Chachoengsao FC
Ground: Fighting Fish Stadium (Chachoengsao Town Municipality Stadium)
Capacity: 6,000
Club Founded: 1997
League: National League North (current level)
Founded in the heart of eastern Thailand, Chachoengsao FC represents a province better known for its culture and history than its footballing success. Despite the challenges of lower-league football, the club continues to play an important role in the local sporting community.
Chachoensao Hi-Tek FC, as they are sometimes titled, acknowledges their main sponsor. The club, originally called Look Luang Phor Sothon FC, competed in the Yamaha Thailand Cup, from where they won promotion to the second-tier Regional Level, becoming Chachoengsao FC.
The club, as well as the town, is commonly referred to as ‘Padrew’, which refers to a traditional poor person's meal of fish sliced into eight pieces. In 2005, the team won promotion to the second-tier Division 1
Home matches were played at Subin Pimpayachan Stadium. The goals of Sirisak Romphothong and Cameroon striker Manoz Roger thrilled the crowds. The team's support had grown, leading to a move nearer to the town centre at Chachoengsao Town Municipality Stadium, which would later be renamed the Fighting Sish Stadium.
League restructuring led to the club being placed in the third-tier Regional League Division 2 Central & Eastern Region for 2009. The club returned to their former home as Edu Kwaku led the scoring chart. Jo Mingsamorn, Akarawin Sawasdee, and Jeerachai Ladadok scored regularly over the next few seasons.
In 2013, the club returned to the city. League positions improved for the next couple of years. Chachoengsao twice finished as league runners-up, with Sarawut Chrenchai the top scorer. On both occasions, the playoffs proved a step too far regarding dreams of promotion.
The Fighting Fish became members of the Thai League 3 Upper Region, following further league reorganising. A sponsorship deal led to Chachoengsao Hi-Tek being adopted as the club name in 2018, as the Town Municipality Stadium was retitled Fighting Fish Stadium. The club led the attendance table despite the team finishing low down the table.
In 2013, the club returned to the city. League positions improved for the next couple of years. Chachoengsao twice finished as league runners-up, with Sarawut Chrenchai the top scorer. On both occasions, the playoffs proved a step too far regarding dreams of promotion.
The Fighting Fish became members of the Thai League 3 Upper Region, following further league reorganising. A sponsorship deal led to Chachoengsao Hi-Tek being adopted as the club name in 2018, as the Town Municipality Stadium was retitled Fighting Fish Stadium. The club led the attendance table despite the team finishing low down the table.
The foreign signings continued under the direction of head coach Thanetr Bunlap. In Thai League 3 East, Sarawut Choenchai and Lucas Massaro's goals fired the side to the playoffs, with goalkeeper Pitsanu Permsab making an invaluable contribution.
The form continued the following season, as Caio added goals alongside Sarawut. Again, the playoffs ended in disappointment. Kasipat Boonyakornchindet was appointed coach as Caio continued supplying the goals before Jacques Nyamsi took over.
Poobet Chophakakorn arrived as head coach, as Supasan Arjrod top-scored. Nattapon Worotayanun replaced him before being succeeded by Aphirak Sriarun.
Poobet Chophakakorn arrived as head coach, as Supasan Arjrod top-scored. Nattapon Worotayanun replaced him before being succeeded by Aphirak Sriarun.
My visits
Stadium Visit - Wednesday 27th November 2019
My visit to Thailand was nearing its end following a highly successful and enjoyable Beer Battered Seadogs tour to the Siam International Cricket Sevens in Chiang Mai. I was determined to make the most of my remaining time.
A visit to Chachoengsao had been on my radar for a while, and I had a free day to explore. Taking a cab from Steve and Fah’s house in Minburi, I travelled down to Lad Krabang railway station.
There was a while to wait before the service east, so I grabbed a coffee upstairs in the shade of the Airlink station and then some chicken at one of the stands downstairs by the tracks. My single fare set me back 7THB, less than 20p!
As ever, I found the train journey interesting, taking in the scenery and small towns whenever we stopped, while watching the behaviour of other passengers. The train was fairly busy, but I got a seat. It seemed as though most were alighting at the same time as I did.
It was encouraging to see tuk-tuks and songthaews outside the station. This was useful to know for future trips and to get an impression of how the town worked. I’d already made plans and worked out directions for a twenty-minute walk.
I set off down the dual carriageway of Maha Chakkraphat Road before doing a right opposite the large Shell garage sign into Suan Somdet for a five-minute stroll down to a beautiful area.
It looked like some kind of moat around Sala Thai, a temple-like building, as well as administration structures. On the right was the entrance to Fighting Fish Stadium. Thankfully, the gates were open, and access was easy.
