Rasisalai United Matches 2025-26

 Rasisalai United 3 Sisaket United 3 (Thursday 28th August 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 4,458)

An incredible experience for which I ran out of superlatives long before the end of filming clips for my video. To have two sides from my adopted province put on such a display was a pleasure to witness on an occasion that will live long in the memory.

Unprecedented queues of traffic waiting to access the complex from the main road, the full car park and chaotic parking thereafter, the size of the crowd, the happy vibes, the vendors doing roaring trades, fans mixing freely and having fun, the weather holding off after days of heavy rain, and then, of course, the football.

Rasi on top before the speedy Steeven Langil broke and finished brilliantly for Sisaket, who doubled their lead when the Frenchman set up Sarawut Thorarit after half an hour. The hosts were somehow kept at bay by the post and bar in an attacking move near the break.

Coach Arnon weaved his magic at the interval, as he often does, with his troops reducing the arrears within seven minutes through a header from the ever-impressive Natchanon Yongsakool. How he and his twin, Nattapon, have not been picked up by a T1 club is incredible, though it probably says much about the spirit at Rasisalai, where many players have been there several seasons.

Langil broke through again midway through the second period to finish with aplomb, and that in normal circumstances would have been that, with an away win following. However, Rasi never fails to create chances. Alberto Gouvea reduced the arrears soon after with a header after fine work from fellow Brazilian Gilberto Macena.

The noise around us was deafening, not least from the racket being made by the partner of Gouvea and the wife and son of defender Ramon behind us. Sisaket were tiring, notably defender Pakornkiat Kaena, who had been outstanding earlier. Perhaps the bulk he had put on was slowing him down.

The game was levelled in the most unlikely of ways. A hopeful ball towards the edge of the Sisaket box was somehow volleyed into his own net by the substitute, Tiwa Piswai, severely piswaiing off many in the busy away section. It was perhaps fitting that such an entertaining game was levelled up so comically. It was certainly well worth the 60 THB ticket.

There was still drama in stoppage time as Fellipe Veloso was denied on the line, and then keeper Sakkongpop Sukprasert pounced on another effort. Seconds later, the inconsistent ref, Kanoksak Khiaodaeng, who added to it all, blew the full-time whistle, as players fell to the ground, and we gradually made our way out of the stadium and went slowly back to the main road. Incredible.

Rasisalai United 3 Chanthaburi 0 (Sunday 14th September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,164)

What turned out to be quite a regulation victory as unbeaten Rasi defeated a limited but well set up visiting team, who defended deep and in depth. The first half was quite dull as Chanthaburi denied the home team much space to get in behind, which they are adept at exploiting.

Not too much to talk about until ten minutes into the second half. Gilberto Macena was adamant that a defender had handled in the box, but play continued until the ref got a message from VAR to look at the screen. He pointed to the spot, and Macena slotted home.

We were hoping that Chanthaburi would change tack. They made a couple of subs, but they hardly mustered any shots, despite Rodrigo Maranhão doing a lot of hard work. Much of them being kept at bay was thanks to defender Ramon Mesquita, who had an excellent game, which was probably as well. Rasi had their second-choice goalie, Phumeworapol Wannabutr, between the sticks.

If ever a more butterfingered custodian has been let loose in professional football, I’d be astonished. He appeared to be frightened to death and consequently flapped at everything. A second penalty for handball was awarded, wrongly in my book by the ref, who, it would seem, knows the laws but not the game, like so many of his modern peers. Macena put it away. Ramon finished things off with an unmarked bullet header from a corner six minutes from time.

An excellent day out, starting with 9 holes of golf on a semi-waterlogged course. Guinness and pizza, and then the match. Eclectic and entertaining company, including a professor of science, a former Netherlands softball Olympic team manager, a couple of Sisaket United’s overseas stars, plus Rasisalai WAGS and the son of Ramon.

Great fun, and the promise of another double header the following week. My trainers might be dry by then for more golf.

Rasisalai United 2 Police Tero 1 (Saturday 27th September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,246)

A fantastic game of football between two good teams. A 92nd-minute winner sends Rasi three points ahead at the top of the table. Could top-tier football be heading to Sisaket? It will take a good team, or injuries and suspensions to their star players, to stop them.

Both sides went for it toe to toe for the opening half hour, with a few shots being fired at either goal, before the prolific Alberto Gouvea finally got the better of his marker Pitchitchai Sienkrathok to fire excellently into the top corner past Anipong Kijkam, who, as the game went on, looked less than confident.

Me and my old Tero mate, Shiro

After a VAR check for offside, the goal was given, while those at the desk looked at two potential penalties without summoning the excellent referee, Kriangkrai Thiphanunjarukorn. Refs and VAR teams have recently been sent on a course and have been quicker and more decisive since.

It was all square just before the break when central defender Ramon tried to clear from near the line, cannoning the ball against a teammate, which fell at the feet of Veeraphong Aon-pean. He made no mistake from a few yards out, much to the joy of the 30 or so from Bangkok in the away section behind the goal.

