok Premier League or Thonburi League. Or sometimes for one off recreational football or staging the matches of professional youth sides.

All the pitches have high netting surrounding them to prevent footballs from disappearing into the wilds or adjoining houses. There are changing facilities provided and each pitch has its own set of floodlights. In all, an excellent set of facilities.

My visits

V 5

Minburi City 3 Pivo V Revolution 0 (Wednesday 19th January) Friendly (att: c25)

An account of my first venture can be read here, for a midweek game under the lights down the road on Soi Amon Wiwat.

V 5

SG FC 0 FC Bangsaotong 0 (Sunday 6th March 2022) Bangkok Premier League Division 2 (att: c15)

A return to the same venue came when an unexpected opportunity raised its head and can be read about here.

V 3

Siam FC 3 Kasem Bundit University 0 (Sunday 12^th February 2023) Thonburi League Champions League semi-final (att: c15)

 

My football adventures were less intense in 2023, usually meaning that I headed to one game a week and looked forward to it, rather than packing in some games when on reflection it had sometimes been a box-ticking exercise.

However, I still loved visiting new venues whenever possible. Muang Thong United v Buriram United was undoubtedly the best game in Bangkok all weekend, but a 7pm Sunday kick-off and then the scramble to try and find a taxi deterred me from heading that way.

It was time for me to revisit some local stuff, with a choice of two matches. Linping, formerly AC Tuttocuoio, against Nonthaburi City at Airport Stadium, was one, but the other with jeopardy involved at a venue I’d yet to see a game at won the day, but only just.

I was tired. Life was fantastic and every day was bringing joy, but along with it lots of mind and sometimes leg work. The temperatures were rising, leading to walking being a more exhausting hobby. And I’d had a fantastic Saturday with my beautiful lady looking after two friends from Hull.

 

Another attraction of my selected match was it ignited the excitement of a bus route I’d yet to try and see what I would experience along the way. All was good, apart from the bus didn’t want to appear, meaning that I was close at one stage to reverting to the other game option.

I headed to 7/11 to break a large note, as I realised that I could still go to my first choice, but by taxi. As I came out of the shop, I was greeted with the sight of the lovely air-conditioned bus coming in my direction. There was just enough time to cross the road and frantically wave my arms.

Despite being fifty metres short of the stop, the driver saw my predicament, flashed his lights, and came right up to me. What a good man. The journey was indeed interesting, as we went past a previously undiscovered craft beer bar before I alighted from my 20 Baht ride.

It was a further fifteen minutes amble to the venue, where panic set in on arrival, as no teams were warming up on the show pitch. In the distance, I could see a chap saving shots, and sure enough, the game was being played on V3 pitch, which could well have been the usual home ground of Siam FC.

While not ideal, with spectator facilities not freely available, both covered canopies with seating were being taken up by either side and their close allies. Neutrals weren’t really considered. I sat in the semi-shadow of a floodlight pylon, which worked out perfectly.

It was a sweltering afternoon, the sort you would take shelter from in the shade if watching cricket. Yet, the academy sides of the two professional teams would do battle in temperatures well into the thirties for a place in their league final on a pitch not too long in length. 

The playing surface was immaculate, which allowed for a fast-flowing game, between two sides that I’d enjoyed watching over the previous few months. It was the team of the university that was on top in the early exchanges, as their 23 was clean through but dragged wide from a great position.

At the other end, the Siam 19 showed great footwork to round the Bundit keeper but put wide with the goal gaping. At this point, I should mention the intervention of who I adjudged to be the man of the match.

 

The sound of the bell being rung by a fella on a motorcycle with a small frame attached was music to my ears. I thought that 40 Baht for a tub of ice cream was a little on the expensive side, but it was plentiful, cold, and beautiful. In hindsight, I’d have given him a one hundred Baht.

The weather was too much for the players as well, with the referee sensibly splitting each half into three-thirds to allow for lots of water to be taken onboard. Once refreshed Siam’s 19 was soon back in the thrust of the action. 

He had an effort saved by the feet of the Kasem keeper after he beat the offside trap, although I wasn’t so sure myself. One thing I was sure of, was I wasn’t going to volunteer to run the line. Any mistakes by the far-side linesman were totally acceptable.

19 was at it again, once again springing the trap, but this time firing over. However, he was not to be denied as he scored from close range just past the half-hour mark after 20 rolled square to him. The scorer looked too embarrassed to celebrate, acknowledging his earlier misses. 

He would go on to complete his hattrick before the interval, with two more predatory finishes before both sides earned a fully deserved few minutes to recover. I could have done with some water myself, though I was fortunate that the shadows were growing.

After the interval, the students in bright orange came out with the bit between their teeth and threatened to force a comeback. 23 saw an effort scrambled off the line, and then the player wearing 88 in the Siam goal saved a shot from the same Bundit attacker.

The pressure continued as 10 saw his effort go narrowly over the bar. There was more intensity in the second period, with the university side getting stuck in, leading to several feisty exchanges, which I’m not totally convinced the referee handled too well.

Siam defended resolutely and then began to look dangerous on the break. The Bundit keeper pulled off a fine double save in the closing stages, and I decided to walk around ready to make my escape after seeing my app indicate that my bus had departed Minburi.

 

My Yorkshire upbringing was about to kick in and I was immensely proud of myself. The 197 bus route has some new air-conditioned vehicles and cost passengers 20 Baht a ride, like the one I caught to go to the match.

Old ones, with wooden floors, are 8 Baht with the windows down to create cool air. On this occasion, the posh one arrived one minute ahead of the other. I saved myself 12 Baht. Why spend more, has always been my motto and I wasn’t going to change now. 

The thriftiness continued as I used a discount KFC voucher for our tea, some of which we gave to a neighbour, which is one of the reasons I love Thailand. Like England of old with a community spirit.

A wonderful day when all said and done, after I’d earlier shown my lovely lady how to make spaghetti Bolognese, and we relaxed for the evening over a few drinks while I watched a few classic Only Fools and Horses and the Leeds United v Manchester United game. A Super Sunday indeed.