Kanchanaburi Power FC
Ground: Kleeb Bua Stadium
Capacity: 13,000
Club Founded: 2017
League: Thai League 2 (current level)
One of Thailand's newer clubs, Kanchanaburi Power FC, quickly established itself as an ambitious force in the country's football pyramid. This post looks at the club's journey, its supporters, and my visit to their former home ground in western Thailand.
Brief Club History
Kanchanaburi Power was founded as Singha Golden Bells Muangkan and played home games at Kanchanaburi Municipality Stadium. In the Western Region of the Thailand Amateur League, they were promoted in 2019 despite losing to Kanjanapat in the regional final in Ayutthaya.
As Singha Golden Bells Kanchanaburi, in Thai League 3 West, Nattapong Kumnaet finished as top scorer, with Pannarai Pansiri overseeing team affairs after taking over from Nakorn Choosoon. Brazilian forward Lucas Massaro topped the scoring charts in 2021-22, after Kitnarong Haolert had replaced Pannarai.
Name and Stadium Change
Name and Stadium Change
Big changes followed for the 2022-23 season. The club changed to Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi. Pathumwan is a central Bangkok district. Coach Pannarai returned for a second spell at the helm before being replaced a few games in by Yai Ninwong.
Sergei Tumasyan's goals fired the side to the West region title. In the playoffs, an aggregate win over Pattaya Dolphins United sealed promotion. The club moved across the city to take up residency at Kleeb Bua Stadium, the former home of Muangkan United.
FA Cup Final Heartbreak
Brazilian head coach Douglas Rodrigues was appointed, before being replaced by Ranon Intharatul. The side went on an incredible run to the FA Cup final against Bangkok United at Ratchaburi. Ricardo Pires put his side ahead before United were awarded a penalty in controversial circumstances when VAR intervened.
They would eventually lift the cup after penalties. DP Kanchanaburi were left distraught and furious. They became Kanchanaburi Power. New coach Nattapong Todsanit was followed by Dusit Chalermsan. Kritsana Kasemkulvilai topped the scoring as the team reached Thai League 1 after playoff victories against Mahasarakham SBT and Phrae United.
Alongkorn Thong-Am took over in the dugout, while big-name signing Andros Townsend also arrived. Joaquín Gómez, Wasapol Kaewpaluk and then Lee Jung-soo had spells as Power head coach in a season that ended in relegation. Park Hang-seo was appointed to lead the side for the 2026-27 season.
My visit
At Kanchanaburi Municipality Stadium
Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi 2 Suphanburi 1
A fine one-two between the forward partners saw a Matsunaga cross find Nattapong free in the box. The goalie fumbled his scuffed volley. He grabbed it on the second attempt, before Sirichai Lamphuttha was given a chance.
Halfway through the first period, the visiting War Elephant halved the deficit when Nethithorn Kaewcharoen's low shot from twenty-five yards evaded home goalie Theerapat Sonjai and nestled in the bottom corner.
The Dragons responded through Teerapat Chadphuk, who blasted over after a strong run. Referee Boonsong Prachumrak took the players off for a short, timely drinks break.
Tumasyan, whose play I enjoyed whenever I saw him in action, saw an effort go wide from the edge of the box. I had to giggle when Suphanburi forward Prasit Pattanatanawisut was injured in a challenge that saw him roll off the pitch.
He was looking to get the offender a yellow card, but the ref told them to get on with the game while the player was treated. The free kick was taken as he wasn’t on the field. Pattanatanawisut was up and about and ready to play again within a few seconds.
After half-time, the game became open. Some excellent play from the all-action Matsunaga led to a desperate hoof clear. The visitors built momentum as Kanchanaburi defended doggedly.
Frustrations Build
Match Reflections
Alongkorn Thong-Am took over in the dugout, while big-name signing Andros Townsend also arrived. Joaquín Gómez, Wasapol Kaewpaluk and then Lee Jung-soo had spells as Power head coach in a season that ended in relegation. Park Hang-seo was appointed to lead the side for the 2026-27 season.
My visit
At Kanchanaburi Municipality Stadium
Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi 2 Suphanburi 1
Thai League Cup Playoff Round - Wednesday 19th October 2022
👨👨👧👧 186 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
Decisions Decisions
Decisions Decisions
The Thai League website didn't show fixtures until a few days before the League Cup matches. I wanted to go somewhere different. I checked out individual club Facebook pages.
This match looked like just the job with a 3pm kick-off. I could catch a bus back to Bangkok after the game, so I didn't need to stay overnight. The club were most helpful in replying to my enquiry as to which stadium would be used, so they got my vote.