Both sides played excellent football at times in the second half. Twins Natchanon and Nattapon Yongsakool were as excellent as ever in midfield, while veteran forward Gilberto Macena was as clever as ever, closely marked by the excellent Isaac Honny. Macena must have been some player when younger.

It looked like it would end level, and that would have been about fair enough, but successful teams often dig deep to find something extra. A cross was cleverly volleyed home at the near post by Nattapon. Tero threw everything forward, but Rasi held out.

A really good vibe as ever, inside and outside the stadium, aided by being in excellent company in the best seats, after a pre-match in The Londoner sports pub watching an earlier T3 game, enjoying happy hour Guinness with a soundtrack to the 80s/90s/00s on in the background.

Rasisalai United 3 Pattani 2 (Sunday 19th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,249)

Another extremely entertaining game between the sides who served up a classic in the playoffs a few months earlier, as Rasisalai continued their incredible run to maintain their place at the top of the table.

They went 3-0 up, playing quality attacking football with Nattapon outstanding in midfield, scoring two and setting up the other goal for Alberto Gouvea. Yet, it wouldn’t be a Rasi game without them conceding. Pattani are lamentable at the back but always look to attack. They grabbed goals back through Ekkachai Samre and Chukid Wanpraphao, leading to a nervy final eight minutes.

Special mention to both goalies who made some excellent saves but also let in a goal apiece they’d probably rather forget. Only suspension and injury will stop Rasi in my view. Regular goalie Sakkongpop was on the bench for some reason for this encounter. He must play.

The day was enhanced as ever by beers, snacks, great company, and being able to watch sports action in the Londoner before trying to navigate the flood that hasn’t been repaired for months outside the Sisaket SAT Stadium.

Rasisalai United 2 Trat 2 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium (Saturday 1st November 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,087)

Top of the table Rasi were not at their best, grabbing a point in the ninetieth minute with a VAR-awarded penalty in a game that they were expected to win. Plenty of advice was offered to the referee and his timekeeping at the end. Fines would be arriving, no doubt, as the lady owner lost her discipline alongside several players.

 

Trat went ahead through a great individual goal from the impressive Myanmar forward, Than Paing. The ‘home’ side levelled up shortly after half-time through Wichit Kongsinkaew, who finished a low cross at the near post. Rasi’s defence went walkabout once again, allowing sub, Crislan Henrique put the visitors ahead before Gilberto Macena’s late spot kick.

The game was played at the Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of neighbours Sisaket United, as Rasi’s home was under repair after a concert where 20,000 attended the previous weekend, damaging the pitch. A muted atmosphere in most parts as spectators adhered to requests to continue showing respect to the passing of Queen Sirikit.

Rasisalai United 2 Kasetsart 1 (Sunday 30th November 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 958)

A valuable late stoppage time winner on the volley from Alberto Gouvea, who latched onto a smart flicked header from a cross, took unbeaten Rasisalai back to the top of the table, as temperatures warmed up again following a week of cold weather. Temperatures had dropped to as low as 15 degrees at times.

The goal could have been argued to be unfair on the visitors who put in a fine shift and had themselves equalised with three minutes remaining. Jaeyong Lee rose to head home from a corner to momentarily silence the home crowd.

This was after a fine near-post header from bustling forward Wichit Kongsinkaew four minutes before half-time. Otherwise, it was a game of few chances, which was well refereed. Excellent company, a decent feed, lots of beer and whisky around the game and back home meant it was a very good way to celebrate living in Thailand for four years. I certainly slept well.

Rasisalai United 1 Chiangmai United 0 (Sunday 7th December 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,256)

An easy enough win for Rasi, who extended the lead at the top of the table to four points, but more importantly, twelve over their neighbours Sisaket United, placed in third after the weekend. A well-worked goal headed in by Supab Muengchan did the job.

Chiangmai United failed to register a shot on target throughout despite playing some reasonable stuff, with the hosts Gilberto Macena missing a VAR-awarded penalty in the closing stages. A decent crowd in attendance, but it lacked the intensity generated the previous evening.

Another good day out with golf, great food, drink, and excellent company before returning to the long grass and some healthy living for a week.

Rasisalai United 3 Nakhonsi United 0 (Wednesday 4th February 2026) Thai League 2 (att: 1,029)

Late drama, as table-topping Rasisalai, without a win in three games, were drawing 0-0 in the 86th minute, scored three times, while second-placed Police Tero were getting pumped 4-1 away to Chiangmai United.

The game changed when midfielder Nattapon Yongsakool was introduced ten minutes into the second half. Still missing his injured twin, he transformed the attacking intent of the hosts, boosted further twelve minutes later when forward Wichit Kongsinkaew came on.

It was he who headed home the opener, followed by a near-post finish from Gilberto Macena from a corner and then a penalty from Alberto Gouvea in stoppage time. We headed away even happier after an already good day of golf, food, beer and meeting new friends, while my whisky hip flask got a working over at the match.

Total respect to the 11 Nakhonsi fans on a herculean trip to cheer on their team on a midweek night. One on a tannoy and another banging a drum, their support was outstanding. 1,354km (841 miles) each way.