The arena had two new-looking stands with the sort of seating often seen around the greens at golf courses staging major events. They were a sort of semi-permanent. The stand at the far end was right behind the goal. It was good to see a venue without a running track.
The main side with changing facilities and VIP seating was set back behind a road, a fair way from the pitch. The end by the entrance had no spectator accommodation, but I had the impression that it could also get a stand, especially if crowds continued to attend.
The location of the stadium was even better as seen when walking past to the far end, with the stunning Princess Mother Garden a magnificent setting containing a large lake and beautifully manicured lawns.
My imagination ran away with me for a few minutes as I sat and took in the scene, picturing heading to a Padrew home game and enjoying a sit by the water with a couple of beers and a picnic. Maybe one day!
There was still plenty more for me to explore. A 60 THB tuk-tuk ride took me to the magnificent Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan. Many temples around Thailand are similar in appearance, but this huge place of worship took my breath away.
After a look around, saying my prayers and taking photos, I commandeered another three-wheeler to a place I’d read about online for lunch. Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew was magnificent. A large bottle of Leo and a good portion of chicken fried rice did the business for 140 THB (£3.50).
Wandering around the centre of the town, I came across thriving markets and plenty of shopping opportunities. I hardly saw another Westerner, and all the locals seemed friendly. Many exchanged smiles. It was my kind of day out.
Steve had mentioned that minivans ran a service to Minburi, so I took a tuk-tuk to the bus station after I’d bought a decent set of earphones in one of the electrical shops. My pal was correct. The fare back was 60 THB.
The driver escorted me to the front seat. I got in while talking away to myself, only to look around and see the vehicle nearly full of Thais. I was in really good form and just laughed before listening to some of my favourite tracks.
The journey back was interesting as our driver seemed oblivious to the roadworks on Thanon Suwinthawong. He weaved in and out of areas that seemed out of bounds. He undoubtedly saved us lots of time, but blimey! I was dropped off on Sihaburanukit Road, the main street of Minburi, where the Skytrain construction was changing the landscape.
I had a walk before returning to my hosts. A magnificent day was rounded off with finger food at Sudtong Club, and then mango and sticky rice washed down with beers at Toys Bar in the Soi Hathairat Night Market; my new favourite local hang-out. If only every day could be as good as this!
Chachoengsao 3 Marines Eureka 0
Stadium Visit - Wednesday 27th November 2019
My visit to Thailand was nearing its end following a highly successful and enjoyable Beer Battered Seadogs tour to the Siam International Cricket Sevens in Chiang Mai. I was determined to make the most of my remaining time.
A visit to Chachoengsao had been on my radar for a while, and I had a free day to explore. Taking a cab from Steve and Fah’s house in Minburi, I travelled down to Lad Krabang railway station.
There was a while to wait before the service east, so I grabbed a coffee upstairs in the shade of the Airlink station and then some chicken at one of the stands downstairs by the tracks. My single fare set me back 7THB, less than 20p!
As ever, I found the train journey interesting, taking in the scenery and small towns whenever we stopped, while watching the behaviour of other passengers. The train was fairly busy, but I got a seat. It seemed as though most were alighting at the same time as I did.
It was encouraging to see tuk-tuks and songthaews outside the station. This was useful to know for future trips and to get an impression of how the town worked. I’d already made plans and worked out directions for a twenty-minute walk.
I set off down the dual carriageway of Maha Chakkraphat Road before doing a right opposite the large Shell garage sign into Suan Somdet for a five-minute stroll down to a beautiful area.
It looked like some kind of moat around Sala Thai, a temple-like building, as well as administration structures. On the right was the entrance to Fighting Fish Stadium. Thankfully, the gates were open, and access was easy.
The arena had two new-looking stands with the sort of seating often seen around the greens at golf courses staging major events. They were a sort of semi-permanent. The stand at the far end was right behind the goal. It was good to see a venue without a running track.
The main side with changing facilities and VIP seating was set back behind a road, a fair way from the pitch. The end by the entrance had no spectator accommodation, but I had the impression that it could also get a stand, especially if crowds continued to attend.
The location of the stadium was even better as seen when walking past to the far end, with the stunning Princess Mother Garden a magnificent setting containing a large lake and beautifully manicured lawns.
My imagination ran away with me for a few minutes as I sat and took in the scene, picturing heading to a Padrew home game and enjoying a sit by the water with a couple of beers and a picnic. Maybe one day!
There was still plenty more for me to explore. A 60 THB tuk-tuk ride took me to the magnificent Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan. Many temples around Thailand are similar in appearance, but this huge place of worship took my breath away.
