Assumption United FC
Ground: Wongprachanukul Stadium
Capacity: 1,200
Club Founded: 2011
League: Thai League 3 West (current level)
Assumption United FC is a Thai football club with strong links to youth development and education, providing a pathway for young players to progress through the ranks. Based in Bangkok, the club has built a reputation for nurturing talent while competing in the Thai football league system.
Assumption United - A Brief History
The club represent the private Catholic school in Thonburi, across the river from Bangkok. Its professional side was established in 2011. This was after Assumption Thonburi School reached the 2010 final of the KhÇ’r Royal Cup, a forerunner of the Thailand Amateur League.
Assumption lost 3-1 to Goblex Realty Staff Association, a club that would eventually morph into Nonthaburi United FC. Reaching the final was enough to gain a place in the third-tier Regional League Division 2 Bangkok Region for the 'Magnate‘
As Assumption Thonburi-The PAC, the team played home games at the PAC Sport Centre Stadium in Bang Khun Thian. They moved to their Thonburi headquarters as Assumption Thonburi FC, before the club was renamed Assumption United in 2014.
The following season, the club relocated to the Thunder Dome, home of Muangthong United. Yodsak Chaowana top-scored, with Narongrit Khuntip in charge. After three years, Assumption returned to Thonburi as a Thai League 4 West club after league restructuring.
Chalermsak Ruaygrabue scored regularly, followed by Akira Niiho, Jakkrit Senkaew and Surawut Sutthisak under team boss Thorn Sourapoom. For the 2020-21 campaign, Assumption played in the Thai League 3 West. Natthasan Pakkarano starred as his side continued without any threat of promotion or relegation.
Pherawut Inkhow made an impact in 2024-25 for the team under head coach Narongrit.
My visit
Assumption United 1 PTU Pathumthani 1
Thai League 3 West - Sunday 16th October 2022
👨👨👧👧 121 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
Unknown Pleasures
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a journey navigating local public transport and venturing somewhere new. Waking up a little seedy after a thirsty Saturday night, I stuck to my original plan rather than be tempted to stay in bed and head to a later game.
It was an adventure, alright, but quite a simple one in the end. I jumped on the number 60 all the way to Democracy Monument after taking a bus to NIDA at Bangkapi. It was straightforward and a great combined value for 18 Baht. It was a long but interesting journey with the windows down on a dull, cool day.
It was an adventure, alright, but quite a simple one in the end. I jumped on the number 60 all the way to Democracy Monument after taking a bus to NIDA at Bangkapi. It was straightforward and a great combined value for 18 Baht. It was a long but interesting journey with the windows down on a dull, cool day.
An Interesting Journey
I went for the slob’s option of a McDonald's on alighting to dull the cravings that usually occur after alcohol. I chose the value menu to ease the guilt slightly. I walked and bought what turned out to be an unsuccessful lottery ticket on the way to the bus stop opposite the Supreme Court by Sanam Luang.
Within minutes, the 91 service arrived. The conductor charged 23 Baht for the journey, leaving me scratching my head once more regarding the inconsistent fares. The final ride took less time than I planned. We arrived early at the Terminus, so I couldn’t miss it. Indeed, the clippie gave me a nudge to let me know we were there.
Excellent Facilities
Excellent Facilities
Wandering down Soi 4, Assumption, I could hear cheering. Surely it wasn’t an early kick-off? No, a school swimming gala was taking place at what seemed a college laden with excellent facilities. I found the stadium without any issues and took a few shots down the near side. A security man ushered me along and pointed towards the official entrance.
The steep-sided raised stand offered a cracking view after I bought my ticket. The lady steward asked who I was supporting, pointed to the back of the stand, and told me to go along to the far end when I replied, “Assumption”. This area had a couple of steps above a full-sized artificial pitch.
Polite Students
Polite Students
Joining the students and parents, we were treated to some pre-match music by Stone Metal Fire and the PA man reading out the teams. I would guess the rock band were also students or alumni, as one of the songs being played was all about cheering for United.
The playing surface looked lush but carried some irregular scarring. I was amused as the Pathumthani line-up all gave their opposing players a gift bag following the King's Anthem. As a friend on Twitter commented, it would be interesting to see a Neil Warnock or Sean Dyche team doing that.
Thai International
The playing surface looked lush but carried some irregular scarring. I was amused as the Pathumthani line-up all gave their opposing players a gift bag following the King's Anthem. As a friend on Twitter commented, it would be interesting to see a Neil Warnock or Sean Dyche team doing that.
Thai International
I hoped that the gift bags would contain stink bombs and pepper sweets from the joke shop, but that’s the child in me. A lovely touch from PTU. Onto the game, which was a slow burner. Former Thai international Kirati Keawsombut, for the hosts, showed skill but blasted over.
