Bangkok United FC
Ground: BG Stadium
Capacity: 15,114
Club Founded: 1988
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
Bangkok United have emerged as one of Thailand's leading clubs, combining attractive football with sustained success at the highest level. With corporate backing the Angels have become regular title challengers and a major force in Thai football.
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| BG Stadium, home of Bangkok United from 2025-26 |
Early History
Bangkok University
Founded as Bangkok University FC in 1988, when they were based at the University Stadium in Rangsit, the club initially played in academic competition football, winning university championships.
They became members of the second-tier Thai Division 1 League for the 2002-03 season, winning the title under coach Somchai Subpherm to reach the top level of Thai football. Punnarat Klinsukon was the star player as his side lifted the Thai League title in 2006, with AFC competition football being played at alternative venues.
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| The club's former home at the Thai-Japanese Stadium |
Bangkok United
In 2009, the club changed its name to Bangkok United to comply with the Football Association of Thailand's new regulations that top-flight Thailand Premier League (TPL) clubs must be registered as limited companies. The team moved to the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng as the club took on the nickname of 'Bangkok Angels'
New coach Worakorn Wichanarong took over team affairs in 2010, before being replaced by Prapol Pongpanich. United were relegated from the TPL despite healthy backing from True Corporation, who became the new owners of the club, with their name often preceding that of Bangkok United in the title. Suwaroch Apiwatwarachai then had a spell in charge of the team.
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| The former home of Thammasat Stadium |
Promotion Back to the Top-Flight
United won promotion back to the TPL in 2012 under the tutelage of Sasom Pobprasert, thanks to the goals of Romain Gasmi. Sompong Soleb cheered the faithful with his goals on their return.
For the 2014 season, United rebranded themselves and introduced a new club logo and abandoned their traditional green, white and orange colours for a red and black outfit as the Portuguese coach Rui Bento took over the management of the team before being replaced by Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul after just a few months.
Move to Thammasat
For the 2014 season, United rebranded themselves and introduced a new club logo and abandoned their traditional green, white and orange colours for a red and black outfit as the Portuguese coach Rui Bento took over the management of the team before being replaced by Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul after just a few months.
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| The unmistakable Thammasat floodlight pylons |
Move to Thammasat
Brazilian Alexandré 'Mano' Pölking arrived as the new coach in June 2014, installing a playing style which received acclaim from neutrals as well as United fans. The team improved their previous finish before making the astute signing of Dragan Bošković from Suphanburi.
The club made another move; this time back to near where they were formed as they took up residency at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit in time for the 2016 season, as they wanted to use a facility that could be used by any potential Champions League appearances with a quality playing surface.
Close to Honours
More League Runners-Ups
Move to Pathum Thani
It was my final day in Thailand after a magnificent two-week stay. It was likely to be my final chance to see any football in The Land of Smiles for another year, so I was determined to fill my boots.
After checking into my rather basic accommodation near Suvarnabhumi Airport, I had been to the first half of Thai Honda v Samut Sakon before crawling across the city by taxi in the hope of seeing some of R-BEC v Customs United.
I'd sort of achieved my aims, so I commandeered a taxi to take me to Din Daeng and the Thai-Japanese Stadium by toll road so that I could see as much of United's clash as possible, which had kicked off at 6pm.
I arrived at the complex gates to be confronted by an amazing sight. At least a thousand people were being led by a dancer on the stage at the front of the courtyard and accompanied in loud music in a huge public aerobic session. I have to say It was magnificent seeing people of all ages determined to get fit.
I dodged my way around the crowd and found the club desk selling tickets. I purchased my ticket and had my wrist stamped as is custom, so I could use any catering or club shops at half time and went up the steps to a fairly busy stand.
The score was 2-0 at the time to 'The Bangkok Angels' after around thirty-five minutes of play. I took up a seat and within a few minutes, 'The Hares' got one back with a superb shot from the edge of the area, much to the joy of the fifty or so travelling fans on the far side of the ground as well as several Chanthaburi supporters in our stand.
Maybe they were reluctant to pay 10 baht more for an inferior view? At half-time, I went downstairs to have a look at the club shop. I bought an orange United home shirt, costing 500 THB, which was just over a tenner at the time, before enjoying and filming the rest of the dance.
