Thai Football 2026/27: What to Expect from the New Season

It doesn’t matter where a football fan is located around the world. The arrival of a new season brings expectation, excitement and hope, and supporters in Thailand are no different. This year, however, they have to wait slightly longer for domestic football to get underway, with the Thailand national team involved in the ASEAN Championship.

So what is in store in 2026-27?

The Thunder Castle Chang Arena in Buriram

Buriram United Dominance

Those who follow club football in Thailand to any degree know that Buriram United is the dominant side. The Isan outfit has a powerful owner and is streets ahead of the competition in terms of merchandise, their stadium, training facilities, recruitment and the cash they invest. In a nutshell, they are based on successful European operations rather than using a scattergun approach generally favoured by their rivals.

Since becoming Buriram United, the club has collected 10 league titles in the last 13 years. They have won Thai League 1 for the last 5 seasons. They have won 4 FA Cups in the last 5 years, as well as the League Cup 3 times during the same period.

Therefore, it will be no shock that I predict they will continue to win the league and the cups. Their performances lead to competing in AFC Asian competitions, where big money is earned, so the cycle continues.

BG Stadium, Pathum Thani

A Competitive League

However, if you take away Buriram, the rest of the league is extremely competitive. There are some good teams like Port FC and Bangkok United, and the occasional well-run club such as Ratchaburi and BG Pathum United.

There is excitement in my part of the world as both Rasisalai United and Sisaket United won promotion to the elite level of the Thai League last season. The big shock was when former dominant club Muangthong United went in the opposite direction and will be looking to make a swift return.

Who goes down and is replaced by who sees fans discussing endlessly on social media, with Facebook packed with pages of supporters' groups across the country, along with others who spread news that is often little more than unsubstantiated rumours. If you need information about matches and the clubs, then Facebook or Line is the place to look in Thailand.

Pre-Match Ambience at Port FC

How to Attend Matches

Attendances at matches continue to show positive signs of improvement. Going to a game is still an excellent few hours out, with all sections of the community having fun. The tickets are easily available; they are relatively inexpensive, and the whole experience means that even if the game is poor, the time spent isn’t wasted.

Most stadiums have vendors outside selling food and beer, with chairs and tables laid out. The prices are comparable to local bars and restaurants, sometimes even cheaper, rather than the exploitation of fans that often goes on in the UK. Supporters often play local music outside, adding to the atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet people and make friends.

The atmosphere inside the stadiums can be extremely vibrant, with passionate home supporters often giving match officials feedback. Yet, it is extremely rare to see animosity between opposition supporters. In my experience, they are more likely to want to talk and drink with you.

Breadcrumbed Chicken on a Stick

 - A Thai Stadium Classic

How to Watch at Home

For those who cannot get to a game, AIS, a communications company, has a contract to show all games in the 3 divisions live, as well as most cup matches. Those who subscribe can watch on their mobile devices, while those who have an AIS Wi-Fi connection can view the action on their TVs via a box.

Madame Pang

The FA President Nualphan Lamsam, usually referred to by her nickname, Madame Pang, has done many good things since her appointment to the role. BYD has become the league sponsor, and Chang beer is the name associated with the FA Cup, while Mueang Thai Life Insurance sponsors two other cups.

She negotiated the TV deal that assists clubs throughout the 3 national divisions with their finances. Better governance, administration, and discipline throughout Thai football have been introduced, with clubs required to reach higher standards. The Under-21 League has also grown in numbers this season. The League launch is now a big event that gains increased publicity.

Yes, some things could be improved in Thai football, but much of that responsibility lies with the clubs. They need to be better communicators with supporters, telling them the news, whether it is good or bad. They need to improve their facilities, upgrade stadiums and build infrastructure rather than spending cash on short-term foreign signings, some of whom flatter to deceive.

