Ground: Dragon Solar Park
Capacity: 13,000
Club Founded: 2004
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
Ratchaburi FC is a fine example of what can be achieved by a provincial club when building gradually on and off the pitch, including the construction of one of Thailand's finest football stadiums.
Club History
Early Years
The club initially played its home games at Ratchaburi Provincial Stadium, starting life in the second-tier Division 1, from where they were relegated to Group A of Division 2. Head coach Somchai Maiwilai took over to lead the side after the club had been moved to Division 2 Central-East.
Prapol Pongpanich had a spell in charge before coach Somchai returned. The Nitikarnchana family took over ownership of the club, with their investment paying off as the Dragons won their divisional title in 2011 with Pornchai Ardjinda rattling in the goals.
Sponsorship and Ownership Take Off
2012 saw sugar producer Mitr Phol become the club sponsor, leading to a change of club title to Ratchaburi Mitr Phol. Investment in the playing squad saw the team lift the Division 1 title and top-flight football as Douglas top-scored.
To add to the triumph, Ratchaburi also reached the final of the League Cup, losing 4-1 to Buriram United in farcical circumstances. Owing to the number of ineligible loanees in the squad, the Dragons had a bare eleven players to choose from and no substitutes.
Top-Flight Football
In their debut season in the Thai Premier League, the Dragons struggled under Spanish head coach Ivan Palanco. However, once again, they reached the League Cup Final at Thammasat Stadium against Buriram United, which ended in defeat after taking the lead.
In 2016, the club moved from a municipally owned arena a few miles west outside the city to the village of Huai Phai to the brand new, purpose-built Mitr Pohl Stadium, which was owned by the club.
The 2016 campaign saw the team announced as joint winners of the FA Cup along with three other semi-finalists as the season was truncated owing to the sad death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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| Previous home, Ratchaburi Provincial Stadium |
Brazilian striker Heberty finished as the top scorer for a third successive season before moving on. Marcel Essombé topped the scoring charts a year later. German international Christian Ziege arrived as head coach ahead of the 2018 season. However, he lasted just one month before being replaced by René Desaeyere.
Kang Soo-il scored the goals before Tunisian coach Lassaad Chabbi was put in charge of the side, later being replaced by Manolo Márquez. The goals of Yannick Boli helped the side to consolidate in an interesting campaign.
Francesc Bosch replaced Márquez, who was then followed by Marco Simone and then Nuengrutai Srathongvian. Despite the lack of stability, the Dragons reached the FA Cup final, where they were defeated 1-0 by Port FC.
Recent Progression
Skipper Philip Roller, top scored in 2020-21, in another season with four head coaches as Chaitud Uamtham, Miloš Joksić, Bruno Pereira, and Somchai Maiwilai all had turns at the helm. A couple of years later, Mitr Phol dropped its sponsorship, with the stadium being renamed Dragon Solar Park.
Xavi Moro took charge of the team, where, for a second successive season, Brazilian star Derley led the scoring charts as the team ended eighth. Carlos Peña was appointed as Ratchaburi head coach in June 2023, with the performances of defender Jonathan Khemdee standing out.
Surapong Kongthep, Somcahi, in a third spell, and then Worraroot Srimaka had spells as team boss. The goals of Clément Depres helped Ratchaburi to fourth place in the league in 2024-25. They also reached the semi-finals of the League and FA Cup, losing to Muangthong United and Lamphun Warriors, in farcical conditions at Chonburi's Daikin Stadium.
A fine run the following season in the AFC Champions League Two and a third-place finish in Thai League 1 ensued a year later.
My visits
Ratchaburi Provincial Stadium
Stadium Visit - Monday 14th October 2013
Opportunity Knocks
Stadium Visit - Monday 14th October 2013
Opportunity Knocks
It is fair to say that despite having a decent knowledge of football in ‘The Land of Smiles’, I was short on knowledge of Ratchaburi as a football club, or indeed the city. A visit wasn’t anywhere near my radar when I set out on my great two-week adventure, but like many times before, I grabbed an opportunity when it was going begging.
My chance came about after staying in Samut Songkhram and wanting to return to Hua Hin, as I’d enjoyed my three days there the previous week so much. My research told me that it was possible to catch a train to the resort if I somehow got to Ratchaburi.
