Khon Kaen United FC
Ground: Khon Kaen PAO Stadium
Capacity: 6,500
Club Founded: 2014
League: Thai League 2 (current level)
From humble beginnings to becoming a force in Thai football, Khon Kaen United FC has risen through the league system. Representing the heart of Isan, the club has built a passionate following and established itself on the national stage.
Khon Kaen United - The Early Years
The club was founded in competition with the longer-established Khon Kaen FC. Under coach Thongchai Sukkoki in 2015, they were placed in the third-tier Division 2 Northeast of the Thai League. Samuel Kwawu led the scoring chart, and Rayong were beaten 4-1 in the playoffs to seal promotion.
However, things didn't go to plan off the pitch for the side playing their home games at Khon Kaen Sports School Stadium. During the 2016 season, they were suspended because of a criminal enquiry with eight games remaining. Dave Booth and then Ljubomir Ristovski had spells in charge of the team,
However, things didn't go to plan off the pitch for the side playing their home games at Khon Kaen Sports School Stadium. During the 2016 season, they were suspended because of a criminal enquiry with eight games remaining. Dave Booth and then Ljubomir Ristovski had spells in charge of the team,
Recovery after a Criminal Enquiry
By now, they had moved into the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Stadium to share with their city rivals. The FA of Thailand decided that United could compete in 2018 as members of Thai League 4 North Eastern Region, with Apichai Pholpitak installed as head coach.
Capistrano Jardel scored the goals as the 'King Cobras' went all the way to the playoff final, which ended in an aggregate defeat to Nakhonpathom United. However, the team was promoted and began to attract larger support in its home city.
By now, they had moved into the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Stadium to share with their city rivals. The FA of Thailand decided that United could compete in 2018 as members of Thai League 4 North Eastern Region, with Apichai Pholpitak installed as head coach.
Capistrano Jardel scored the goals as the 'King Cobras' went all the way to the playoff final, which ended in an aggregate defeat to Nakhonpathom United. However, the team was promoted and began to attract larger support in its home city.
Promotion to the Top-Flight
Patipat Robroo replaced Sarayuth Chaikamdee as head coach in 2019. Natan Oliveira's goals helped the side to the T3 Upper title. Khon Kaen United appointed Sugao Kambe as coach for the 2020-21 campaign. Nakhonpathom United were defeated in the playoffs to seal promotion.
Now, as a top-flight club competing in Thai League 1, Ibson Melo helped consolidate their status, with Carlos Eduardo Parreira appointed as head coach. Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok replaced the Brazilian in November 2022 before Patipat returned for a third spell at the helm a few weeks later as the King Cobras avoided relegation by one place.
Back Down to Thai League 2
Ekalak Thong-am, followed by Tana Chanabut, took charge of the team when Brenner top-scored for United. Srdan Trailovic arrived as the new team boss in September 2024. The Serbian lasted a couple of months before being replaced by Patipat Rorbru, whose side was relegated at the end of the season.
Pipob On-Mo was appointed in charge of the team, lasting just six months before being replaced by Thirasak Pho-on.
My visit
Khon Kaen United 0 Nakhonpathom United 0
Thai League 1 - Friday 20th September 2024
👨👨👧👧 2,246 🎟️ 140 THB (£3.20)
A Quality Day
This was a fun-packed day from the moment we left home in Sisaket. My wife Taew drove us to the city, where we booked into the Ingtara Hotel for the night. We enjoyed a fine meal at a favourite chain restaurant.
We met our friends Dale and Nui at the hotel's rooftop bar as the weather began to close in. A Grab taxi took us to the stadium, where vendors were struggling in the weather. We met Lyle, a regular contributor to A Thai Football Podcast, along with his wife and friends.
Friends Reunited
We met Lyle's wife and the travelling Nakhonpathom supporters, who were sheltering under the stands. They seemed in very good spirits, having obviously enjoyed several drinks on their journey north.
Our ladies decided we were OK to go on the open terrace. The ticket was pricey at 160 Baht, while drinks were available once inside to take upstairs. The guys on drums and megaphone were giving it rock all to try and rouse the home support, with the away fans in the far distance behind the goal.
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| Lyle and Dale chew the fat. |
Why I Fell in Love
I am reminded occasionally of when I fell in love with football. It's when conditions were treacherous, but the match went on regardless, cheered on by passionate fans. This occasion took me back.
It is fair to say that neither side produced too much quality football on the waterlogged surface, which already had puddles when they kicked off, but they gave it everything they’d got. As often happens when both teams are desperate for points in what was an early relegation six-pointer, it ended up all square.
Khon Kaen keeper Chirawat Wangthaphan saves with his feet from Taku Ito in either side's only effort on target before half-time. Conditions got worse as the rain increased after the break. Sirisak Yodyatthai had recently been appointed Nakhonpathom head coach. His side looked as though they might go on to win.
It is fair to say that neither side produced too much quality football on the waterlogged surface, which already had puddles when they kicked off, but they gave it everything they’d got. As often happens when both teams are desperate for points in what was an early relegation six-pointer, it ended up all square.
Khon Kaen keeper Chirawat Wangthaphan saves with his feet from Taku Ito in either side's only effort on target before half-time. Conditions got worse as the rain increased after the break. Sirisak Yodyatthai had recently been appointed Nakhonpathom head coach. His side looked as though they might go on to win.
The ball stopped at times, preventing scoring opportunities, while both keepers made saves within twenty seconds as the encounter became stretched. Valdo Eggres for the away side saw his effort parried away by Chirawat after a deflected cross from Phanuphong Phonsa had been clawed out by Wattanachai Strathongjan.
Taku was then denied with twelve minutes remaining by a fine tip over from Chirawat. It was a thoroughly entertaining encounter, quite possibly aided by the conditions. However, whoever had to wash the kits after the game could well have disagreed.
At the other end, Wattanachai spilt a shot from Steve Ambri, then smothered the follow-up from Parndecha Ngernprasert before chaos reigned when Niphitpon saw his effort blocked. Referee Natee Choosawuassive deserved huge credit for using his common sense throughout.
Sensible Ladies
Taew won a stuffed cushion toy in the halftime draw. The ladies headed off to the far side to collect the prize, and were not seen again. They used their common sense and stayed downstairs undercover.
Dale, via a brolly, and I, wearing a poncho, had braved it out before we all adjourned to Yokotai Restaurant, where we’d enjoyed pre-match festivities before the Khon Kaen v Sisaket United game the previous year.
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| Star Raffle Prize |
A Friday Night in Khon Kaen
A live musician was very amiable. It led to an extremely long evening as we played pool and sang karaoke. Badly. Our carriage took us away at 3am. We had lots of fun. My good lady and I were late on parade the following morning.
A live musician was very amiable. It led to an extremely long evening as we played pool and sang karaoke. Badly. Our carriage took us away at 3am. We had lots of fun. My good lady and I were late on parade the following morning.
A delicious khao man gai meal at a restaurant near the hotel helped put us right. We then travelled to our friend's house, before heading on to the Nongbua Pitchaya v Uthai Thani
match.
Further Viewing
If you enjoyed this article, you might like to visit my YouTube Channel, with numerous homemade Thai football videos and a wide range of content covering all aspects of life in the Land of Smiles. It includes my 2018 tour of Isan, featuring my first visit to Khon Kaen.
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