Dragon Solar Park - Ratchaburi

National Team Improvement

The Thai national team are showing signs of improvement too, with Madame Pang playing her part by persuading some of those with dual passports, who play in leagues elsewhere, to choose Thailand. Head coach Anthony Hudson is building a decent team that has one foot in the final of the ASEAN Championships as I write.

They will compete in the 4-team King’s Cup in Sisaket in November and then the AFC Championships against the best of Asia in Saudi Arabia next year. By the end of the season, supporters will know much more about the progress made by their national heroes.

Matchday Fun

A Closing Round-Up

So, in closing, while Buriram United will more than likely lift all 3 major domestic trophies once more, along with the Shopee Cup, the Southeast Asian championship, there is much to look forward to.

New teams are looking to make their mark in Thai League 1, established old hands want to return to former glories, and the Thailand national team could reach new levels.

And best of all, those who want to go to matches can do so, having an inexpensive day, enjoying food and drink with friends old and new and taking in a fantastic atmosphere, so even if the game is poor, the time is never wasted.

Sisaket Stadium Shambles

Sisaket SAT Stadium

Thai football has a lot going for it, with the country's league structure looking relatively healthy as the 2026-27 season approaches. However, in a city in northeast Thailand where I watch most of my football, confusion reigns.

Promotion Celebrations

The previous season was one of unbridled joy in Sisaket Province. Rasisalai United completed a remarkable rise from the amateur non-league ranks to win the Thai League 2 title in just a few years, earning promotion to the top level of the game in the Land of Smiles.

Neighbours Sisaket United joined them in Thai League 1 after securing promotion on the final day of the season, winning in front of more than 7,000 supporters. What a season.

Fans could look forward to watching their teams take on the best opposition Thai football has to offer over the following 12 months.
And then came the chaos.

It's Official. It's Coming!

National Team Rule

In Thailand, the national team will always be more important to many supporters than individual clubs. That is despite the national side being ranked 94th in the world when this article was written and having never qualified for a World Cup finals tournament.

Each year, during one of the mandatory international breaks, the King's Cup, a four-team tournament, is staged at a different venue in Thailand.

Since returning after the pandemic, the tournament has been won by Tajikistan and hosts Thailand, with Iraq lifting the trophy twice. It rarely attracts the leading nations because they are usually involved in qualification for major tournaments elsewhere.

Cities bid to host the King's Cup, with the previous four editions staged in Chiang Mai twice, Songkhla and Kanchanaburi. Sisaket bid to host the 2026 tournament against a couple of other locations and won the right to stage it.

That is obviously a major feather in the cap for the province and its officials. Unfortunately, it has come with a sting in the tail for fans of its two professional clubs.

Sisaket United - Thai League 2 Champions 2025-26

Club Disruptions

Rasisalai play their home games at Sisaket SAT Stadium, also known as the Provincial Stadium, because they have yet to build an adequate venue in their hometown. It is also the venue chosen for the King's Cup.

Despite having been open for several years and hosting a friendly international in 2022, the stadium is badly in need of renovation. The pitch resembles a cabbage patch, several seats beneath the covered section are broken, while vast areas of the open stands have no seating at all.

As with many sporting facilities in Thailand, maintenance appears to have been allowed to slide. While it is undoubtedly good news for the city that repairs and improvements are finally being made, it isn't such good news for Rasi.

They need to find an alternative venue for their opening four league matches, as well as any home fixtures they are due to play in the two domestic cup competitions.

A Packed House Cheers Sisaket United to Promotion

An Obvious Plan B

The obvious solution would appear to be a temporary move to the Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of Sisaket United and just a couple of kilometres away. There is, however, a problem.

Sisaket United are tenants too, with the local branch of Thailand National Sports University responsible for the venue. The club appears to have a good arrangement with its landlords, but it doesn't control what matches are played there. If the university decides to use the stadium for a school tournament or hire it out, it can do so.

The stadium itself is old and in a terrible state in places, although it can become a cauldron of noise when the locals get behind their team.

Consequently, when the fixtures for the new season were released on the league website, "TBC" – to be confirmed – appeared instead of a venue for both Sisaket and Rasi home games.