It ended soon after, and I congratulated the not-so-young leader on his efforts, which he seemed to appreciate. I was suffering from dehydration, so I was relieved that the catering stand sold Gatorade. I got a bag of crisps to keep me going as I didn't want to spoil my evening meal.
I bought a couple more plastic bottles of refuel, and I was slightly shocked when I tried to get back into the stand. The guards insisted on pouring both drinks into plastic glasses. They obviously hadn't seen how poor my throwing arm was!
I enjoyed the whole experience of the second half, even though it was goalless. I loved watching football in warm conditions and seeing how animated the locals got. I saw a Western family sitting watching lower down in the stand. I surmised that the pretty young lady was perhaps a WAG to one of the imported players.
The visitors tried desperately to grab an equaliser, while United had chances of their own. As the half continued, an electrical storm was brewing and coming closer as it lit up the distant suburbs.
With only a couple of minutes remaining, some of the floodlights went out. The referee stopped the game. That was my signal to make a run for it. I knew only too well how huge the storms could be in Thailand.
Taxis would be at a premium, and I didn't particularly fancy getting soaked or worse. I wasn't sure whether they would finish the game. I later found out online that there had been no further goals.
I hailed a taxi very quickly and soon wished I hadn't. I had to meet Steve and Fah for a traditional mookata Thai barbecue at a place on Nawamin Road that I'd been to before. I told the driver this and then rang up Fah so she could explain in Thai.
My driver, who worryingly took a swig of extra-strength Lipo, which is used to stay awake, then took me via every toll road he could seemingly find. He drove like a lunatic in the torrential rain.
I used the phrase 'jai yen yen', meaning calm down, jokingly to begin with and then in a sterner tone with an expletive chucked in the middle as I thought about covering my eyes.
He asked me to ring Fah once again, and I spoke to Steve. I realised where we were as I could now see out of the window, as the rain abated. He had taken me on the route I wished the driver had taken to get me to the RBAC Stadium earlier that afternoon.
We were near the airport and heading to Fashion Island Shopping Mall, a route I'd often used to get to Steve's house. We joined up with Ram Intra and went back towards Bangkok on it to turn off where I wanted to be. Throughout the afternoon, I had now completed a circular tour of the city, when half of it wasn't required!
I was shaking when I greeted my friends. The mookata was pretty poor as the locals had been and gone and eaten the best stuff. Never mind. It had been a brilliant day and holiday as a whole.
I said my goodbyes and headed back to my basic hotel, wishing I was around for the next weekend's round of games in a league set-up that's hard to fathom but wonderful at the same time.
At Thammasat Stadium
Bangkok United 2 Lamphun Warriors 0
A chance to finally tick off United in a home game as it was conveniently kicking off after I had headed to Kanjanapat v Saraburi United in the third tier with visiting German friends Thorsten and Maren.
I had been to Thammasat Stadium at the end of the previous season for the League Cup semi-final tie between PT Prachuap and Chonburi. I visited United's former home, at Thai-Japanese Stadium for my third Covid vaccination soon after arriving in Thailand in December 2021.
We managed to hail a cab after coming out of the Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University and crossing the busy Pahonyothin Road. Our driver was a real character, chatting away, which was too much for my limited local tongue, but laughing as we went.
After a U-turn, causing a bit of panic, we jumped out of the cab on Khlong Luang Road. We crossed by footbridge and then walked through an extension car park to the area selling an extensive range of football snacks, but no beer.
Plenty of souvenirs were also for sale, and music was played. The club did their best to make it homely, but Thammasat and its surroundings were simply too big for them. The tickets for the home stand were reasonably priced.
Home fans at the front, predominantly teenage, did their best to drum up an atmosphere as we settled into our seats high in the stand. It almost felt like being at the cinema with lots of legroom, food, and a panoramic view.
I had decided before we arrived that I wanted the visitors to win, as I had been less than impressed with some of the celebrations of the United players away to Port a few weeks earlier, even if I acknowledged that they were a good side.
We were about to see something akin to a one-sided cup tie as Lamphun were going to have their hands full. However, they had the earliest opportunity when Anan Yodsangwal and Chenrop Samphaodi combined well, with Yodsangwal having his effort blocked by defender Peerapat Notchaiya.
United responded with a fine move which saw the ball pulled back to Thitiphan Puangchan, whose volley lacked punch and was easily gathered by keeper Nont Muangngam, who was to become a prominent feature throughout the evening.