Rasisalai United 2 Songkhla 0 (Saturday 14th February 2026) Thai League 2 (att: 1,345)

The march to the title and promotion continues. A really good match devoid mostly of theatrics, thanks to the superb referee Wathanyu Morin, about the best I’ve seen in Thailand, along with both sides who played properly, knowing they wouldn’t be getting away with anything.

This was exemplified by the dreaded VAR poking its nose in when Somyot scored Rasi’s second goal late on. They advised Wathanyu to go to the screen, which he did, and then gave the goal. More of this, please. Credit too to the 14 away fans travelling 1,500 km each way.

Songkhla were the better side in the second half, going behind to a header from Birthday twin Nattapon, superbly set up by Aphisit after thirty-eight minutes. Veteran home goalie Sakkongpop had a marvellous game, making some vital stops. Big defender Alex Flavio stood out for the visitors.

My Roving Report Video for A Thai Football Podcast

Poor quality golf, superb quality food and beers in an otherwise fully reserved Leo’s before a stop in Craft and Cold, which had a buy one get one free offer on their taps. I think the locally brewed cocoa stout and cocoa porter were as good as I’ve sampled from them. Excellent company to boot on a hot day!

Rasisalai United 0 Pattaya United 1 (Sunday 22nd February 2026) Thai League 2 (att: 1,459)

Astonishing, action-packed, controversial, passions boiling over, the lady owner on the pitch, the ref needing police protection, goals overruled by VAR, and plenty more going on. An incredible weekend as the four teams at the top of the table all lost. To give it its deserved justice, I’ve written something more in-depth via the link below for those interested.

https://www.nonleaguematters.co.uk/forums/threads/wdyg-thailand.16291/post-400921

Rasisalai United 3 Nakhonpathom United 0 (Tuesday 3rd February 2026) Thai League 2 (att: 1,879)

A thoroughly comprehensive win from the leaders as they pressurised their opponents before calmly putting away their chances.

A fine back header from Nattapon after half an hour was added to by a quality finish from Alberto Gouvea just before the hour was up. His low cross was deflected into his own net by Pitipol in the fourth minute of stoppage time to put the icing on the cake. Pathom had zero efforts on goal.

Sisaket, who were away to Bangkok FC, also benefited from an own goal in the last minute of their game, securing a 2-1 win. This was after their geriatric coaching team upset the officials, with the head coach being sent to the stands. Possibly for crimes against fashion and his awful tactics on the road.

It was a very hot day. Golf eventually OK, then a visit to a restaurant off the beaten track for a fine meal and to beat the religious day booze ban, news of which didn’t appear to reach the stadium vendors either.

Rasisalai United 3 Mahasarakham SBT 0 (Saturday 18th April 2026) Thai League 2 (att: 4,132)

A great occasion at the SAT Stadium in Sisaket, and what turned into a simple win once Marasarkham gave their best efforts with a storm at their backs in the first half.

Once Wichit scored after the break, there was only ever going to be one result. He doubled the lead before the ref went to the VAR monitor to award a penalty. I didn’t think there was too much in it, but the player who was collided with, Alberto Gouvea, picked himself up to round things off in fine style.

Then we had the presentation ceremony, which ran surprisingly efficiently, with a cheque for 5 million THB (£115,550) handed over, along with the medals and the Thai League 2 trophy, all greeted by fireworks. All of which is covered in Rob's Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast.

A good day out, including shopping, golf, pizza, beer, and friendships old and new being acquainted. A big crowd and all the razzamatazz associated with such days. Not hugely my scene, but nice to celebrate. Interesting times ahead next season.

Rasisalai United Matches Sept 23 to June 25

Rasisalai United FC

Ground: Sisaket SAT Stadium

Capacity: 10,000

Club Founded: 2019

League: Thai League 1 (current level)

This page contains my accounts of the Rasisalai United home games that I attended from September 2023 until June 2025. A club history and my first match has it's own page, as does the victorious 2025-26 season.

2023-24 Season

Rasisalai United 1 Udon United 2

League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round - Saturday 9th September 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 250 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Matchday Experience

As ever, since I moved to Thailand, the football match was just part of the day. It included shopping in Kanthararom, followed by catching a minibus to Sisaket. A look around the ageing mall, an expensive pint in Craft & Cold, and a cheap head shave were followed by lunch at Hong Kong Garden.

The sausage, chips, and gravy, and some Laos Dark beer set me up for the fifteen-minute walk, which included taking my socks and trainers off to wade through a puddle/lake in the car park after heavy rain over the previous few days.

The Match

Udon United progressed to the next round with a 2-1 win in a tetchy encounter against hosts Rasisalai in an encounter that could be called the Sales show, but what won’t live long in the memory at the SAT Provincial Stadium

João Paulo Sales De Sousa, to give the Brazilian his full name, was at the thick of most things important. At least that was so once compatriot Abner saw a shot ricochet in the direction of Niwat Nonkao, who headed home to put the team that had travelled by bus for six hours ahead in the regional cup tie.