Education Through Bus Rides
My chance came about after staying in Samut Songkhram and wanting to return to Hua Hin, as I’d enjoyed my three days there the previous week so much. My research told me that it was possible to catch a train to the resort if I somehow got to Ratchaburi.
Education Through Bus Rides
This was solved by way of a bus ride from Sam Song. Even the bus ride was fascinating as we drove along a highway familiar to me before we went straight on rather than heading south like the Hua Hin bus does. It was new scenery for me to take in.
The fare was 25 Baht, and for that, we were treated to a Thai drama on the TV over the driver's seat. I hadn’t a clue what was happening on the screen, but it followed the usual pattern. The girl finds the boy and falls in love before they fall out, and eventually make up with some storyline around it.
What impressed me most was that it ended at exactly the same time as we entered Ratchaburi. Was this perfect timing from our driver, or had he delayed our journey so the few passengers remotely interested saw the end? I will never know.
Anyway, I had sketched out a rough route to the stadium from where I thought the bus station was. It’s strange how the simplest of walks on Google Earth turns into a logistical nightmare once in real life. In short, I got lost.
Stadium Ambience
The fare was 25 Baht, and for that, we were treated to a Thai drama on the TV over the driver's seat. I hadn’t a clue what was happening on the screen, but it followed the usual pattern. The girl finds the boy and falls in love before they fall out, and eventually make up with some storyline around it.
Anyway, I had sketched out a rough route to the stadium from where I thought the bus station was. It’s strange how the simplest of walks on Google Earth turns into a logistical nightmare once in real life. In short, I got lost.
Stadium Ambience
Salvation was at hand with a large tourist map at the side of a busy street. A young local astutely saw my expression and offered assistance. Before long, I was traipsing down the hot streets getting nearer my target. My luggage consisted of a rucksack on my back and my laptop bag in front. It was tiring work, but I would not be beaten.
Street cafes lie outside the grounds of Ratchaburi Stadium, which also has other facilities as well as the main arena. Just as I was going in, I was passed by a couple of double-decker coaches, who were carrying Dragons supporters back from their team's 1-0 defeat at Chiangrai United the previous evening. It was now gone 1pm the next day.
Kind Locals
Street cafes lie outside the grounds of Ratchaburi Stadium, which also has other facilities as well as the main arena. Just as I was going in, I was passed by a couple of double-decker coaches, who were carrying Dragons supporters back from their team's 1-0 defeat at Chiangrai United the previous evening. It was now gone 1pm the next day.
Kind Locals
Despite this, the young colourful fans seemed in reasonable spirits. It also gave me hope of access inside the stadium. I was struggling until I saw a club official. He kindly took me upstairs and opened a door into the VIP area, as well as taking my photo.
Ratchaburi Stadium was like many other football venues in Thailand in that it had a running track surrounding the pitch. The vast majority consisted of open, large steps, which fans usually sat on and one covered stand down the side with a few proper seats in the VIP area. All the steps were painted in the team's colour of orange, which gave it a nice look.
I thanked my new friend and walked around where many fans were being picked up to go home before really chancing my arm in the aid of saving time and energy.
Opposite the stadium was the city’s main hospital. Behind it was the road to the railway station. To go all the way around would have taken quite some time, so I decided to walk through the hospital grounds in the hope that there was an exit on the other side. After much smiling and “sawasdees”, my punt paid off, and I was heading down to the station.
Train to Hua Hin
Ratchaburi Stadium was like many other football venues in Thailand in that it had a running track surrounding the pitch. The vast majority consisted of open, large steps, which fans usually sat on and one covered stand down the side with a few proper seats in the VIP area. All the steps were painted in the team's colour of orange, which gave it a nice look.
I thanked my new friend and walked around where many fans were being picked up to go home before really chancing my arm in the aid of saving time and energy.
Opposite the stadium was the city’s main hospital. Behind it was the road to the railway station. To go all the way around would have taken quite some time, so I decided to walk through the hospital grounds in the hope that there was an exit on the other side. After much smiling and “sawasdees”, my punt paid off, and I was heading down to the station.