United tried to play patiently and drag the Warriors' defence out of position, and it nearly paid off when a fine through ball from skipper Everton fed in Vander Luiz, whose shot was saved by the advancing Nont. The Brazilian had raised my ire in the clash at the PAT, so I was happy he was thwarted.
My two friends had seen Lamphun take a 5-0 beating at their temporary Chiang Mai base to Muangthong United a week earlier and had not been impressed. I enjoyed their work ethic and fancied them to score, probably more out of optimistic blind faith.
The resulting corner swung in by Heberty saw Suphan Thongsong denied with a header by the flying visiting custodian. Chayawat Srinawong then dragged back for Heberty, who fired wide as the frustration began to grow for the Bangkok Angels.
A partial block by Aly Cissokho saw him help deny Vander Luiz, whose effort came back off the foot of the post, which I found most amusing as the teams trotted down the tunnel all square a little while later.
Soon after the restart, Chayawat was held up in the box, so he laid the ball back to Thitiphan Puangchan, who saw his shot come back off the post with the keeper well beaten. Was it going to be one of those nights?
The pressure continued unabated, and finally, the Lamphun rearguard was breached when Vander Luiz played the ball square to Henerty, whose low left-foot shot from outside the area went into the corner past the outstretched hands of Nont.
Amazingly, the Warriors came close to an equaliser when a cross from Anan saw a header from Mohammed Osman come back off the crossbar. At the other end, Zander Luiz cut inside to shoot, but his effort hit a desperate defender and went over the bar.
The lead was extended on seventy-three minutes when the excellent Mahmoud Eid crossed to find substitute Ratchanat Arunyapairot, whose scruffy finish did the job, but they all count as any scorer will tell you.
Somehow, Eid was denied when his header from a corner hit Zander Luiz on the line after a fingertip save by Nont before going behind off the head of the sprawling goalie. The away team never gave up a losing cause and again came close to a goal.
Home keeper Michael Falkesgaard made a real pig’s ear coming out of his box and was dispossessed by Chenrop. Unfortunately for the loanee from BG Pathum United, he didn’t get enough on his shot, and it was easily stopped by defender Putthinan Wannasri.
Then they brought on a sub, apparently on big money. I thought Ognjen Mudrinski must have enjoyed the nightlife of Chiang Mai since his arrival. Going through the motions is being kind.
Meanwhile, Muangngam kept out a couple of later efforts. He could be proud of his night's work. At full time, we departed from behind the away fans curve and were soon in a taxi back to Yaek Kor Por Aor for the BTS Skytrain to make our own way home.
It had been a delight to share some good times at three games with my visitors. Hopefully, it helped them in the same way they did for me when I visited Germany a couple of years earlier.
Bangkok United 2 Port FC 2
United started by far the brighter of the sides, dominant in its early stages after a header from Barros Tardeli for Port was tipped over by Thai international goalie Patiwat Khammai. A brilliant flowing home attack was thwarted by a clearance from a Port defender from under his own bar. It was no surprise when Bangkok went ahead after seventeen minutes.
A pinpoint cross from Bassel Jradi found the excellent Mahmoud Eid at the back post. His unmarked header went back across the goal and into the far corner past keeper Somporn Yos. I was doing my update reports for my mate Dale to collate in the UK for our weekly podcast. I was predicting that the hosts could win handsomely, but never presume in football.
Out of nowhere, Port found their feet and began to play superbly. Suphanan Bureerat, who I thought had an outstanding game, went close with a curling effort from outside the box. Then, a delicious cross bent in towards goal from Tanisith Siripala picked out Felipe Amorin, who rose to head home at the far post on thirty-four minutes.
A couple of minutes later, Felipe made it 2-1 to Port. The Bangkok defence went missing, not for the first time down their right. Tardeli made the most of the space, setting up his fellow effort, who put the ball away into the corner with aplomb. The home support was stunned while the away mob from Khlong Toei, which numbered around three hundred, celebrated.
Thossawat Limwanasathian went perilously close with a long-range free kick for United in the last meaningful action of the half. At the interval, I caught up with Matt, a home fan and fellow contributor to the podcast and a young fella from Newcastle who was travelling with friends and trying to fit in some matches.
The club made another move; this time back to near where they were formed as they took up residency at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit in time for the 2016 season, as they wanted to use a facility that could be used by any potential Champions League appearances with a quality playing surface.