Sisaket SAT Stadium

A Lack of Communication

Communication between clubs and supporters can be extremely sketchy in Thailand, particularly when it’s bad news that needs to be delivered.

There are endless Facebook pages run by supporters of individual teams, alongside others seemingly designed primarily to generate clicks by claiming to have inside information. The problem is that much of it is guesswork.

A page may post something that is a half-truth or something they have been told, and others copy it, adding their own interpretation to the story. Players' agents can also leak information in the hope of securing better deals for their clients, knowing that enthusiastic amateurs will do the legwork of spreading it.

This time, it is rumours about the two Sisaket stadiums that are doing the rounds.
In the case of Sri Nakhon Lamduan, there have been claims that it will also be unavailable until late November because it is being upgraded to act as a training facility for the King's Cup. Other whispers suggest that the stadium simply isn't good enough. Nobody seems entirely sure.

Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium's Messy Facade

Lack of Urgency

We play golf every week next to the stadium, so as the uncertainty grew, we could look across at the pitch and see what was happening.

The goalposts and corner flags were still in place from the final game of the previous season. This was with just six weeks to go before the new campaign was due to begin. A couple of weeks later, the club announced that upgrade work was underway.

Among the jobs required were rebuilding the changing rooms, repairing broken floodlights, improving the entrances and carrying out maintenance on the pitch.

We have now seen signs of work commencing. What we haven't seen is an official announcement confirming whether the stadium will actually be ready for Rasi's first home game. And that, frankly, is the problem.

Work Underway at Last

Rasi Solution?

Meanwhile, according to the rumour mill, Rasi were looking at upgrading UMT Stadium in Ubon Ratchathani, around 60 kilometres from home.

At the time of writing, however, it appears they have applied to use Buriram City Stadium, also known as Khao Kradong, the secondary stadium in Buriram. That would mean a roughly three-hour journey from Rasisalai for home games.

The club has already started selling season tickets without announcing where it will be based for the first three months of the season. For supporters trying to plan their season, that is hardly ideal.

Buriram City Stadium

Remarkable Acceptance

What makes this whole fiasco particularly remarkable, at least when viewed through Western eyes, is the apparent lack of dissent or questioning online.

Thailand has a different culture when it comes to authority. Many people are accustomed to accepting decisions made by those in positions of authority rather than publicly challenging them, even when those decisions have an obvious impact on their lives.

I have asked questions on some of the supporters' pages and have been met with genuine amazement that I actually want to know what is happening so I can plan where I might be able to watch live football. For me, that is perfectly reasonable.

Both local clubs will undoubtedly find things tougher in the top tier of Thai football. Their passionate support is a massive home advantage. Without it, they are increasing their task and may live to regret it.

Why would the Football Association of Thailand award a major international tournament to a city without first ensuring that the required facilities are available, while also properly considering the impact on its premier domestic competition?

Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium

Lessons To Be Learned

As for the clubs, I understand that Thailand operates within a different culture and administrative system. But if Thai football wants to attract bigger crowds, increase commercial interest and bring more good players from overseas, there needs to be greater professionalism in the way clubs communicate and plan.

Employing people with the appropriate expertise would be a good start. So would having a proper plan for stadium works. If a stadium needs major renovation, why wait until just weeks before the new season to get started? The football season doesn't suddenly arrive without warning.

Instead, just days before the new campaign, supporters are still wondering where their teams will actually be playing. That isn't good enough.

Thai football has enormous potential. It just needs to stop making life unnecessarily difficult for itself.

Article written 8-8-26.

UBNSSS (Ubon Ratchathani)

Ground: Ubon Rachathani Sports School Stadium (UBNSSS)

Capacity: 2,000

Opened: Unknown

League: Ubon FC, Warin Chamrap (previously)

Ubon Ratchthani is blessed with several stadiums capable of hosting professional football. Ubon Rachathani Sports School Stadium is one of them, with Ubon FC using it in different spells before moving around the corner to UBRU Stadium.

