Muangthong United

 

Muangthong United FC 

Ground: Thunderdome Stadium

Capacity: 15,000

Club Founded: 1989

League: Thai League 2 (current level)

Once the major power in Thai football, Muangthong United have fallen on hard times in recent times.

This page concentrates on the history of the club and my first match visit to the Thunderdome. The games I attended from 2014 have their own page.

A Potted History of Muangthong United

Early Years

The club were formed in 1989 under the ownership of Siam Sports Syndicate. The 'Twin Qilins' joined the third tier of Thai football in 2007 as Muang Thong Nong Jork United, winning the title and promotion in their inaugural season. Muangthong built relationships with both Arsenal and Lierse to assist with their development.

The Thai Division One title was won at their first attempt to go up to the Thai Premier League (TPL), as the combination of Yaya Soumahoro and Jacques Tioye rattled in the goals. In their first season in the TPL, United were crowned as champions as Attaphol Buspakom took over as coach from Surasak Tansurat, as large investment was made in the playing squad.

Champions of Thailand

The feat was repeated in 2010, as Dagno Siaka ended as top scorer for a second consecutive season. The club also began to collate some fine FA Cup runs. In 2010, the trophy was denied in the final by a 2-1 defeat to Chonburi. The following year, Buriram PEA ran out 1-0 winners after extra time.

The stadium was developed as part of the new development of Muang Thong Thani. It was unusual, as far as football venues in Thailand were concerned, as it had no running track around the pitch. Originally called Thunderdome Stadium, it became Yamaha Stadium and then the SCG Stadium through sponsorship deals. 

Robbie Fowler

This was when Robbie Fowler had been appointed as player-manager after replacing Henrique Calisto, who had come in for Roberto Carlos, who had been appointed in place of René Desaeyere in a chaotic season. Siam Cement Group became a major backer of the club in February 2012. 

Slaviša Jokanović, the former Red Star Belgrade, Chelsea, and Serbia star, joined the club as head coach, leading the side to the TPL title with the star of Thai football. Teerasil Dangda, who would become the star of Thai football, scored the goals.

Relative Duldrums

Winfried Schäfer took over as team boss following the success, only to be replaced by the returning Desaeyere, whose side ended as runners-up. Scott Cooper lasted a short while before Dragan Talajić was appointed in his place, as Mario Gjurovski top-scored.

The 2014 campaign was marred by a nine-point deduction handed out to both Muangthong and Singhtarua following rioting between the two sets of fans. This was after the derby at the SCG Stadium, which saw away fans banned from the fixture for what in the end totalled nine years. The rivalry between the clubs is explained in the video on my YouTube Channel.

Champions Again

Led by skipper Datsakorn Thonglao, the team finished as runners-up to runaway champions Buriram United the following season. It was a case of so close but yet so far for Muangthong, as they lost 3-1 to the same opponents in the FA Cup final at Supachalasai Stadium on Boxing Day, with Cleiton Silva the latest goalscoring hero.

Totchtawan Sripan came in as head coach, as his team, spurred on by the goals of Silva, became league champions in 2016, backing up the triumph by also sharing the League Cup with Buriram United after the final was postponed following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Further Honours

The team qualified out of the group stages in the 2017 AFC Champions League before going out in the Round of 16 to Kawasaki Frontale of Japan. Meanwhile, Teerasil was coming to the fore on the pitch, inspiring his teammates as he captained the side.

United ended as runners-up in the league in 2017, with Brazilian star Leandro Assumpção leading the scoring after being signed from Sisaket. The League Cup was won with a 2-0 victory over Chiangrai United, with goals from Peerapat Notchaiya and Teerasil.

Financial Cuts

Teerasil departed for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. leaving Heberty to take over in attack. Sripan was replaced by Radovan Ćurčić, before being succeeded by Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok. Yoon Joong-hwan was the next to be handed the role. 