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| The beautiful, but far too large, Thammasat Stadium |
Close to Honours
The Montenegrin frontman Bošković would finish as the leading scorer for the next three seasons, with Bangkok finishing as league runners-up in 2016. A third-place league finish ensued a year later as United reached the FA Cup Final. The match at Supachalasai Stadium ended in a 4-2 defeat to Chiang Rai United, as Pokklaw Anan and Jaycee John netted.
Another second-place league finish was accrued before Nelson Bonilla scored regularly the following season. Pölking departed in October 2020, with his successor being Totchtawan Sripan. Leading midfielder Heberty led the goals tally in 2021-22, with the Angels finishing third in the table.
More League Runners-Ups
Australian Aurelio Vidmar arrived as the new head coach in March 2022 before being replaced by the returning Totchtawan, who led the side to second place in the league. Willen Mota top-scored as the side was beaten by Buriram United in the FA Cup final.
Another runners-up spot followed in the league, with Mota and Mahmoud Eid scoring regularly. The Bangkok Angels lifted the FA Cup following a 2-1 win against Kanchanaburi at Ratchaburi with the assistance of some controversial VAR calls. It was second place in the league once again in 2024-25.
Another runners-up spot followed in the league, with Mota and Mahmoud Eid scoring regularly. The Bangkok Angels lifted the FA Cup following a 2-1 win against Kanchanaburi at Ratchaburi with the assistance of some controversial VAR calls. It was second place in the league once again in 2024-25.
Move to Pathum Thani
However, the big news came when it was announced that the club would be moving in as BG Pathum United's tenants at BG Stadium, heralding a new era and lots of rumours about a future merger between the two clubs.
My visits
At Thai-Japanese Stadium
October 2008
At Thai-Japanese Stadium
October 2008
I was in Bangkok on a break and staying with my good friends Steve and Ea. While Steve was working, I found myself with time on my hands, so I went out discovering the clubs and stadiums of Bangkok. After a couple of grounds one beautiful morning, I took a taxi to the Thai-Japanese Stadium, which didn't have a nearby Skytrain or Metro station.
The stadium was built for the youth of Bangkok to use by the Japanese as a thank-you for something or other. It housed every imaginable sport on the complex, including the Bangkok Football Academy, which, judging by the number of banners, received a large funding from Everton FC.
It played host to Port Authority of Thailand FC before their move back across the city to their renovated home. 'The Bangkok Angels' moved into this in the city, which has a capacity of 10,320, after their name change. It is one of the more substantial stadiums in Bangkok.
On one side is a barely covered stand fitted with red seats. 'BMA' (Bangkok Metropolitan Association) is picked out in white seats as the BMA own the stadium. The rest of the stadium is a continuous ring with seats fitted throughout (unusual in Thailand).
The word 'BANGKOK' had been picked out with white seats in the stand opposite the main stand. This stand also has an insignificant cover. Unusually for a Thai stadium, there is a perimeter fence on three sides separating the stands from the pitch.
The facilities were absolutely impeccable. It is another stadium with a track, but with a narrow tier of seats all the way round and a magnificent main stand with glazed boxes and facilities at the rear.
Bangkok United 2 Chanthaburi 1
The stadium was built for the youth of Bangkok to use by the Japanese as a thank-you for something or other. It housed every imaginable sport on the complex, including the Bangkok Football Academy, which, judging by the number of banners, received a large funding from Everton FC.
It played host to Port Authority of Thailand FC before their move back across the city to their renovated home. 'The Bangkok Angels' moved into this in the city, which has a capacity of 10,320, after their name change. It is one of the more substantial stadiums in Bangkok.
On one side is a barely covered stand fitted with red seats. 'BMA' (Bangkok Metropolitan Association) is picked out in white seats as the BMA own the stadium. The rest of the stadium is a continuous ring with seats fitted throughout (unusual in Thailand).
The facilities were absolutely impeccable. It is another stadium with a track, but with a narrow tier of seats all the way round and a magnificent main stand with glazed boxes and facilities at the rear.
Bangkok United 2 Chanthaburi 1
Thailand Division One - Sunday 8th April 2012
👨👨👧👧 1,021 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
After checking into my rather basic accommodation near Suvarnabhumi Airport, I had been to the first half of Thai Honda v Samut Sakon before crawling across the city by taxi in the hope of seeing some of R-BEC v Customs United.
