Udon Thani FC
Ground: Institute of Physical Education, Udon Thani Stadium
Capacity: 4,000
Club Founded: 1999
Dissolved: 2022
Thai football has many tales of clubs that overspend, often with owners promising unrealistic dreams. Udon Thani were dissolved owing to financial issues caused by a new owner.
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| Udon Thani SAT Stadium |
Club History
Early Years
The best finish came in 2001 when the 'Orange Giants’ finished fourth. Udon Thani withdrew from competitive football between 2005 and 2008 before re-emerging in the Regional League Division 2 North Eastern Region.
Midtable Stability
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| Udon Thani SAT Stadium |
Midtable Stability
They played at the Institute of Physical Education Udon Thani Stadium, finishing third in 2009, with coach Phithaya Santawong at the helm. Several coaches came and went as two mid-table finishes followed.
They finished third again in 2012 with Ousmanou Mohamadou leading the scoring under Korean head coach Park No Bong before the returning Santawong took control again for the following season.
Two consecutive runners-up berths followed as Oyewole Yemi Joseph and then Tomiwa Bolarinwa banged in the goals under coaches Santawong, Voottivat Daengsamerkiat and Somkait Fongpach. Promphong Kransumrong scored an incredible 32 times in 2015 as Udon Thani finished third.
They finished third again in 2012 with Ousmanou Mohamadou leading the scoring under Korean head coach Park No Bong before the returning Santawong took control again for the following season.
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| Udon Thani SAT Stadium |
Two consecutive runners-up berths followed as Oyewole Yemi Joseph and then Tomiwa Bolarinwa banged in the goals under coaches Santawong, Voottivat Daengsamerkiat and Somkait Fongpach. Promphong Kransumrong scored an incredible 32 times in 2015 as Udon Thani finished third.
Worradet Phuprapri, Hannarong Chunhakunakorn and Somkait Fongpach were employed throughout the season by a frustrated owner. The team romped to the league title in 2016. Natthaphat Somsri scored the goals under coach Choketawee Promrut. In the playoffs, Nara United were defeated before local rivals Nongbua Pitchaya won the final on away goals.
The following year, the Thai league system was reorganised. Udon were placed in the Thai League 3 Upper Region. Head coach Paniphon Kerdyam's team finished runners-up. Valci Júnior's goals led to a playoff game where Udon defeated Trang on away goals to win promotion to Thai League 2.
New Thai coach Uthai Boonmoh was replaced by Darren Read in April 2018, who lasted just a couple of months before Watcharapong Klahan took over. The team finished seventh in a disappointing season. Paniphon Kerdyam was appointed head coach ahead of the 2019 season.
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| Udon Thani SAT Stadium |
New Stadium
The club moved into the newly built SAT Stadium, a few miles northwest of the city in Sam Phrao, for the new campaign. Bruno Correa led the scoring for the Orange Giants before the Thai League reverted to the European fixture calendar for the 2020-21 season.
Jakarat Tonhongsa had been put in charge of the team during the long break before being appointed by Muangthong United. He was replaced by Jetsada Jitsawad as the season got underway. In a season of struggle, João Paulo Sales top-scored.
Final Years
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| Institute of Physical Education, Udon Thani Stadium |
Final Years
Another Brazilian, Carlos Lima, starred in 2021-22 as the side improved its league standing. The club went through an alarming number of coaches. Sirisak Yodyardthai, Fernando Sales, Daniel Blanco, Jörg Steinebrunner and Reuther Moreira all had spells in charge before Chalermwoot Sa-ngapol was appointed.
New ownership caused upheaval, especially when it was revealed that the money promised wasn't available. The club moved back to their previous home in the city for the 2022-23 season. Paniphon Kerdyam, Mavi Lopes, and Akbar Nawas led the team. Despite Greg Houla's goals, they finished bottom.
Udon Thani FC had its license revoked and was dissolved in the summer of 2022 because of severe financial issues.
My visits
Pre-match Atmosphere
We tried to get into the main area along the side, but it was absolutely mobbed from around thirty minutes before kick-off. We ended up in one of the new sections near the corner flag, with a tree slightly restricting the view. The Main Stand had covered seating on the far side. Opposite were open deep steps allowing sitting, with extensions on either side.
We were soon dropped off at Central Plaza and headed back to Day & Night. We had a fantastic evening in a vibrant nightlife area. It certainly received the thumbs up when we gathered our thoughts the following morning.
At Udon Thani SAT Stadium
We ate at the Good Corner as we digested the news and tried to come up with ideas to reach Buriram. Never mind. There was surely a way to get there. I had other priorities, like how we would get to the newly built SAT Stadium and back.
After depositing our dirty laundry, we went to the Central Plaza to get a taxi. We managed to sort a fare for the 15km journey. Steve tried to negotiate so our driver would receive more for a return journey than for the way out if he picked us up.