SCG ended their association with the club, meaning a decline in player investment, departures, and often empty stadiums owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Team boss Alexandre Gama had been replaced by former playing star Mario Gjurovski in October 2020.

Upturn in Fortunes

The Macedonian coach had the top scorer, Brazilian Willian Popp, at his disposal. Miloš Joksić had been appointed as interim head coach a month into the 2023-24 season. Muangthong reached the final of the League Cup, where they went down to a stoppage-time goal against BG Pathum United, scored by their former hero Teerasil. 

Gino Lettieri was appointed as head coach in July 2024 as changes were made to the playing personnel. His side reached the FA Cup final, going down 3-2 to Buriram United at Thammasat Stadium, as Poramet Arjvirai netted twice. 

Relegation

Rangsan Viwatchaichok was appointed as head coach for the following season, later replaced by the Bosnian, Mario Ivanković, in time for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign. His spell was short-lived, being replaced by Jose Alves Borges. Muangthong United were relegated on the final day of the season following a 3-0 defeat at Sukhothai.

My First Visit

SCG Muangthong United 2 Bangkok Glass 2

Thai Premier League - Wednesday 28th March 2012

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 15,000 🎟️ 150 THB (£3.60)

Pre-Match Prep

I had been keen to take in more matches while holidaying in Thailand for some time. Despite visiting the country often enough, I always found myself busy when football took place with my cricket commitments. After taking the plunge by joining Twitter, the App opened all manner of information. A German/Thai website and having an account were most useful. 

The guys running it gave me regularly updated information, which was much appreciated. As luck would have it, there was to be a full midweek programme during the week I had designated for sightseeing and doing whatever I wanted. The standout match was the clash at SCG Stadium on Wednesday evening.

I returned from a lovely time in Kanchanaburi, before heading back to the Admiral Premier Hotel in Bangkok, where my good friend Steve was waiting for me. We headed round to The Crossbar for another top-notch meal and to meet up with old friends before heading off to the stadium. 

Journey to the Match

Steve had been to the stadium with his brother-in-law Mark and nephew Perry a couple of years previously. That match was abandoned after the pitch became waterlogged after just a few minutes of play. They didn't receive a refund but were offered free admission to the rearranged game.

We walked down Sukhumvit Road to what we thought would be the easiest place to grab a taxi to the stadium. About ten drivers all turned down the fare, and I was starting to get concerned when I pointed out to Steve that a car had an MTU scarf in it. 

He managed to get the young driver to wind his window down and ask if he was going to the game. He was, and even better, he didn't mind us getting a lift, or at least we think that's what he meant! The fan was called Fiat, and he lived in Bangkok but had a season ticket for MTU. His English team was Manchester United.

Fiat was a true gentleman. I think he enjoyed his chat with us about football, in particular the English Premier League. He explained the reasons why we were being turned down by the taxis. The SCG Stadium was across the road from the Impact Arena, Bangkok's biggest exhibition centre and indoor concert arena. 

They had put on a gig featuring one of Thailand's biggest names and were holding the Motor Show at the same time, as a full house was expected over the road for the football. Unbelievable! The traffic was horrendous and at a standstill for much of the 20km journey. Fiat was growing increasingly anxious about missing much of the match. 

Kick-Off Approaches

Time was ticking by, and we still couldn't see the stadium. At last, we crawled down the slip road with the floodlights in view, but the jams were as bad. Fiat told us to get out and go for it. He still had the problem of trying to find somewhere to park his car. He was a legend. He refused any money and wouldn't even take anything for the toll road tariffs.

We dodged in and out of traffic to reach the stadium and then the ticket office. Kick-off had been rescheduled to allow for the crowds. Steve said we wanted tickets for the South End, which was terracing. He came back shaking his head. We could only get in down the side. I muttered that we'd be in with the old folks. How wrong I was.