I'd sort of achieved my aims, so I commandeered a taxi to take me to Din Daeng and the Thai-Japanese Stadium by toll road so that I could see as much of United's clash as possible, which had kicked off at 6pm.
I arrived at the complex gates to be confronted by an amazing sight. At least a thousand people were being led by a dancer on the stage at the front of the courtyard and accompanied in loud music in a huge public aerobic session. I have to say It was magnificent seeing people of all ages determined to get fit.
The score was 2-0 at the time to 'The Bangkok Angels' after around thirty-five minutes of play. I took up a seat and within a few minutes, 'The Hares' got one back with a superb shot from the edge of the area, much to the joy of the fifty or so travelling fans on the far side of the ground as well as several Chanthaburi supporters in our stand.
It ended soon after, and I congratulated the not-so-young leader on his efforts, which he seemed to appreciate. I was suffering from dehydration, so I was relieved that the catering stand sold Gatorade. I got a bag of crisps to keep me going as I didn't want to spoil my evening meal.
I bought a couple more plastic bottles of refuel, and I was slightly shocked when I tried to get back into the stand. The guards insisted on pouring both drinks into plastic glasses. They obviously hadn't seen how poor my throwing arm was!
I enjoyed the whole experience of the second half, even though it was goalless. I loved watching football in warm conditions and seeing how animated the locals got. I saw a Western family sitting watching lower down in the stand. I surmised that the pretty young lady was perhaps a WAG to one of the imported players.
With only a couple of minutes remaining, some of the floodlights went out. The referee stopped the game. That was my signal to make a run for it. I knew only too well how huge the storms could be in Thailand.
I hailed a taxi very quickly and soon wished I hadn't. I had to meet Steve and Fah for a traditional mookata Thai barbecue at a place on Nawamin Road that I'd been to before. I told the driver this and then rang up Fah so she could explain in Thai.
My driver, who worryingly took a swig of extra-strength Lipo, which is used to stay awake, then took me via every toll road he could seemingly find. He drove like a lunatic in the torrential rain.
I used the phrase 'jai yen yen', meaning calm down, jokingly to begin with and then in a sterner tone with an expletive chucked in the middle as I thought about covering my eyes.
He asked me to ring Fah once again, and I spoke to Steve. I realised where we were as I could now see out of the window, as the rain abated. He had taken me on the route I wished the driver had taken to get me to the RBAC Stadium earlier that afternoon.
We were near the airport and heading to Fashion Island Shopping Mall, a route I'd often used to get to Steve's house. We joined up with Ram Intra and went back towards Bangkok on it to turn off where I wanted to be. Throughout the afternoon, I had now completed a circular tour of the city, when half of it wasn't required!
I said my goodbyes and headed back to my basic hotel, wishing I was around for the next weekend's round of games in a league set-up that's hard to fathom but wonderful at the same time.
At Thammasat Stadium
Bangkok United 2 Lamphun Warriors 0
Thai League 1 - Sunday 6th November 2022
👨👨👧👧 1,307 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
A chance to finally tick off United in a home game as it was conveniently kicking off after I had headed to Kanjanapat v Saraburi United in the third tier with visiting German friends Thorsten and Maren.
I had been to Thammasat Stadium at the end of the previous season for the League Cup semi-final tie between PT Prachuap and Chonburi. I visited United's former home, at Thai-Japanese Stadium for my third Covid vaccination soon after arriving in Thailand in December 2021.
We managed to hail a cab after coming out of the Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University and crossing the busy Pahonyothin Road. Our driver was a real character, chatting away, which was too much for my limited local tongue, but laughing as we went.
After a U-turn, causing a bit of panic, we jumped out of the cab on Khlong Luang Road. We crossed by footbridge and then walked through an extension car park to the area selling an extensive range of football snacks, but no beer.
Plenty of souvenirs were also for sale, and music was played. The club did their best to make it homely, but Thammasat and its surroundings were simply too big for them. The tickets for the home stand were reasonably priced.
Home fans at the front, predominantly teenage, did their best to drum up an atmosphere as we settled into our seats high in the stand. It almost felt like being at the cinema with lots of legroom, food, and a panoramic view.
I had decided before we arrived that I wanted the visitors to win, as I had been less than impressed with some of the celebrations of the United players away to Port a few weeks earlier, even if I acknowledged that they were a good side.