Within a minute, the hosts levelled up when Wichit Kongsinkaew scored an early goal of the season contender with a half volley from the angle of the penalty area that flew into the far top corner. By now, our man Sales was having an enormous influence, putting himself about and being a general nuisance to opponents and officials alike.

His complaining, aided by the other two Samba stars in the Udon lineup, was of impressive levels. Incessant would certainly be one description. He eventually got himself a yellow card for a ridiculous late lunge, and then avoided a second one, which only the imagination of the referee could allow for.

However, while he rolled around, his teammates were going spare, pointing at opponent Jakkapan Phaopan, who was also prostrate on the turf. Palakon Hasuk tried to unravel the mess after a minute or so and then showed a straight red to the Rasisalai defender.

An Introduction to Owner Nuch

This saw the club's woman owner, Nuch, go rushing out of the stand to see what was going on. Quite how I’m not sure, but the referee was convinced to speak to the fourth official, who could well have been rewinding his Facebook page to look at the live feed, before the red was overturned to a yellow to cue more moaning from the away team.

Udon were turned down what looked like a good shout for a penalty, leading to more complaints, before a Sales header was superbly saved by Banhan Thubthong. After the break, the hosts looked good but quickly ran out of ideas.

The winner came ten minutes from time, when a low cross was missed before falling to Sales to tap into an empty net with ten minutes remaining, and that was that, despite a late flurry to try and force the game into extra time at the other end.

Cattle Trouble at Home

At full time, Taew ordered my taxi, which waited outside an empty Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of Sisaket United. He eventually came for me forty minutes later, but worse things happened at sea. Not least concerning events back home, where we had four cattle, one a recent addition.

A mother gave birth to a ewe a couple of weeks earlier, then stumbled in the barn the previous night and couldn't get up again, severely damaging a leg. The vet arrived and administered a sedative to the mum, supported on her belly with bales of straw with the aid of a harness. There's one thing for sure. She wasn't faking injury like some of the footballers I encounter.

Rasisalai United 4 Surin Khong Chee Mool 1

Thai League 3 Northeast  - Saturday 16th September 2023 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 350 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

I enjoyed a similar pre-match routine to my previous visit, thinking about what might be in store. Sometimes, the first result of a season can be a slightly misleading form guide. Players might not have gelled, or the coach doesn’t have his ideas across fully. The previous week, Surin KCM were dumped out of the League Cup 8-2 at Khon Kaen Mordingdang. 

On the evidence of ninety minutes in Sisaket, it was no freak scoreline. How Rasisalai didn’t bag eight themselves was only down to some awful finishing, some of it comical, like the missed penalty at 0-0 that came back off both posts, and the free header into an open net at the back post that was somehow blocked by a teammate. 

To be fair to the visitors, they plugged away right until the last kick of the game. You would have thought full-back Surawat Tarnparsert had scored a winner in a cup final, such was his joy in finding the net, after colleagues Phongsuri Etmsakdi hit the post, and then Amonthep Kamchadphai saw his shot come back off the bar. 

By then, the game had been well and truly put to bed. Natchanon Yongsakool atoned for an earlier penalty miss by scoring from the spot after twenty-seven minutes. Soon after the interval, Aphisit Nusonsala crossed from wide on the left and saw the ball sail over the head of keeper Kittiphop Panjan and into the net, acclaiming the adulation of the crowd.

Two goals with five minutes from Wichit must have had Surin hearts sinking, with around twenty minutes remaining, but they somehow managed to put together a threadbare offside trap that the home side couldn’t work out, and they decided to have some fun.

In fairness to the visitors, they tried to play the right way throughout. It’s just that they weren’t particularly good at it. Neither side had an overseas player, which always gladdens my heart as a pragmatist, as it’s surely unsustainable paying out the wages, plus it’s great to see local players getting a go in professional football.

A special mention to referee Tharanon Naowapan. There had been some huge rainfalls over the past few weeks in Sisaket province, and the pitch was difficult. He used his common sense and kept dishing out cards to a minimum, also allowing for a lack of malicious intent from the away side, with their poor challenges on occasions.

My video, including my match report, recorded for A Thai Football Podcast

A taxi driver collected me after the game and took me home, knowing the route as he lived in the nearby countryside. And he put the metre on, which revealed the previous week’s pilot had enjoyed a couple of beers out of me. Food, beers, and some live Thai League and EPL action before bed.

Rasisalai United 1 Khon Kaen Mordingdang 1 

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 5th November 2023 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 172 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

A Day of New Friends

This game involved a lovely few hours in town, in the good company of my new companion, John, with lunch and refreshments at Hong Kong Garden. A special shout-out to my Grab driver, who has become my regular pilot.

Our car was having repairs, so I needed a taxi both ways. Grab doesn’t connect with drivers in the deepest countryside, but he gave my Taew, my wife, his number and told her to ring in advance whenever I need a ride. He drove down to us, and then I made the connection on the app when I got into his car, full of laughter as usual. 

The Match

Lady owner Nuch had rung the changes during the week before the match as Preeda Chankra, who led league debutants Rasisalai to third place the previous term, returned to the dugout.