After a look around, saying my prayers and taking photos, I commandeered another three-wheeler to a place I’d read about online for lunch. Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew was magnificent. A large bottle of Leo and a good portion of chicken fried rice did the business for 140 THB (£3.50).
Wandering around the centre of the town, I came across thriving markets and plenty of shopping opportunities. I hardly saw another Westerner, and all the locals seemed friendly. Many exchanged smiles. It was my kind of day out.
Steve had mentioned that minivans ran a service to Minburi, so I took a tuk-tuk to the bus station after I’d bought a decent set of earphones in one of the electrical shops. My pal was correct. The fare back was 60 THB.
The driver escorted me to the front seat. I got in while talking away to myself, only to look around and see the vehicle nearly full of Thais. I was in really good form and just laughed before listening to some of my favourite tracks.
The journey back was interesting as our driver seemed oblivious to the roadworks on Thanon Suwinthawong. He weaved in and out of areas that seemed out of bounds. He undoubtedly saved us lots of time, but blimey! I was dropped off on Sihaburanukit Road, the main street of Minburi, where the Skytrain construction was changing the landscape.
I had a walk before returning to my hosts. A magnificent day was rounded off with finger food at Sudtong Club, and then mango and sticky rice washed down with beers at Toys Bar in the Soi Hathairat Night Market; my new favourite local hang-out. If only every day could be as good as this!
Chachoengsao 3 Marines Eureka 0
Thai League 3 East - Saturday 18th December 2021
👨👨👧👧 180 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
I had moved over to Thailand on what I hoped would be a permanent basis. After settling into my new abode in Minburi and getting to know the place, it was time for my first away-day football adventure. I chose Chachoengsao.
Once again, I decided to take the train from Lat Krabang as I listened to England capitulate once again in the Ashes on the radio. Oh, for the wonders of modern technology. My total travel cost from home was 16 THB (35p) by local songthaew and train.
Again, I plumped for Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew for lunch overlooking the river Bang Pakong. Here, I received a heads-up for later. Alcohol was seemingly still banned through C19 restrictions, at least in some places. Not to worry. I enjoyed the meal and soft drink.
To walk off my meal, I headed along the river in a sleepy but attractive town. It was certainly scenic, with some wonderful buildings, gardens, and history. The long stretch eventually took me near the huge Sothon Wararam Worawihan Temple.
My accommodation for the night was the Tree House down Soi 20 off New Sri Sothon Road, a main thoroughfare. It cost me about £15 for the night. A siesta was taken before I headed off towards the 6pm kick-off.
The main reason why I chose the room was its location. I did get slightly lost on the way to the stadium, but more importantly, I located the possibility of beer later. My research had proved correct. When things eventually became ‘normal’ again, this would be the area to head.
I could hear the King's Anthem over the speakers as I passed the stunning park, where many locals were exercising. Plumping for a place down the near side, I paid what I thought was a most reasonable price for my ticket.
The hosts put on a decent display for me and the raucous locals around my age who seemed intrigued by my appearance. I mean, what was a farang doing watching their team if not a teacher who lives in the town?
Padriew took the lead after fourteen minutes through the talented Brazilian top scorer Ciao. The player I enjoyed most came on after thirty-three minutes. Midfielder Phakawat Seekhieo had plenty of flair and invention.
Just before half-time, I saw a man with a beer. At the interval, I had to investigate. Sure enough, outside was a vendor pouring large bottles of Chang into plastic cups covered in a little bag. I grabbed one and sat near the locals, who became chattier as the beer was put away.
They were there for fun. Despite the language barrier, there were lots of smiles with the usual football expressions speaking louder than words. Obviously, the home side's performance was helping their good spirits.
As it was, both keepers, Pitsanu Promsab for Chachoengsao and Nutthawut Yaempracha for Eureka, made some excellent saves to keep the scoreline the same. Indeed, the home stopper made a brilliant stop to deny the visitors from Sattahip an equaliser.
The Fighting Fish finally doubled their lead with nine minutes remaining when Patiwat Sanjnlerd’s glancing header from a corner found the far bottom corner of the net. This led to some of the Marine players losing their heads.
Substitute Sorravit Saisom received a straight red for a ridiculous challenge with five minutes to go. Nuttawat Onin followed him down the tunnel not long after when he picked up a second yellow card.
Of course, this freed up space. However, it was irrelevant as Wutthinan Thaweerathitsakul rounded off the win with a superb long-distance effort that caught goalie Nutthawut off his line. 3-0 was perhaps a little harsh on the away side.