We were about to see something akin to a one-sided cup tie as Lamphun were going to have their hands full. However, they had the earliest opportunity when Anan Yodsangwal and Chenrop Samphaodi combined well, with Yodsangwal having his effort blocked by defender Peerapat Notchaiya.
United responded with a fine move which saw the ball pulled back to Thitiphan Puangchan, whose volley lacked punch and was easily gathered by keeper Nont Muangngam, who was to become a prominent feature throughout the evening.
United tried to play patiently and drag the Warriors' defence out of position, and it nearly paid off when a fine through ball from skipper Everton fed in Vander Luiz, whose shot was saved by the advancing Nont. The Brazilian had raised my ire in the clash at the PAT, so I was happy he was thwarted.
My two friends had seen Lamphun take a 5-0 beating at their temporary Chiang Mai base to Muangthong United a week earlier and had not been impressed. I enjoyed their work ethic and fancied them to score, probably more out of optimistic blind faith.
The resulting corner swung in by Heberty saw Suphan Thongsong denied with a header by the flying visiting custodian. Chayawat Srinawong then dragged back for Heberty, who fired wide as the frustration began to grow for the Bangkok Angels.
A partial block by Aly Cissokho saw him help deny Vander Luiz, whose effort came back off the foot of the post, which I found most amusing as the teams trotted down the tunnel all square a little while later.
Soon after the restart, Chayawat was held up in the box, so he laid the ball back to Thitiphan Puangchan, who saw his shot come back off the post with the keeper well beaten. Was it going to be one of those nights?
The pressure continued unabated, and finally, the Lamphun rearguard was breached when Vander Luiz played the ball square to Henerty, whose low left-foot shot from outside the area went into the corner past the outstretched hands of Nont.
Amazingly, the Warriors came close to an equaliser when a cross from Anan saw a header from Mohammed Osman come back off the crossbar. At the other end, Zander Luiz cut inside to shoot, but his effort hit a desperate defender and went over the bar.
The lead was extended on seventy-three minutes when the excellent Mahmoud Eid crossed to find substitute Ratchanat Arunyapairot, whose scruffy finish did the job, but they all count as any scorer will tell you.
Somehow, Eid was denied when his header from a corner hit Zander Luiz on the line after a fingertip save by Nont before going behind off the head of the sprawling goalie. The away team never gave up a losing cause and again came close to a goal.
Home keeper Michael Falkesgaard made a real pig’s ear coming out of his box and was dispossessed by Chenrop. Unfortunately for the loanee from BG Pathum United, he didn’t get enough on his shot, and it was easily stopped by defender Putthinan Wannasri.
Then they brought on a sub, apparently on big money. I thought Ognjen Mudrinski must have enjoyed the nightlife of Chiang Mai since his arrival. Going through the motions is being kind.
Meanwhile, Muangngam kept out a couple of later efforts. He could be proud of his night's work. At full time, we departed from behind the away fans curve and were soon in a taxi back to Yaek Kor Por Aor for the BTS Skytrain to make our own way home.
It had been a delight to share some good times at three games with my visitors. Hopefully, it helped them in the same way they did for me when I visited Germany a couple of years earlier.
Bangkok United 2 Port FC 2
Thai League 1 - Sunday 7th April 2024
👨👨👧👧 3,876 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
It was the first football I'd attended for a couple of weeks after my participation as part of the committee of the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. We had a ball in the north with a successful event, even in temperatures sometimes tipping over forty degrees. It was no shock to feel similar heat when heading out to this match north of the capital.
It was the first football I'd attended for a couple of weeks after my participation as part of the committee of the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. We had a ball in the north with a successful event, even in temperatures sometimes tipping over forty degrees. It was no shock to feel similar heat when heading out to this match north of the capital.
Leaving our condo, a minivan took me to Minburi Market Station. From there, I took the monorail to Lak Si. The direct bus to Thammasat was old but thankfully air-conditioned. It got caught in heavy traffic not far from its destination, where I had a ten-minute walk. The journey took nearly three hours.
Refreshments were purchased outside on the vast forecourt and taken in. There was a good range available, but only one stall selling soft drinks. Mad in the conditions. Fortunately, a sponsor marquee sold energy drinks.
While I cheer for Port, I was not going to pay double the ticket price to stand behind the curve on an open area when I could gain a magnificent, covered view looking down on the pitch near the hallway line. I’d reached an age where I could control my emotions and just enjoy the match.