Vibrant Atmosphere

A young lady took our ticket stubs and stamped our wrists, so we could go back out if we required to use any of the facilities. Our tickets, which I later discovered had 'complimentary' stamped on them, didn't have a designated row or seat. We somehow spotted two seats together and were greeted with warm smiles by the locals. 

A couple of westerners were in the row in front. Even more fans were coming in and sat in the aisles. It was soon apparent that they were selling more tickets than they officially had space for! As for my assumption about the older folk. Well, we must have been pushing on for being the eldest there. 

There were some real youngsters, but most fans were aged between fourteen and thirty years old, of both sexes. They loved making a noise. Our seats were level with the halfway line in what I thought was a lovely football stadium. Further up the touchline was the away fans section, where we reckoned around 2,500 Bangkok Glass fans were crammed in. 

Match Predictions

To our right was the South End, where the main Ultras stood and made a real noise. The other end was also for standing fans. Every space was packed. The stewards and security let people sit and stand where they could without interfering. God, it was refreshing. 

We were expecting a convincing home win, and I predicted 4-1, as MTU had hammered Thai Port 5-1 at home in their weekend fixture. However, Glass had not read the script, and they played the better football of the two sides.

The Match Action

MTU missed an absolute sitter after some great approach play and a layback, but Glass also created plenty. United spurned another opportunity before the visitors took the lead after a good ball sent the wide man through. He laid it square for Thai international striker Teeratep Winothai to slot home to send 'The Glass Rabbit' fans wild with delight.

The home side went in level at the break thanks to the award of a very soft penalty. Dutch forward Adnan Barakat went over a defender's leg in the style of Ashley Young. It looked terrible from our vantage point. He got up and put the penalty away himself. 

At half-time, I went in search of refreshments. It was still very warm despite it being around 9pm. I went behind the away section to get a feel of the atmosphere. There was the occasional 'farang' around, but the demographics were much the same as in our section. 

The away fans' Bunny Girls Dance Team distracted me from queuing, but I was soon being served two large cups of Coke for around 50p. I had to chuckle at the elevated expressway, which was perched near the away section. It would have led to chaos in the UK amongst those with evil intent.

I found my way back for the second half, in which Glass continued to play better football. Too many players, particularly the Africans on show, were falling over far too frequently for our liking. The visitors regained the lead after a clever short corner routine left Wonothai with a free header, which he didn't waste. 

A fine run and shot from French import Flavien Michelini brought the best out of the MTU goalie to keep them in the game. After gaining increasing control, MTU drew level with a fine shot by the Ivorian, Mohamed Koné. At full time we headed to the club shop, where plenty of merchandise was available, all at very reasonable prices, at least to my income. 

A Look Around at Full-Time

I settled for a couple of excellently produced match programmes at just 10 THB each. MTU was a bit too like Man Utd for my personal taste. They were slick and professional, but I always did prefer the underdogs. Their style of play hadn't endeared me to them either, although I'd be back to the SCG Stadium like a shot if I was given half a chance.

We went into the South End for photos. Most of the crowd were still in, applauding their heroes as they warmed down. We didn't hang around for long as we needed to grab a taxi back into the city. We got one quite quickly, but the driver wanted 400 THB to take us back to Asoke. I told Steve I'd pay. It was worth it and far easier than standing around for another hour.

Post-Match Fun

Within forty minutes, we were walking up our favourite little avenue and sitting outside The Moonshine Joint, drinking and chatting with pals over for the cricket as well as the excellent Bangkok Post sports reporter, Roger and the bar's owner from Newcastle, NSW, Steve. 

We sat there watching the world go by, drinking multiple bottles of San Miguel Lite with the likes of lots of cricketing friends. I was in a wonderful place that evening! The match and experience had been pretty amazing and a wonderful value for money. I would definitely do it again if I received the opportunity. 

Further Reading

A dedicated page has been created for my visits to Muangthong United from 2014, containing descriptions, along with lots of images and videos.