Train to Hua Hin
I saw a couple of lovely places that I noted for refreshments if I had a wait. As I went into the booking office, the clerk serving asked where I was going. When I replied “Hua Hin”, he ushered me and sold me my ticket for 23 Baht (about 60p) and told me that the train was arriving in a couple of minutes!
The journey was another joy despite the train being packed as locals walked up and down the carriages selling their wares. It was certainly cheaper than back home, and it made a refreshing change. I’d had another brilliant day, and my luck was well and truly in!
The journey was another joy despite the train being packed as locals walked up and down the carriages selling their wares. It was certainly cheaper than back home, and it made a refreshing change. I’d had another brilliant day, and my luck was well and truly in!
at Dragon Solar Park
Ratchaburi Mitr Phol 2 Chonburi 2
Ratchaburi Mitr Phol 2 Chonburi 2
Thai League 1 - Saturday 30th April 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 2,347)
👨👨👧👧 2,347 🎟️ 200 THB (£5)
Friends Reunited
The previous week, I had visited Kanchanaburi for a stopover to take in the Muangkan United v Navy contest, as I wanted to see a bit of easily reached Thailand and tick off some new venues now that I had moved full-time to the Land of Smiles.
My decision to take in this game was influenced by the prospects of a cracking venue, what looked like an interesting town on my previous visit and the chance to catch up with a mate. Dale, a loyal Chonburi supporter, was back over from the UK for a few weeks, but this outing offered a great opportunity.
Journey to Ratchaburi
My adventurous streak led me to take a bus and then MRT to Hua Lamphong station to take the train to my destination. I had pre-booked a ticket online for the 12.30pm sleeper service that would be going all the way to Su-ngai Kolok, on the Malaysian border.
My fare was 87 Baht, and my carriage had normal seating before converting to bunk beds long after I had alighted. Unfortunately, the convertible nature of the car meant little legroom, which was exacerbated by a local stretching out to sleep opposite.
Arrival was late by over thirty minutes in Ratchaburi, taking three hours in total. It was just as well the match had a 6.15 kick-off. Using previous knowledge, I cut through the grounds of the hospital, getting a few looks before heading to my digs for the night, called My Room on Si Suriyawong.
It was a nice enough room, as I settled for an hour’s nap before ordering a taxi on the Bolt app to Mitr Phol Stadium. The reasonable 110 Baht fare to the out-of-town venue went past Khao Kaen Chan, the highest mountain in the province, which looked like a nice attraction. Dale arrived with his good lady Nui and friends Tim and Val, allowing us a nice chat.
My fare was 87 Baht, and my carriage had normal seating before converting to bunk beds long after I had alighted. Unfortunately, the convertible nature of the car meant little legroom, which was exacerbated by a local stretching out to sleep opposite.
Arrival was late by over thirty minutes in Ratchaburi, taking three hours in total. It was just as well the match had a 6.15 kick-off. Using previous knowledge, I cut through the grounds of the hospital, getting a few looks before heading to my digs for the night, called My Room on Si Suriyawong.
It was a nice enough room, as I settled for an hour’s nap before ordering a taxi on the Bolt app to Mitr Phol Stadium. The reasonable 110 Baht fare to the out-of-town venue went past Khao Kaen Chan, the highest mountain in the province, which looked like a nice attraction. Dale arrived with his good lady Nui and friends Tim and Val, allowing us a nice chat.
Stadium Impressions
My immediate impression of the stadium was very favourable, with a great dragon design brightening up the rear of the main West Stand. I know that the away section was around on the far side, but I didn’t realise that I had to purchase my 200 Baht ticket at the snazzy main office.
Time was fortunately on my side to wander back around and get in before the teams made their appearance on the excellent ground. The East Stand was especially impressive, split between home and away fans and was most conducive to excellent acoustics with its high roof.
The Match
Time was fortunately on my side to wander back around and get in before the teams made their appearance on the excellent ground. The East Stand was especially impressive, split between home and away fans and was most conducive to excellent acoustics with its high roof.
The Match
There were some great views of the surrounding areas to be gleaned from the top of the steeply raked structure as the sun went down, creating a dramatic backdrop as the teams came out and the match got underway.
Both sides had efforts off target in the early exchanges before the hosts went ahead in seventeen minutes. Martiniquais forward Steeven Langil went on a good run down the left to feed the Brazilian, Derley, who slotted home.