Breakfast Date
This match looked like just the job with a 3pm kick-off. I could catch a bus back to Bangkok after the game, so I didn't need to stay overnight. The club were most helpful in replying to my enquiry as to which stadium would be used, so they got my vote.
Breakfast Date
It worked out well as my cricket pal Troy and his son Matthew were staying in central Bangkok, so I met them for breakfast on the way to the bus. I was in rather better physical shape than I had feared, having had my football comeback cancelled the previous teatime.
Though not quite as good as I should have been, I deserve little sympathy for staying out too late. I got into town ahead of schedule by bus and boat to meet my pals, ready for a nice catch-up and brekkie at The Sportsman, my first fry-up for five months!
Uncomfortable Ride
Though not quite as good as I should have been, I deserve little sympathy for staying out too late. I got into town ahead of schedule by bus and boat to meet my pals, ready for a nice catch-up and brekkie at The Sportsman, my first fry-up for five months!
Uncomfortable Ride
Saying farewell, I caught the BTS to Ari before a bus on the rather convoluted route to Mo Chit minibus station. I caught the 10am service, an hour earlier than I had anticipated. Years working on the tube had taught me to always travel as early as possible to avoid later snags.
Unfortunately, my seat was on the wheel arch. Luckily, the one next to it was vacant, at least until another bloke got on in the western suburbs. To be honest, it wasn’t a great trip. My new friend stank, some young kids were messing about, and a German behind me didn’t shut up. The perils of a lack of sleep had come home to roost.
Discovering Kanchanaburi
Unfortunately, my seat was on the wheel arch. Luckily, the one next to it was vacant, at least until another bloke got on in the western suburbs. To be honest, it wasn’t a great trip. My new friend stank, some young kids were messing about, and a German behind me didn’t shut up. The perils of a lack of sleep had come home to roost.
Discovering Kanchanaburi
The good news was that the driver sped like he was on a promise and got us to the destination at 12:30. I'd left my reading glasses at home. I bought a decent pair near the bus station before I got on my skates.
It was time to discover a part of Kanchanaburi I'd missed on previous visits. The paper mill museum looked closed with derelict works, but never mind. The JEATH War Museum was behind it, so I wandered down to pay 50 THB for a look around.
Less We Forget
It was time to discover a part of Kanchanaburi I'd missed on previous visits. The paper mill museum looked closed with derelict works, but never mind. The JEATH War Museum was behind it, so I wandered down to pay 50 THB for a look around.
Less We Forget
A stark reminder of the awful conditions the prisoners of war and locals had to endure was planted firmly in my mind as I popped next door for a quick call to Wat Chai Chumphon, a pretty temple with a great horse statue.
Song Kwae Maeklong Skywalk looked interesting on my Google Map, so I headed down to the banks of the River Kwai. Eating options seemed plentiful overlooking the water, though I opted for the less salubrious place across Songkwai Road.
Daring Do
Song Kwae Maeklong Skywalk looked interesting on my Google Map, so I headed down to the banks of the River Kwai. Eating options seemed plentiful overlooking the water, though I opted for the less salubrious place across Songkwai Road.
Daring Do
My pad krapow moo with fried egg and a water cost a princely 60 THB and was delicious. I crossed the road and paid another 60 THB. The lift took me to the skywalk deck, where I got a bit of a shock.
I hadn't factored in that the walk was made of thick glass and, therefore, see-through. I must admit I felt a little wobbly and hung to the rail while trying not to look down. I’m glad I did it for the views and experience. I was also glad to be back on solid ground.
Walk to the Stadium
I hadn't factored in that the walk was made of thick glass and, therefore, see-through. I must admit I felt a little wobbly and hung to the rail while trying not to look down. I’m glad I did it for the views and experience. I was also glad to be back on solid ground.
Walk to the Stadium
A couple of young female Suphanburi fans took a photo of me while up there, before I headed across the Somdet Phra Sangharaja Yannasangwon Bridge and ended up in an area that looked like it was being prepared for some kind of car race.
Across Linchang-Khao Pun Road, I arrived at the main entrance to the vast grounds of Kanchanaburi Provincial Stadium. The young pair asked who I was cheering for, so I presume away fans were being charged more. The location was stunning, with river tributaries behind the main stand on the far side.
The stadium itself was ageing, with a dated stand and a cinder track that was half-grown over. A couple of recent covers, one for away fans, had been added on the far side. The dragon livery was displayed to make it feel like a real home.