United played lovely football at times, without delivering an end product, being guilty of missing a lot of chances. And so, it proved once again, as they played with vigour without putting the ball in the net in the first half. They were made to pay as Tanapol Srithong put KKM 1-0 up five minutes before the break.

The second half was of a similar pattern and equal. A fantastic move led to an equaliser from Natchanon Yongsakool seven minutes after the restart. The midfielder always seemed to be in the thick of the action and gave his all whenever I watched. Chukwuma was at the back, a steady presence as ever.

In the gloom in stoppage time following the 3.30pm kickoff, the visitors nearly snatched a last-gasp winner, but for a superb point-blank stop from home goalie Banhan Thubthong. Why they hadn’t switched the lights on was beyond us.

Return of Uan

My driver, called Uan, which is translated to “fatty”, was waiting for me at full time. He only has one leg, which we discovered when opening his boot to put the shopping in at Makro a few days earlier. His reliability meant I would get to an awful lot of football from then on.

Rasisalai United 5 Nakhon Ratchasima United 3

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 11th November 2023  

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 175 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Entertaining Encounter

Pre-match, as ever, was spent in the excellent Hong Kong Garden, before I enjoyed a highly entertaining encounter as the improving hosts faced a better-than-expected challenge against the side second from bottom in the thirteen-team division.

A brace from the consistently impressive Natchanon from midfield, along with a penalty from Tangrit, put Rasisalai in command as expected with fifty-one minutes on the clock. The away side had been horrible to watch at Sisaket a few weeks earlier, with niggly tactics and an immobile goalie who was on the bench for this encounter.

They had a different attitude this time out, with Thanwa giving them a lifeline just before the hour mark. Tanagrit added another penalty before Nadtakorn reduced the arrears once again. By now, the game was stretched, and my mate and I both thought anything could have happened if Ratchasima scored next.

However, it wasn’t to be. Supab made it 5-3 before Nadtachorn scored his second in additional time, meaning his side still only had one point after nine games. The hapless bottom of the table side, Surin Khongcheemool, still had to register a point.

Post-match Shenanigans

I continued drinking during the match at the stadium and then post-match after I was unable to get hold of a taxi through Grab, with Uan unavailable. I opted for Plan B, having been given a recommendation of a restaurant bar that later turned into the place to be a few weeks earlier.

I thought it was a good idea to take the fifteen-minute walk, have a beer, and see if I had more luck getting a taxi. One agreed and then turned me down, saying the fare on the app didn't justify his effort. A kind member of staff spoke to my better half on the phone, so she could explain where we lived, and so that a taxi could be ordered.

When I got home, my good lady registered a point of her own. It was that I was drunk and had been stupid walking several miles in flip-flops, and now had blistered feet. Guilty as charged. I was in one of those moods where I wanted a good drink. The following day, I was feeling sheepish, with sore feet making walking a few yards painful, and with a hangover from hell.

Rasisalai United 0 Sisaket United 1 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 16th December 2023  

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 536 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Pre Match Escapades

I’d been a good lad all week, abstaining from booze and eating smaller portions to try and shed some timber and clear the head. I took the train and a walk at the other end, including a stop for the first time at Barco in Sisaket, a café bar which had a good fridge with a wide selection of bottles from near and far.

It wasn't cheap. The small bottle of Cha La Wan IPA from Full Moon Brewery in Phuket was good, but the price matched that of an English city. The challenge of trying to find out bus information to Khon Kaen for a future trip at the bus station where no English is spoken was a success, or at least I left thinking so.

I continued past bewildered Thais seeing someone walking in the extreme heat, to Hong Kong Garden, before heading to the game with my mate John. 

A Derby with a Difference

It was a local derby with a difference, as Rasisalai’s stadium was out of commission for a marching band competition, so they forfeited their home advantage and hired the government-owned Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, the home of their opponents from up the road.

This meant that Sisaket fans were placed in the away supporters’ section of their own stadium. Rasisalai put out an online message saying anyone in Sisaket colours could not use their usual sections. A German fella, a regular, hadn’t read the info, came in his usual orange shirt, which he had to cover for the second half. Daft, really, as many go to watch both sides.

A Tough Local Derby

It turned out to be a hard-fought victory for the league leaders. The only goal from Argentinian star man Panigazzi came five minutes after the break, with Danilo, the Brazilian forward, putting in a much improved shift as Sisaket maintained their position at the top of the table.

The first half showed signs of imitating the first encounter between the sides, which ended 0-0. Sisaket keeper Adisak Lambelsah turned over a long-range effort in the only real offering on goal from either side. Referee Chlaermpon Thongsri did his best to liven things up with some bizarre decisions, mainly against Rasisalai.

Emotions Rising

Nuch, a lady not known for holding back her emotions, offered some forceful feedback, hanging over the railings of the stand as the officials headed down the tunnel at the interval. Whatever Sisaket coach Narongthanaphorn told his troops at halftime seemed to have a desired effect as they came out with more attacking intent.

The often lacklustre Danilo showed some real quality, featuring in much link-up play using his strength and vision as well as a yard of pace most thought had long left him. Panigazzi, as ever, despite carrying an injury, was the driving force in midfield. His brave header from a floated cross made the difference between the teams. 