He chatted away on his phone, but in the end, he decided that he couldn’t take us back. We were pushing it for the start. We heard the King's Anthem being played as we were dropped off in the car park. After buying our tickets, we went upstairs to the Main Stand.
The SAT Stadium was certainly an improvement on the Institute of Physical Education Udon Thani Stadium. However, the location would surely mean fewer crowds. I guess that nearly every Thai has access to a car or motorbike/scooter? Our stand was raised well above pitch level and had a roof, running most of the full length of the touchline.
The match was not dissimilar to Udon’s game with Army United on our previous visit. The home side played narrowly and struggled to create any noteworthy opportunities. They didn’t get wide enough, which would have been the key to unlocking the defence. The hosts had more of the pressure and played some good stuff, lacking an end product against their bottom-of-the-table opposition.
In first-half stoppage time, Customs were awarded a free kick wide on the left. Anusorn Srikaloung planted it past home keeper Kittipun Sansuk, who misjudged the curling effort, which sailed over his head and in to make it 1-0 at the break. We swapped sides at the interval and watched the second half from the far side.
His flicked header helped his side back into the game just before the hour mark as Jetsada Badcharee scored at the back post. Udon poured forward, looking to get at least a point. Attacks were thwarted, and players on both sides went down too easily, trying to fool the referee.
Outside, there wasn't a sign of a taxi. The security guard at the stadium entrance onto the main 2410 road couldn’t help. We started walking along the road, praying to see a taxi. Our hopes were not high. Then, out of nowhere, a local came to the rescue.
Suk was a lecturer at one of the local colleges. He loved English football, with Liverpool being his team. He rang his wife to tell her he’d be late getting home, and went several miles out of his way. He couldn’t understand why we were at the game.
Udon Thani FC had its license revoked and was dissolved in the summer of 2022 because of severe financial issues.
My visits
At the Institute of Physical Education, Udon Thani Stadium
Udon Thani 1 Army United 1
Udon Thani 1 Army United 1
Thai League 2 - Sunday 8th April 2018
👨👨👧👧 4,534 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)
Pre Planning
Pre Planning
I love visiting new places. The amazing Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes had drawn to an end the previous evening, and I was ready to relax and enjoy myself without any alarm calls for the final few days of my trip.
My good pal Steve joined me on another adventure. I eagerly anticipated the trip when I made all the bookings a few weeks previously. The journey down to Udon Thani proved an interesting experience.
Discovering Udon Thani
My good pal Steve joined me on another adventure. I eagerly anticipated the trip when I made all the bookings a few weeks previously. The journey down to Udon Thani proved an interesting experience.
Discovering Udon Thani
My mate turned up at my hotel, the worse for wear, after enjoying a few too many bars in great company. We boarded the small plane with just two seats on each side of the aisle for the flight southeast. He was still merry and wouldn’t shut up for an hour's flight. We were about the only Westerners on board.
We quickly got a cab into town to our excellent UD Residence Hotel. We ate lunch at the impressive Good Corner and checked out the area before a siesta. We reconvened and plumped for the brilliant Restaurant Da Sofia.
Travel Confusion
We quickly got a cab into town to our excellent UD Residence Hotel. We ate lunch at the impressive Good Corner and checked out the area before a siesta. We reconvened and plumped for the brilliant Restaurant Da Sofia.
Travel Confusion
The pizza was as good as I could remember tasting, and the service was first-class. We headed to the Day & Night bar area, where the locals were most helpful. After a couple of beers at incredibly agreeable prices, we needed to hail a tuk-tuk to the match.
A vehicle was commandeered for us, presumably with the driver knowing where he was going. If only things were so simple in Thailand! We were about to have a tour, and my patience was severely tested. I was pretty sure that we were heading in the wrong direction, but I left it to our pilot. This was not one of my greatest ever decisions.
A vehicle was commandeered for us, presumably with the driver knowing where he was going. If only things were so simple in Thailand! We were about to have a tour, and my patience was severely tested. I was pretty sure that we were heading in the wrong direction, but I left it to our pilot. This was not one of my greatest ever decisions.
Within fifteen minutes, we’d fought through heavy traffic to a municipal facility with a stand, but definitely no professional football. We headed down a side road where the driver got out and spoke to some locals, two of whom wore Udon Thani replica shirts. Surely they would know? All was well as we joined the cross-city traffic; some wearing club colours.
All of a sudden, for reasons best known to him, our driver turned left. He looked back at us with pride, only to be met with a resounding “mai” from the pair of us. He’d taken us to the former home at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. Off we went again. He obviously had two options on his list.
All of a sudden, for reasons best known to him, our driver turned left. He looked back at us with pride, only to be met with a resounding “mai” from the pair of us. He’d taken us to the former home at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. Off we went again. He obviously had two options on his list.
Time was getting on, so I was more than a little relieved to see the shining floodlights at the correct stadium from the main Thanon Pracha Raksa. We went down Ban Lueam to the Institute of Physical Education. We jumped out and gave our new close smiling friend a substantial tip on top of the arranged fare. We must have been in a good mood!