The stadium, which is multi-purpose and serves the needs of the academic establishment where it's located, was home to Warin Chamrap FC at the start of their 2026 Thai Semi-Pro League campaign.

2026 Seniors World Cup

The Seniors World Cup brings together former professional and international players aged over 40, representing their countries in a competitive tournament that has grown steadily in stature over the years.

It is an annual tournament organised by the Thai Senior Football Association. It is staged in different cities around the Land of Smiles. England were the holders arriving in Ubon Ratchathani for what turned out to be a memorable week of football and friendship.

My Visit

Thailand 0 England 2

Ubon Ratchathani Sports School Stadium

Seniors World Cup Group A – Monday 1st June 2026

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The Seniors World Cup was being staged in Ubon Ratchathani, just an hour away from my home, with its announcement creating excitement, at least as far as I was concerned. I took the train and met up with a mate who’d flown in for the week from Chiang Mai before going to the opening ceremony.

A school band led the procession around the track and onto the pitch. Each of the eight competing nations had schoolkids, flagbearers and a lady in an Isan costume representing them. The speeches were short and well-received in Thai and English before the opening game got underway.

Both sides looked in excellent physical condition, with the first half not being short on some tasty challenges from the hosts. The experienced England side, roared on by a huge following of schoolkids on either side of the pitch, had a bit too much quality for their opponents.

They went ahead through David Norris before Aaron O’Connor added a second goal before the interval. The second half saw the game slow in pace, with temperatures still in the early 30s after the 5 pm kick-off. England had a few chances, while the Thais pressed on a few occasions.

At full time, the winning players were visibly moved, applauding their supporters and posing for selfies while taking videos of their amazing memories. It was a surprise to those in the stadium to hear renditions of We Will Rock You and Vindaloo being sung by the local youngsters, who seemed delighted with the result.

The following day, England defeated Taiwan 4-1. The kick-off was 7 pm, which meant that it was too late for me to catch a train after the match. I watched on YouTube, where each game in the tournament was shown live.

Further Viewing

If you have enjoyed reading this article, you might enjoy watching the video I made throughout the tournament, the background and atmosphere of a remarkable week.

Seniors World Cup 2026

England Win the Seniors World Cup

in Ubon Ratchathani

I don’t think I will ever tire of being excited about an upcoming World Cup football tournament. It brings back great memories, and something special when recalling times watching players from what seemed like strange countries and learning about them as a kid.

As an England fan, I continued to live in hope of seeing my boys lift the trophy once again. My highlight came at Italia 90, when I travelled with my youngest brother Nick, as a penalty shoot-out in Turin left us in tears.

Italia 90

Moving to Thailand has most likely put an end to attending any more of the finals. I'm not keen on paying the exorbitant prices and the hassle involved. Doubly so when the US is involved in some of its policies under the current president.

Therefore, I was delighted when I saw on Facebook that I could attend the World Cup after all, and it was only an hour from where we live. The 18th staging of the Seniors World Cup was being staged over a week in Ubon Ratchathani. It was time for me to start planning and finding out any available information.

The Seniors World Cup brings together former professional and international players aged over 40, representing their countries in a competitive tournament that has grown steadily in stature over the years.

It is an annual tournament organised by the Thai Senior Football Association. It is staged in different cities around the Land of Smiles. England were the holders arriving in Ubon Ratchathani for what turned out to be a memorable week of football and friendship.

I was helped that my mate Dale, on A Thai Football Podcast, had arranged an interview with David Jones, the Manchester-born USA head coach, one of the eight teams involved. I found his team's Facebook page as well as the one for the England side helpful, learning whatever I could before things got underway.

Opening Ceremony in Ubon

The first day of June came around. I set off on the train to Ubon, not really knowing exactly what to expect in terms of how many people would go to watch and what would be provided for spectators. The Thai end of the publicity and information was, sadly, but not totally surprisingly, negligible.