Neither defence was covering themselves in glory, and it was no shock when the equaliser came ten minutes later, when a clever chip from Saharat Sontisawat found Gidi Kanyuk, whose shot into the deck bounced out of reach of keeper Kampol Pathomakkakul after his run cleverly beat the offside trap.
The Sharks should have taken the lead when a fine move was wasted by the unmarked Kritsada Kaman at the back post. The game was being played in decent spirit, so it was a surprise when home man Kritsananon Srisuwan made a ridiculous late challenge on Dennis Murillo. A yellow card was a generous call from referee Songkran Bunmeekiart.
The offender then made another reckless late challenge and seemed somewhat surprised to be sent to the dressing rooms seven minutes later. Some players never seem to learn. Surely Chonburi would be the favourites going into the second half.
But Ratchaburi had other ideas, coming out and retaking the lead four minutes after the restart. More excellent creativity from Langil set up Kasidech Wettayawong, whose effort from the edge of the box seemingly wrongfooted the unsighted goalie, Thatpicha Auksonsri.
Superb footwork from the Dragons' Derley saw him flick a shot against the post after perplexing his marker and Auksonri. The scores were levelled up after sixty-seven minutes through a fine goal when a backheel from Kanuk put in Kritsada to finish coolly.
It was as though both managers had told their teams to go out and have fun, with not too much riding on the result. It was a great watch for a neutral. The impressive Langil nearly set up Derley once again in the closing stages.
At the other end, Kanuk offered substitute Phanthamit Praphanth a half chance to either finish or return the pass, but he did neither as he screwed wide. Then Sontisawat tested out Pathomakkakul as the visitors finished strongly.
A draw was about right. We hung around after the game while both teams went on their customary thank you to each set of supporters before home fans were allowed out onto the pitch to join their heroes.
Saturday Night in Ratchaburi
The Sharks should have taken the lead when a fine move was wasted by the unmarked Kritsada Kaman at the back post. The game was being played in decent spirit, so it was a surprise when home man Kritsananon Srisuwan made a ridiculous late challenge on Dennis Murillo. A yellow card was a generous call from referee Songkran Bunmeekiart.
The offender then made another reckless late challenge and seemed somewhat surprised to be sent to the dressing rooms seven minutes later. Some players never seem to learn. Surely Chonburi would be the favourites going into the second half.
But Ratchaburi had other ideas, coming out and retaking the lead four minutes after the restart. More excellent creativity from Langil set up Kasidech Wettayawong, whose effort from the edge of the box seemingly wrongfooted the unsighted goalie, Thatpicha Auksonsri.
Superb footwork from the Dragons' Derley saw him flick a shot against the post after perplexing his marker and Auksonri. The scores were levelled up after sixty-seven minutes through a fine goal when a backheel from Kanuk put in Kritsada to finish coolly.
It was as though both managers had told their teams to go out and have fun, with not too much riding on the result. It was a great watch for a neutral. The impressive Langil nearly set up Derley once again in the closing stages.
At the other end, Kanuk offered substitute Phanthamit Praphanth a half chance to either finish or return the pass, but he did neither as he screwed wide. Then Sontisawat tested out Pathomakkakul as the visitors finished strongly.
A draw was about right. We hung around after the game while both teams went on their customary thank you to each set of supporters before home fans were allowed out onto the pitch to join their heroes.
Saturday Night in Ratchaburi
Tim kindly gave me a ride back into town in the open back of the truck as Dale and I supped a can of beer. A proper way home from a match! I left my friends to go for a walk and try to find some bars by the riverside night market.
Nothing appeared to serve beers, so I ended up having a KFC and an early night before heading out early again the following morning for another walk and to try and find where the bus departed from back to Bangkok.
It had been an excellent adventure that continued all the way until I eventually found my transport and later met my mates back in the capital to head to the match between Port FC and Nongbua Pitchaya.
Nothing appeared to serve beers, so I ended up having a KFC and an early night before heading out early again the following morning for another walk and to try and find where the bus departed from back to Bangkok.
It had been an excellent adventure that continued all the way until I eventually found my transport and later met my mates back in the capital to head to the match between Port FC and Nongbua Pitchaya.
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 Ratchaburi, including some match footage.
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