I was rewarded with a cracking match between the hosts, who were in second spot before the start and their third-placed visitors. Just how the players maintained their energy levels was something to behold in the searing heat. The game became naturally stretched and slower towards its conclusion.
I was rewarded with a cracking match between the hosts, who were in second spot before the start and their third-placed visitors. Just how the players maintained their energy levels was something to behold in the searing heat. The game became naturally stretched and slower towards its conclusion.
United started by far the brighter of the sides, dominant in its early stages after a header from Barros Tardeli for Port was tipped over by Thai international goalie Patiwat Khammai. A brilliant flowing home attack was thwarted by a clearance from a Port defender from under his own bar. It was no surprise when Bangkok went ahead after seventeen minutes.
A pinpoint cross from Bassel Jradi found the excellent Mahmoud Eid at the back post. His unmarked header went back across the goal and into the far corner past keeper Somporn Yos. I was doing my update reports for my mate Dale to collate in the UK for our weekly podcast. I was predicting that the hosts could win handsomely, but never presume in football.
 |
| Friendship Through Football |
Out of nowhere, Port found their feet and began to play superbly. Suphanan Bureerat, who I thought had an outstanding game, went close with a curling effort from outside the box. Then, a delicious cross bent in towards goal from Tanisith Siripala picked out Felipe Amorin, who rose to head home at the far post on thirty-four minutes.
A couple of minutes later, Felipe made it 2-1 to Port. The Bangkok defence went missing, not for the first time down their right. Tardeli made the most of the space, setting up his fellow effort, who put the ball away into the corner with aplomb. The home support was stunned while the away mob from Khlong Toei, which numbered around three hundred, celebrated.
Thossawat Limwanasathian went perilously close with a long-range free kick for United in the last meaningful action of the half. At the interval, I caught up with Matt, a home fan and fellow contributor to the podcast and a young fella from Newcastle who was travelling with friends and trying to fit in some matches.
He said he was most impressed with the match and the whole round experience. Port nearly extended their lead when Felipe was denied his hat-trick by the outstretched foot of Patiwat. There were a couple more opportunities to clinch the match before the home side took control and exerted pressure.
The equaliser came just past the hour mark. Somporn produced a remarkable save to keep out a volley from Willen Mota, but Jradi was on hand to head home the rebound. The pressure on the away team's goal continued.
Somporn made a great stop from an effort from sub, Vander Luis, with the same two involved again a little later. Somehow, a flick on and a near-post header were not converted by the melee of home players as Port held out. Their defence had given their all, including Englishman Charlie Clough. I thought a draw was about right.
The old wooden-floored vehicle required the windows to be wound down and belched out more filth than Bernard Manning. I arrived home at Hathai Rat at 10.30pm after another top day out.
At BG Stadium
Bangkok United 1 Selangor FC 1
Somporn made a great stop from an effort from sub, Vander Luis, with the same two involved again a little later. Somehow, a flick on and a near-post header were not converted by the melee of home players as Port held out. Their defence had given their all, including Englishman Charlie Clough. I thought a draw was about right.
My Roving Report Video for A Thai Football Podcast
Post-match, I headed to the stop where I had previously caught a bus back towards the city after a Thailand game, only to see it turn left instead of right, leaving me stranded. Another was not far behind, so I headed to the main road to catch it, which was just as well, as it went straight on.
At BG Stadium
Bangkok United 1 Selangor FC 1
AFC Champions League 2 Group G - Wednesday 26th November 2025
👨👨👧👧 1,091 🎟️ 160 THB (£3.60)
A game that was a dead rubber barring dramatic results in the remaining group games. Lots of pretty football without inventive penetration. BG Stadium proved once again to be a stunning venue, sadly devoid of any real atmosphere, with the home fans not taking to their new location, after moving in as tenants to BG Pathum United a few months earlier.
Bangkok United deservedly went ahead after being the better side throughout the first half, as Muhsen Al-Ghassani and Seia Kunori featured strongly. It took them until the fifty-first minute to breach the defence of the Malaysians, who were well marshalled by Mamadou Diarra, when Rungrath Poomchantuek finished well from a narrow angle.
Selangor, with former Port FC defender and Thai national side star, Kevin Deeromram, in their line-up up gradually began to press, while still looking unlikely to score. However, they proved me wrong, as their persistence paid off with the final kick of the four minutes of additional time when Chrigor fired home from a low cross.