Sisaket had another couple of gilt-edged chances that went to waste, and they were nearly made to pay. Finally, Rasisalai coach Preeda Chankra brought on the energetic Natchanon from off the bench. He'd missed a late penalty in the earlier fixture and was then dismissed for a second yellow card. He was always in the thick of the action. 

He and the introduction of defender Gideon Chuckwuma made a big difference as the pace and intent intensified. A couple of crosses flashed across the box until, in the second of five additional minutes, a shot smashed back off the underside of the Sisaket bar, and danger was somehow averted from the rebound before a very enjoyable second half came to an end.

Rasisalai United 4 Muang Loei United 0 

Thai League Northeast - Wednesday 7th February 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 69 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Thai Football Madness

The fixture planners, if there is such a thing, at the Thai League decided not to have any football in Sisaket for two consecutive weekends, and then compensate supporters in the city by arranging for both clubs to be at home on the same midweek afternoon.

John suggested we head to the first half of the Rasi game before continuing to watch the full match at Sisaket United, which made sense. On the train I met a lovely old Italian fella who told be had lived in Kanthararom for fifty-five years.

Only the Lonely

Inevitably, hardly anyone turned up to watch. Even the customary food and drink vendors didn’t bother. The official crowd figure was certainly exaggerated. However, those who did bother saw a tremendously entertaining encounter. Well, until halftime, as that’s when we, along with another couple of carloads, headed to the second match.

Loei had been good at Sisaket eleven days previously and certainly had the same attacking flair. Apidet once again stood out with his skilful footwork and footballing brain, while the front two of Omogba Esoh and Kamonchai Somsuk looked dangerous, carving out chances.

It wasn’t their day in front of goal in this game between two sides with only pride to play for, as Rasisalai made hay taking advantage of some awful defending, with Supab Muengchan grabbing a hat-trick in the first thirty minutes.

The first was so bad it was brilliant to watch, as he was put clean through but made an awful first touch. Keeper Thanarat Neao-Olo could have come and collected but stayed on his line, and then let the shot, which was straight at him, through his grasp.

When it’s your day, it’s time to capitalise. The scorer finished off a fine move for the second and then, once again, was given the freedom of Isan to bag his third. The score could easily have been 5-3 when we called it a day just before the break. We only missed one goal in the second half.

2024-25 Season

Rasisalai United 5 Udon United 1

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 13th October 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 459 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

New Season Anticipation

John and I were looking forward to the game in eager anticipation, with Rasisalai having won their opening four games of the season convincingly under new head coach Arnon Bandasak. Visitors, Udon promised to provide decent opposition.

What we witnessed was an incredible performance. I would say as good as I had ever seen at that level of Thai football. The pace and guile of the hosts were simply too much for Udon to cope with, which saw their keeper Adisak Boonthawi replaced at half-time by coach Surachai Jirasirichoth.

By then, they were 4-0 down after an amazing first thirty-five minutes thanks to their new signings. Alberto Gouvea, whom we had previously met at a Sisaket United match, simply blew away his fullback for pace before scoring after just three minutes. His Brazilian strike partner, Gilberto Macena, then got into the action.

He was played in on the left of the box, delivering a delicious cross for Supab Muengchan to volley in at the back post. That was after eighteen minutes before Gouvea made it 3-0 just before the half-hour mark. The ever-excellent midfielder Natchanon added to the score with a glorious curling shot from outside the box.

Udon, to their credit, never stopped trying and looked like a decent side, but they were up against something special. Not least the figure of Rasisalai centre-back Ramon Mesquita, who was superb throughout. The away team grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot, scored by the impressive Jhonatan Bernardo, with around twenty minutes left to play.

For a short while, after that, they looked like they might grab another, which would have certainly made things interesting. However, Supab made it five to settle matters eight minutes from time. We headed off to Leo’s for food, drink, and chat to round off a fantastic few hours, which had begun in Hong Kong Garden, which was also most enjoyable.

Rasisalai United 6 Roi Et PB United 1

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 3rd November 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 559 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

It was a similar story regarding pre- and post-match libation and food, with both places being very much up to scratch. This time, Gary was joining me after his match the previous day in Ubon. We were treated to another exhibition of lethal finishing.

The visitors, who more than played their part in a great game to watch, must have wondered what they did wrong. The answer is not a lot. They were simply blown away by a quicker and more decisive side, while Roi Et keeper Chalermkeat Pootoyo didn’t cover himself in glory.

He could have done better with a low shot from Nattapon Yongsakool that crept in after eleven minutes. The game then became fractious with plenty of feeling. It was obvious there was a lot of pride among the six Brazilians shared between the teams, as referee Chinnawat Kaiyasi lost control at times

The visitors piled on the pressure, and Rasasalai handled it before Alberto Gouvea broke clear to double the lead. It remained 2-0 at the break, with all up for grabs. Roi Et continued to press and look for a way back, which was found when Natan scored a penalty.