Meeting with my mate Kevin, who had flown in for the week from Chiang Mai, we arrived at the UBSSS (Ubon Ratchathani Sports School Stadium), where a shower threatened to spoil the fun before the skies cleared for what was an excellent opening ceremony.

England Squad

A school band led the procession around the track and onto the pitch. Each of the eight competing nations had schoolkids, flagbearers and a lady in an Isan costume representing them. The speeches were short and well-received in Thai and English before the opening game got underway.

The England players were taken aback by the support they received from the schoolkids on both sides of the stadium. Remarkable when considering the opponents were Thailand. Two teachers at the front, along with a drummer, got the kids singing repeated versions of "We Will Rock You" and "Vindaloo," to the astonishment of the farangs in the stadium.

The hosts were defeated 2-0 by a team containing Premier League and international star, Gareth Barry, with a few thousand professional appearances spread among his teammates. The players were visibly moved at the end, applauding their supporters and posing for selfies while taking videos of their amazing memories.

I watched the Tuesday matches at home through the excellent YouTube coverage. With England and the USA both winning their first two games, their match at the UMT Stadium on Wednesday meant that the winners would benefit from an arguably easier semi-final tie.

If anyone were in any doubt that the Seniors World Cup matters to the players, those doubts would have been put to bed after watching this feisty encounter. The match became increasingly physical, and England ultimately benefited as frustration got the better of the Americans, who finished with ten men.

The kids from the local Buddhist Orphan School were there once again, making a din and offering the England team their support. They added to the atmosphere at the UMT Stadium, where the total attendance numbered around 800.

It was a delightful day out all told, as my friend John drove us through. We played golf, then relaxed with food and drinks at Wrong Way Café, where Kevin was waiting for us and where the amiable owner opened early for us. A friendly local gave us some good tips for future visits when wanting food and drink.

Thursday was a day off regarding match action. However, the players and their backup teams were involved in a school's initiative. Youngsters received gifts and coaching, hopefully enhancing their love of the beautiful game. It was a pleasure to invite Kevin to our home for lunch, so he saw why I am so content in my rural surroundings.

Lunch by the Mun River

Heading back to Ubon on the train on Friday, I was genuinely excited, while confident in England’s ability to win the game. Proper football weather of pouring rain accompanied me during the train journey and then again while Kevin and I enjoyed a late lunch and drinks by the Mun River.

Once England broke through the Australian defence, the result was rarely in doubt. The defeated side gave it their all despite suffering a few injuries during the match. One of their charges was stretchered off, later recovering in Tawandang nightclub, according to rumours.

The kids were there once again. It was quite possibly the occasion, or perhaps, having imbibed, I decided to teach them how to chant after a certain drumbeat. The reaction was one of bemusement, amusement, and polite smiles and applause.

The other semifinal in the Seniors World Cup saw France defeat the USA on penalties, which meant they would face their old adversaries in the final. John met me once again to drive through and meet Kevin, allowing the three of us quality time in a quaint Italian pizza restaurant in the old town.

We arrived to see the USA take third place after defeating the depleted Aussies. Up the road, two games in the Masters, played between the four teams who finished in the bottom two places of the initial groups, took place. Taiwan defeated Laos in the wooden spoon game, while Thailand defeated New Zealand, providing local pride.

At the UMT Stadium, England put on a professional performance to sweep the French aside 4-0. In truth, the final score could have been far bigger if they hadn’t spurned so many chances. The Gallic goalie had a fantastic match.

The celebrations among the England squad showed just how much they wanted to win. It was wonderful to see them include the kids and continue to connect, with lots of supporters going onto the pitch. The team signed endless autographs and posed for selfies while also enjoying their own moments.

Some might say that it was only an overage tournament, with a limited number of teams partaking. However, I thought it was magnificent on many levels. I’m a lucky man. I went to Italia 90 and Euro 96, both iconic England tournaments. Yet, Ubon 26 will live with me for years to come.