I took my Scarborough mates, Fred and Andy, who loved the stadium but agreed it's not a patch on Port's PAT Stadium for soul or matchday experience. It was my first time in the new East Stand, making it a four-sided venue for the first time. I had thought it was sensible for Bangkok United to move in as tenants.
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However, things didn't seem to quite work out as expected. Thammasat Stadium was undoubtedly too big and arguably far more difficult to reach from the city. But Thammasat University students living near the stadium had become fans of the club. They had not followed the team to Thanyaburi.
The match and all that went with it felt like an event rehearsal with lots of staff doing nothing. Simple things like allowing access to the East Stand from the South Stand, which was fenced off, would have made things far easier. Instead, it necessitated a long walk around the perimeter.
Those staff on duty, all far younger than me, were very pleasant and most helpful when I forgot to screenshot my pre-purchased tickets onto my phone so that they could be easily scanned at the gate, with the stadium being cashless.
However, it’s not easy to get a connection, which isn't ideal for a cashless stadium. The new toilets were spotlessly clean, and the token system for refreshments was smoothly run. It allowed us to take beers to our seats in plain paper cups. Maybe the often-rumoured merger between Bangkok United and BG Pathum United might work?
I met my mates on the BTS sky train, which we took to the terminus at Khu Khot. From there I ordered us a Grab taxi, which took twenty minutes to The Woodstock, a very smart establishment for food and drinks, cutting out the brutal teatime traffic around the Rangsit intersection.
The bar/restaurant was a five-minute cab ride away from the stadium, with plenty of other options for the more adventurous over that side of the khlong. Post-match, it took another long walk to leave the stadium complex. Outside, an easy 105 THB cab ride had us on the BTS in twenty minutes so we could head back towards the city.
A game that was a dead rubber barring dramatic results in the remaining group games. Lots of pretty football without inventive penetration. BG Stadium proved once again to be a stunning venue, sadly devoid of any real atmosphere, with the home fans not taking to their new location, after moving in as tenants to BG Pathum United a few months earlier.
Bangkok United deservedly went ahead after being the better side throughout the first half, as Muhsen Al-Ghassani and Seia Kunori featured strongly. It took them until the fifty-first minute to breach the defence of the Malaysians, who were well marshalled by Mamadou Diarra, when Rungrath Poomchantuek finished well from a narrow angle.
Selangor, with former Port FC defender and Thai national side star, Kevin Deeromram, in their line-up up gradually began to press, while still looking unlikely to score. However, they proved me wrong, as their persistence paid off with the final kick of the four minutes of additional time when Chrigor fired home from a low cross.
I took my Scarborough mates, Fred and Andy, who loved the stadium but agreed it's not a patch on Port's PAT Stadium for soul or matchday experience. It was my first time in the new East Stand, making it a four-sided venue for the first time. I had thought it was sensible for Bangkok United to move in as tenants.
.png)
However, things didn't seem to quite work out as expected. Thammasat Stadium was undoubtedly too big and arguably far more difficult to reach from the city. But Thammasat University students living near the stadium had become fans of the club. They had not followed the team to Thanyaburi.
The match and all that went with it felt like an event rehearsal with lots of staff doing nothing. Simple things like allowing access to the East Stand from the South Stand, which was fenced off, would have made things far easier. Instead, it necessitated a long walk around the perimeter.
Those staff on duty, all far younger than me, were very pleasant and most helpful when I forgot to screenshot my pre-purchased tickets onto my phone so that they could be easily scanned at the gate, with the stadium being cashless.
However, it’s not easy to get a connection, which isn't ideal for a cashless stadium. The new toilets were spotlessly clean, and the token system for refreshments was smoothly run. It allowed us to take beers to our seats in plain paper cups. Maybe the often-rumoured merger between Bangkok United and BG Pathum United might work?
I met my mates on the BTS sky train, which we took to the terminus at Khu Khot. From there I ordered us a Grab taxi, which took twenty minutes to The Woodstock, a very smart establishment for food and drinks, cutting out the brutal teatime traffic around the Rangsit intersection.
The bar/restaurant was a five-minute cab ride away from the stadium, with plenty of other options for the more adventurous over that side of the khlong. Post-match, it took another long walk to leave the stadium complex. Outside, an easy 105 THB cab ride had us on the BTS in twenty minutes so we could head back towards the city.
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