However, a clumsy foul at the other end allowed Gilberto Maceda to make it 3-1 from the spot with twenty minutes remaining. Roi Et, cheered on by a good following, never said die and continued to pile forward, making the match highly entertaining. Noppawit Petch-om extended the lead ten minutes later.

It became 5-1 thanks to Somyot Pongsuwan in stoppage time as the away team finally subsided when Gouvea had pace to burn and go past his full-back before seeing his shot ricochet off the post before falling to the sub.

The icing on the cake came when Teerayut Ngamlamai fired into an empty net from over thirty yards after Chalermkeat rushed to the edge of his box to try and thwart an attack with the ball running loose to the scorer.

A great victory that took Rasisalai twelve points clear at the top of the Northeast region, while it was great to see all the overseas players and their families come to Leo’s together and enjoy a meal.

Rasisalai United 2 Suranaree Black Cat 3

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 23rd February 2025 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 570 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

An incredible game of football as the unbeaten hosts were toppled by a side second from bottom, desperately trying to avoid relegation. Everything pointed to more of the same as the Roi Et match, but what we got was a huge shock and great entertainment with some quality thrown into the usual error-stacked third-level fare.

Missing Defenders

I’m not sure if both defences had been to the pub at lunchtime or just decided to have fun, but they were awful at both ends in the first twenty minutes. Black Cat went one up after five minutes, Rasi drew level within three minutes through Winai Aimoat, before a brilliant goal just before the half-hour mark regained the lead for the visitors.

The scorer of both their goals, Thammakai Jaidee, was listed as a defender. He certainly found his true vocation on this occasion. The visiting woodwork was having a fine game while keeper Chanasorn Kaewyos was making some amazing saves despite never catching anything. 

There was a point when I suspected he was wearing oven rather than goalkeeping gloves. Somehow, the score was 1-2 at the interval. Suranaree tightened things up after the break, while Rasi gave the impression that they would score whenever they fancied it. I suspect it would be complacency that was their undoing in the end. 

They continued to plough forward and were badly exposed on the break as a three-on-one counter saw Kittisak Roekyamdee finish with twelve minutes left on the clock. The rest of the game was so much like watching a repeat of England v Poland at Wembley in 1973 that I expected Kevin Hector to be introduced as a sub. 

Late Drama

The turbo-charged Alberto Gouvea grabbed a lifeline with three minutes left. The board went up, indicating that there would be seven additional minutes, adding to the drama. The excellent ref had earlier stopped the game and told the highly emotional Nuch to remove herself from the touchline, then awarded what I thought was a soft penalty in stoppage time. 

Chanasorn was the hero as he saved the weak spot kick from Macena, which was quickly followed by the full-time whistle. Incredible stuff.

Rasisalai United 2 Surin City 0 

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 9th March 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 759 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Rasisalai had become the first third-tier club to qualify for the playoffs with an away win at Roi Et PB United the previous week. They clinched the regional title with this win, going into the convoluted system to try to go up in a couple of months. Only 3 of 69 clubs would be promoted.

It's not a game to linger too long in the memory, I suspect, with a goal on either side of halftime through Alberto Gouvea and Supab Muengchan doing the trick. The club provided free transport from Rasisalai with free admission to the open side of the arena. 60 Baht (€1.65 for us posh folks in the main stand).

My Roving Report to A Thai Football Podcast

A fine afternoon out as ever in sweltering conditions in the late 30s for the 5pm start, with an impromptu invitation to a wedding reception with food, beer, and karaoke on the way home, confusing my driver, Uan. 

Rasisalai United 2 Fleet FC 1 

Thai League 3 Playoffs Group B - Sunday 27th April 2025 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 759 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

In the company of John, after a heavy couple of days of socialising and then a lunch at Hong Kong Garden, we watched as Fleet looked the better of the two sides for the first twenty minutes.

This playoff game exemplified all that is good about Thai football. Both sides gave everything on a sweltering evening, playing exciting end-to-end football in front of a vibrant atmosphere. Alongkorn Khonwai's refereeing performance was good.

The hosts then stepped up a gear, with Gilberto Macena and Alberto Gouvea playing a one-two, which the former slotted away a couple of minutes before the interval. It was 2-0 when the Brazilian added his second, as he flicked home a header from a corner at the near post.

Rob's Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

It looked like a routine win was on the cards, but Rasisalai defender Ramon had hobbled off. Fleet grabbed a goal back from a good header from their Uruguayan substitute, Pedro Manzi, with ten minutes remaining on the clock.

The closing stages were scrappy as the home team hung on to widen the gap in their playoff group with an away game at Navy to follow.

Rasisalai United 1 Navy 0 

Thai League 3 Playoffs Group B - Sunday 18th May 2025 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 979 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

An absorbing contest with the only goal being scored after two minutes by Natchanon, who starred as ever in midfield with his twin brother Nattapon, as Rasisalai progressed to the semifinals of the playoffs, where three of the four teams would be promoted to the second tier.

A big crowd, far larger than the official figure, including a decent following all the way from Sattahip, with free admission in the cheap seats, and lots of junior groups in attendance. You could estimate its size as they had run out of tickets and were using up last season's stock.