The Extremely Popular Gareth Barry

I saw players I’d previously paid to see or watched on TV competing near where I live in a corner of Thailand where westerners aren’t in abundance. All the competing teams embraced the event and the city of Ubon, providing the supporters with entertainment over a glorious week of football. Best of all, they gave lots of youngsters an amazing time. You cannot buy that.

If you have enjoyed reading this article, you might enjoy watching the video I made throughout the tournament, the background and atmosphere of a remarkable week.

BG Stadium (Bangkok)

Ground: BG Stadium

Capacity: 15,114

Opened: 2010

Club: BG Pathum United

BG Stadium, the home of BG Pathum United, is considered one of the best football venues in Thailand, often used as a neutral ground for cup semi-finals and finals, along with hosting national team games.

This page is dedicated to its background and when it stages games as a neutral venue. The history of BG Pathum United and my first visits is covered elsewhere, as are the home matches I have attended from 2022.

Stadium Background

For many years, the stadium was known as being three-sided before the East Stand was constructed and opened in 2024. It also had an artificial pitch for several seasons. The stadium is in the grounds of Bangkok Glass Public Company Limited.

When opened, the home club was known as Bangkok Glass FC. The venue was known as Leo Stadium for a time. In later years, True BG Stadium. The complex has a football training centre, BG Hall, an indoor arena, and The Rabbits Bar & Restaurant. 

My Neutral Game at BG Stadium

Thailand 1 Suriname 0 

Friendly - Sunday 27th March 2022

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Having been to Chonburi Stadium the previous Thursday for the match against Nepal, I was delighted to be cheering on my adopted nation once again. I had learned what I thought was the best way to the stadium by public transport after heading to a game at nearby North Bangkok University the previous weekend.

I changed buses at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat to take a service to the opposite Zeer Rangsit, where there was a small mall and market to grab some food and drink. From there, it was a bit of a wait before the busy 538 air-conditioned bus arrived. It dropped me right outside the ground.

I decided to buy a ticket for the normal home end and was soon upstairs on the top deck, which was great for plane spotters but not vertigo sufferers, especially as you needed to be at the back to view the near goal. I didn’t really enjoy it, truth be told, despite the dramatic view.

The Ultras made viewing even more difficult when they arrived with their flags, making a proper noise at the same time. The Thai Power fan group was at the other end. Bordin Phala had the first effort for Thailand, but his low shot was easily gathered by keeper Warner Hahn.

This was before Hahn produced a good low save to keep out Suphanat Mueanta, who then had a low near-post volley disallowed for offside. At this point, I moved downstairs a level to the middle tier, where I felt more comfortable.

The hosts were playing some neat football, with Suriname having their backs to the wall. Theerathon Boonmatan was next to go close, with a bending free kick. Bordin opened the scoring three minutes shy of the half-hour mark when he came inside and fired in a curling shot from twenty-five yards.

Head coach Alexandré Pölking had his charges playing well, and they were on a fine run since being crowned as Southeast Asian champions. But Suriname hadn’t just turned up to sightsee. They almost drew level when Leandro Kappel dragged his shot across the goal shortly into the second half.

Kritsada Kaman was next to go close with a free kick for the Thais before keeper Sivaruk Tedsungnoen made a miraculous save from sub Jeredy Hilterman, who really should have scored from the low cross.

The visitors continued to carve out opportunities, with Tjaronn Chery being found on the edge of the box in acres of space. His low shot was saved by Sivaruk. In the end, the home side won 1-0. It was now time to plan my trip home. Crossing the bridge, a minivan was waiting to take fans back to Victory Monument. 

I decided to bite the bullet and jump out at Lak Si, failing desperately to estimate my stop. It ended in a very long walk along the side of the busy Vibhavadi Rangsit road and along Thanon Chaeng Watthana back to the stop at the end of Ram Inthra near Wat Phra Sri Mahathat BTS, from where a 26 bus was soon along to take me home.