At full time, I headed back in the same direction as before and was delighted to find Chill Bar near Big C on the main road was serving alcohol in disguised plastic glasses, and that a live band was due on. I grabbed a good seat near the front.
I stayed put for a few. The band seemed shocked to see a Westerner at their gig. I know I was being mentioned between songs, but I kept smiling. I hadn’t a clue what they were saying, and more to the point, I couldn’t care less.
It was a top night in a town I’m quite taken to. The audience was still growing as I toddled off home for a good night's sleep. The following morning, I headed to the temple before taking a tuk-tuk to the station for my train to Bangkok and then more football action that afternoon at Nonthaburi United.
I had moved over to Thailand on what I hoped would be a permanent basis. After settling into my new abode in Minburi and getting to know the place, it was time for my first away-day football adventure. I chose Chachoengsao.
Once again, I decided to take the train from Lat Krabang as I listened to England capitulate once again in the Ashes on the radio. Oh, for the wonders of modern technology. My total travel cost from home was 16 THB (35p) by local songthaew and train.
Again, I plumped for Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew for lunch overlooking the river Bang Pakong. Here, I received a heads-up for later. Alcohol was seemingly still banned through C19 restrictions, at least in some places. Not to worry. I enjoyed the meal and soft drink.
To walk off my meal, I headed along the river in a sleepy but attractive town. It was certainly scenic, with some wonderful buildings, gardens, and history. The long stretch eventually took me near the huge Sothon Wararam Worawihan Temple.
My accommodation for the night was the Tree House down Soi 20 off New Sri Sothon Road, a main thoroughfare. It cost me about £15 for the night. A siesta was taken before I headed off towards the 6pm kick-off.
The main reason why I chose the room was its location. I did get slightly lost on the way to the stadium, but more importantly, I located the possibility of beer later. My research had proved correct. When things eventually became ‘normal’ again, this would be the area to head.
I could hear the King's Anthem over the speakers as I passed the stunning park, where many locals were exercising. Plumping for a place down the near side, I paid what I thought was a most reasonable price for my ticket.
The hosts put on a decent display for me and the raucous locals around my age who seemed intrigued by my appearance. I mean, what was a farang doing watching their team if not a teacher who lives in the town?
Padriew took the lead after fourteen minutes through the talented Brazilian top scorer Ciao. The player I enjoyed most came on after thirty-three minutes. Midfielder Phakawat Seekhieo had plenty of flair and invention.
Just before half-time, I saw a man with a beer. At the interval, I had to investigate. Sure enough, outside was a vendor pouring large bottles of Chang into plastic cups covered in a little bag. I grabbed one and sat near the locals, who became chattier as the beer was put away.
They were there for fun. Despite the language barrier, there were lots of smiles with the usual football expressions speaking louder than words. Obviously, the home side's performance was helping their good spirits.
As it was, both keepers, Pitsanu Promsab for Chachoengsao and Nutthawut Yaempracha for Eureka, made some excellent saves to keep the scoreline the same. Indeed, the home stopper made a brilliant stop to deny the visitors from Sattahip an equaliser.
The Fighting Fish finally doubled their lead with nine minutes remaining when Patiwat Sanjnlerd’s glancing header from a corner found the far bottom corner of the net. This led to some of the Marine players losing their heads.
Substitute Sorravit Saisom received a straight red for a ridiculous challenge with five minutes to go. Nuttawat Onin followed him down the tunnel not long after when he picked up a second yellow card.
Of course, this freed up space. However, it was irrelevant as Wutthinan Thaweerathitsakul rounded off the win with a superb long-distance effort that caught goalie Nutthawut off his line. 3-0 was perhaps a little harsh on the away side.
At full time, I headed back in the same direction as before and was delighted to find Chill Bar near Big C on the main road was serving alcohol in disguised plastic glasses, and that a live band was due on. I grabbed a good seat near the front.
I stayed put for a few. The band seemed shocked to see a Westerner at their gig. I know I was being mentioned between songs, but I kept smiling. I hadn’t a clue what they were saying, and more to the point, I couldn’t care less.
It was a top night in a town I’m quite taken to. The audience was still growing as I toddled off home for a good night's sleep. The following morning, I headed to the temple before taking a tuk-tuk to the station for my train to Bangkok and then more football action that afternoon at Nonthaburi United.
If you have enjoyed reading this article, you might wish to visit my YouTube Channel, where there are numerous homemade Thai football videos, as well as a wide range of content covering all aspects of life in the Land of Smiles, including the one above in which I visited Chachoengsao.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Many thanks for your comments. They are greatly appreciated.