It was a steaming hot day with a light breeze when I sat down with a Coke. I reflected on how local football had changed since my visit the previous April when Muangkhan United just missed out on a place in the League 2 playoffs.
Match Background
Across Linchang-Khao Pun Road, I arrived at the main entrance to the vast grounds of Kanchanaburi Provincial Stadium. The young pair asked who I was cheering for, so I presume away fans were being charged more. The location was stunning, with river tributaries behind the main stand on the far side.
Ageing Venue
It was a steaming hot day with a light breeze when I sat down with a Coke. I reflected on how local football had changed since my visit the previous April when Muangkhan United just missed out on a place in the League 2 playoffs.
Match Background
Kanchanaburi City FC also won promotion from the Thailand Amateur League to play in League 3 alongside the renamed Dragon Pathumwan. This meant three professional clubs represented the city. Until Muangkhan pulled out due to financial issues.
Going into this game, DP Kanchanaburi, as the name was abbreviated, were midtable in the Western Region third tier, with Suphanburi relegated from League 1 the previous season, now three points from the top of League 2. They were the obvious favourites in this tie.
The Match
Going into this game, DP Kanchanaburi, as the name was abbreviated, were midtable in the Western Region third tier, with Suphanburi relegated from League 1 the previous season, now three points from the top of League 2. They were the obvious favourites in this tie.
The Match
In the opening exchanges, both sides missed the target before the hosts took the lead in the seventh minute. A cracking half-volley cross shot from Nattapong Kumnaet flew into the far corner, beating keeper Kiattisak Pimyoth.
Up front, Russian former North Bangkok University striker Sergei Tumasyan and Japanese partner Taiga Matsunaga caused havoc with energy and clever play for the home team. Matsunaga doubled the lead in nine minutes from a corner when Kiattisak pushed the ball away.
Up front, Russian former North Bangkok University striker Sergei Tumasyan and Japanese partner Taiga Matsunaga caused havoc with energy and clever play for the home team. Matsunaga doubled the lead in nine minutes from a corner when Kiattisak pushed the ball away.
A fine one-two between the forward partners saw a Matsunaga cross find Nattapong free in the box. The goalie fumbled his scuffed volley. He grabbed it on the second attempt, before Sirichai Lamphuttha was given a chance.
Halfway through the first period, the visiting War Elephant halved the deficit when Nethithorn Kaewcharoen's low shot from twenty-five yards evaded home goalie Theerapat Sonjai and nestled in the bottom corner.
The Dragons responded through Teerapat Chadphuk, who blasted over after a strong run. Referee Boonsong Prachumrak took the players off for a short, timely drinks break.
Tumasyan, whose play I enjoyed whenever I saw him in action, saw an effort go wide from the edge of the box. I had to giggle when Suphanburi forward Prasit Pattanatanawisut was injured in a challenge that saw him roll off the pitch.
He was looking to get the offender a yellow card, but the ref told them to get on with the game while the player was treated. The free kick was taken as he wasn’t on the field. Pattanatanawisut was up and about and ready to play again within a few seconds.
After half-time, the game became open. Some excellent play from the all-action Matsunaga led to a desperate hoof clear. The visitors built momentum as Kanchanaburi defended doggedly.
Frustrations Build
Kittipong Wongma shot over as the pressure intensified. Needle crept in, adding to the dynamics as a neutral supporter. Tumasyan knew every trick to crank up his opponents and was using plenty of them.
Kanchanaburi continued to defend well, with Matsunaga doing a great job. He ran with the ball and caused problems. Theerapat dropped a deep cross, but he recovered and kept out Panutach Rungjang's effort.
Kanchanaburi continued to defend well, with Matsunaga doing a great job. He ran with the ball and caused problems. Theerapat dropped a deep cross, but he recovered and kept out Panutach Rungjang's effort.
Match Reflections
As the game entered four minutes of additional time, substitute Anuwat Matarat shot from range to try and extend the lead. And that was that. The Dragons deservedly won against a slightly weakened side from a division above.
After the game, I walked back to the bus station, got a decent seat on the 6pm bus, allowing me an hour’s kip on the way back to Mo Chit. When I arrived in Bangkok, I headed to my favourite Minburi establishment. A good end to a grand day out.
After the game, I walked back to the bus station, got a decent seat on the 6pm bus, allowing me an hour’s kip on the way back to Mo Chit. When I arrived in Bangkok, I headed to my favourite Minburi establishment. A good end to a grand day out.
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