The big fella showed lots of commitment but was lucky to see yellow rather than red in my opinion, for a high challenge a little later. Perhaps referee Ratthaket Puttasorn was a man of the cloth and believed in giving a chance?
The visitors took the lead. Assumption's Theekawin Chansri put a low cross into his own net with a PTU player breathing down his neck. Assumption replied. Keeper Saravut Konglap easily saved Kittipong Sura's shot.
The big fella showed lots of commitment but was lucky to see yellow rather than red in my opinion, for a high challenge a little later. Perhaps referee Ratthaket Puttasorn was a man of the cloth and believed in giving a chance?
The visitors took the lead. Assumption's Theekawin Chansri put a low cross into his own net with a PTU player breathing down his neck. Assumption replied. Keeper Saravut Konglap easily saved Kittipong Sura's shot.
There was plenty of pretty passing but little goalmouth action. Kittidet Thaeptham decided to do something about it and went close with a swerving shot that went just wide from the outside of his right boot.
Dodgy Keeper
Custodian Saravut obviously fancied making me roar with laughter, as he was the centrepiece of the equaliser. Receiving a back pass from Jakkapong Suebsamutr, he dallied as he tried to dribble.
Yannatat Wannatong closed him down, so when he tried to clear, the ball came off the advancing player and bounced into the net. Just what is it about coaches telling goalies to faff about when they are not up to the task? Not to worry. It always brings traditionalists some hilarity.
Decent Entertainment
Yannatat Wannatong closed him down, so when he tried to clear, the ball came off the advancing player and bounced into the net. Just what is it about coaches telling goalies to faff about when they are not up to the task? Not to worry. It always brings traditionalists some hilarity.
Decent Entertainment
One criticism I had of the stand was the apparent lack of facilities. I couldn't find the toilets and refreshment concessions. It made half-time drag. After the restart, things improved immediately. The swimming presentations began across the far corner, offering alternative entertainment.
Saravut's feet in goal for the visitors kept out a Kirati shot at the base of the near post before Nutthikorn Yaprom responded for Pathumtani with a shot that fizzed just wide. The match ebbed and flowed and was a decent watch.
Kirati saw his header produce a dramatic, exaggerated save from Saravut. I hope someone caught it on camera for him to enjoy after the game. Kakana Khamyok was fed a throw for United before progressing and seeing his shot hit the side netting.
Giuberty Silva Neves came on as a substitute for the University. Home goalie Kasidej Rungkitwattananuku superbly saved Giuberty's dipping free-kick before action returned to the other end when a fine move gave Kongpop Sroirak a chance. He stood on the ball when poised to shoot.
Saravut's feet in goal for the visitors kept out a Kirati shot at the base of the near post before Nutthikorn Yaprom responded for Pathumtani with a shot that fizzed just wide. The match ebbed and flowed and was a decent watch.
Kirati saw his header produce a dramatic, exaggerated save from Saravut. I hope someone caught it on camera for him to enjoy after the game. Kakana Khamyok was fed a throw for United before progressing and seeing his shot hit the side netting.
Giuberty Silva Neves came on as a substitute for the University. Home goalie Kasidej Rungkitwattananuku superbly saved Giuberty's dipping free-kick before action returned to the other end when a fine move gave Kongpop Sroirak a chance. He stood on the ball when poised to shoot.
It was surprising that the floodlights hadn’t been turned on, as it was getting extremely dull. Saravut took plenty of good-natured criticism every time he received a back pass, but then answered his critics with a really good save to push over an effort from Kirati.
At full time, I found a small food stand at the far end of the stand, along with a club shop. The toilets were beyond the practice pitch. I headed back to the main road and caught the bus just as it was about to depart.
At full time, I found a small food stand at the far end of the stand, along with a club shop. The toilets were beyond the practice pitch. I headed back to the main road and caught the bus just as it was about to depart.
Exploring the Vicinity
The interesting ride down narrow streets filled with stalls and street food led back to Phetkasem Road, where I chose the direct route home and jumped aboard the MRT at Lak Song station, changing at Tha Phra to go the quick way to Lat Phrao.
The ride followed my car journey from the previous Wednesday, only from above the road I navigated when I accompanied my good lady to a memorial service in Nonthaburi. I eventually found the right bus stop at Lat Phrao to catch a service to Bangkapi.
A taxi home completed my journey. Yes, it was a bit extravagant, but I wanted to eat and watch the Premier League on TV. It had been a really enjoyable, if long, day. Especially on top of a hangover. Now, where’s next on the agenda?
The ride followed my car journey from the previous Wednesday, only from above the road I navigated when I accompanied my good lady to a memorial service in Nonthaburi. I eventually found the right bus stop at Lat Phrao to catch a service to Bangkapi.
A taxi home completed my journey. Yes, it was a bit extravagant, but I wanted to eat and watch the Premier League on TV. It had been a really enjoyable, if long, day. Especially on top of a hangover. Now, where’s next on the agenda?
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