A really good early evening, rounding off a great weekend for football. Navy gave it their all, with former Sisaket United favourite Mattius Panigazzi having an excellent game and being very unlucky to see a fine effort come back off the post.

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

Rasisalai showed that they knew how to dig deep as well as play the attractive football that saw them romp away with their divisional title. A special shout-out to referee Kriangkrai Thipanunjarukorn, who handled things excellently.

Rasisalai United 2 Khon Kaen 2 

Thai League 3 Playoffs Group B - Saturday 24th May 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 429 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Friends Visit Sisaket

A top day out, and indeed weekend, this despite golf being abandoned because of a Saturday morning storm. Dale was across from the UK and drove with his wife, Nui, enjoying Friday evening with us, with plenty of food and drink, before we headed into town the following lunchtime.

I played tourist guide in Sisaket, before an enjoyable pub lunch at Hong Kong Garden, a match, excellent bars with plentiful food and drink in excellent company, with Leo’s, Craft & Cold, and Godang24 all being visited before we retired to the Vijit Nakorn Hotel. The adventure was covered on Episode 95 of A Thai Football Podcast.

The Match

It also turned out to be an entertaining game, in a dead rubber after the previous group results left the visitors with no hope of going any further, while Rasisalai progressed to a semifinal tie the following week against Pattani, who faced a long journey north.

We were welcomed into the stadium by the lady chairperson, and settled down to see the T-Rex visitors go ahead before the half-hour mark through Thanaphat Phutnok, as the hosts gave a few players from their regular starting line-up a rest.

Supab Muengchan restored parity with just over an hour on the clock before Gilberto Macena came off the bench to put Rasisalai ahead. Another substitute, Ratthaphon Phoopharot, a defender for the away side, equalised when a free kick was badly misjudged by the deputy home goalie, Saravut Konglap.

Rasisalai United 5 Pattani 3

Thai League 3 Playoffs Semifinal 1st Leg - Sunday 1st June 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 3,195 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

A Wonderful Day

An absoluty brilliant day out and a wonderful advert for the third tier of Thai football, as two committed sides provided the huge crowd with a classic encounter in their attempts to win promotion through a ridiculously convoluted system.

I went on the train, had a craft beer to start, a couple of Guinness in Leo's with excellent food, and then beers at the ground, where a huge crowd had assembled. The visiting officials from Pattani were a pleasure to meet, adding to the occasion.

A Breathtaking Match

Rasisalai once again played wonderfully entertaining football. Fortunately, for the crowd, so did Pattani. It was 2-0 at halftime once the deadlock had been broken in the thirty-eighth minute, after the sides had sussed each other’s styles out. A third goal, soon after the restart, for the hosts looked like it could prove to be an insurmountable lead.

It took me back to the days when southerners would head to the northeast and head home with a stick of rock and a box of fish as consolation. That was the 70s and Scarborough. The weather in Sisaket is very different, and we’re nowhere near the sea.

Rob's Roving Report, for A Thai Football Podcast

Similar passion, though, as the home coach Arnon, and owner Nuch did their pieces at the officials, and police presence was required to calm things down at one point. Pattani would have had a round road trip of approaching forty-five hours, so they arrived by plane, having a ninety-minute drive at either end, while having to change in Bangkok.

A crazy league system, and worth remembering when teams in England moan about away games of a couple of hours. Right. Back to the match. Pattani got one back without a Rasisalai player touching the ball before grabbing a lifeline from the penalty spot.

Rasisalai United: A Thai Football Fairytale

From my YouTube Channel: The Thai Adventures of Rob B

Still More to Come

The home side then extended their lead from a near-post flicked header from a corner before the arrears were reduced once again in identical fashion. The fifth goal, when it came, we thought, would probably be needed on this showing. 

A top day, as always, in the company of John. We even had time to go to Hong Kong Garden for a quick pint before my driver arrived to take me back to the countryside. 

Rasisalai United 1 Songkhla 0 

Thai League 3 Final 1st Leg - Sunday 15th June 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 3,789 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

A stunning afternoon and early evening brought the crowds out to the 5 pm kick-off. Another excellent day in the company of John and Gary. It included 9 holes of golf, food and drink, and watching some Aussie NRL in Hong Kong Garden before the game. Free travel was provided by Rasisalai, from their home town 40km away, as well as free admission.

It turned into a grand occasion at the Sisaket SAT Stadium, where the winners of the semis faced off to decide the national third-tier champions over two legs. What might seem like a meaningless game to many football fans elsewhere is taken extremely seriously in Thailand. 

A Thai Football Podcast: Rob's Roving Report

It was a game befitting two top sides, located over 1,000km in distance apart. They played out an encounter full of skill in humid conditions. Rasi went ahead after forcing things in the first half stoppage time through Gilberto Macena, after a colleague missed an earlier sitter. Songkhla were the better side for the final twenty minutes but couldn’t force an equaliser.

At full time, we headed to Leo's to enjoy some Guinness, before I departed into the long grass of rural peace until the next time. The second leg, a week later, was watched online as Rasisalai became the national Thai League 3 champions with a 4-1 win on the night.