I’d contacted some Western fans of the club through their Facebook page and knew the club attracted large crowds. Indeed, the stadium had been extended in recent weeks. Rather than choosing the best seats, we decided to go with the masses on the far side.
I’d contacted some Western fans of the club through their Facebook page and knew the club attracted large crowds. Indeed, the stadium had been extended in recent weeks. Rather than choosing the best seats, we decided to go with the masses on the far side.
Pre-match Atmosphere
On the way around, we saw fans playing instruments and generally getting into a party atmosphere. Thais really did make an effort around the match. The ever-amiable Steve ended up playing the tambourine with one group! The friendliness at Thai matches never failed to impress me and was a great reason to go.
What better way to learn about people and local culture while watching football? Our tickets allowed us access to any of the three sides opposite the main area. Water costs just a few more Baht. It was encouraging to see so many youngsters in attendance. The fair pricing made it affordable.
We tried to get into the main area along the side, but it was absolutely mobbed from around thirty minutes before kick-off. We ended up in one of the new sections near the corner flag, with a tree slightly restricting the view. The Main Stand had covered seating on the far side. Opposite were open deep steps allowing sitting, with extensions on either side.
The ends of the running track had open deep steps, with the visiting fans plonked in the corner. The Army fans were well-regimented. It was as though they were still on duty. They stayed silent before chanting in unison. Several little groups among the home support played their own instruments and sang their own songs.
The Match
The Match
The match got underway, and soon became clear it wouldn't be a classic. Army United's tactics were extremely obvious. They arrived to frustrate the hosts and try to grab a winning goal. Udon Thani lacked ideas on how to counteract this tactic. Milan Bubalo, for the hosts, looked most disappointing.
We quickly agreed that Udon were not playing with enough width to try and get around the disciplined United defence. In the tenth minute, Brazilian midfielder Lima headed just over the bar. Udon were frustrated when they thought they’d sprung the offside trap. We thought it a poor decision at the time, and later highlights confirmed it.
Army came close again halfway through the opening period, as Brazilian forward Erivelto saw his effort go narrowly wide. The half closed with a challenge that bordered on an assault on the visitor's Brazilian skipper, Rodrigo Frauches. The referee either didn’t see it or made a shocking decision not to take action.
Army came close again halfway through the opening period, as Brazilian forward Erivelto saw his effort go narrowly wide. The half closed with a challenge that bordered on an assault on the visitor's Brazilian skipper, Rodrigo Frauches. The referee either didn’t see it or made a shocking decision not to take action.
At the interval, we moved and sat behind the goal Udon were hoping to attack. The view wasn’t the best, but it was vibrant. The first half had been frankly awful, and we were hoping for some quality after the restart. Fan groups on either side of us supported their team with passion.
Army took the lead three minutes after the break. A free kick went wide and found Frauches, who lobbed it back into the box where Erivelto headed it home. Udon keeper Witsanusak Kaewruang went down as though shot by a sniper when he had made a real mess of things from the cross. He hadn’t impressed us much, and his actions smacked of trying to save face.
Army took the lead three minutes after the break. A free kick went wide and found Frauches, who lobbed it back into the box where Erivelto headed it home. Udon keeper Witsanusak Kaewruang went down as though shot by a sniper when he had made a real mess of things from the cross. He hadn’t impressed us much, and his actions smacked of trying to save face.
We thought that would have been a call for Army to defend even more resolutely, but Udon levelled things up ten minutes later. Danusorn Wijitpanya glanced a home good inswinging cross from Kasidech Wettayawong. Army responded when Suradet Thongchai stooped and headed a low cross from Tossakorn Boonpeng. Kaewruang made a decent stop to redeem himself.
Udon returned fire when a fine jinking run put in a forward who struck the post; alas, from an offside position. A long-range effort from an Army player caused confusion for Kaewruang after it deflected off one of his defenders. United’s Kanok Kohyangphueak was shown a harsh red card for a robust challenge in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
His side had one last opportunity to snatch all three points when Erivelto’s misguided free header nearly set up Carlos Lima. At full-time, we headed back to the main road and along Thanon Pracha Raksa. On the way to the city centre, we flagged down a tuk-tuk heading in the other direction.
We were soon dropped off at Central Plaza and headed back to Day & Night. We had a fantastic evening in a vibrant nightlife area. It certainly received the thumbs up when we gathered our thoughts the following morning.
At Udon Thani SAT Stadium
Udon Thani 2 Customs United 2
Thai League 2 - Sunday 7th April 2019
👨👨👧👧 2,985 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)
We returned to Udon from Chiang Mai after a most enjoyable Sixes competition. I was in absolute top form, and Steve was in far better nick on arrival than the previous year. That was because we had time to wake up properly and enjoy lunch before leaving the north.
We returned to Udon from Chiang Mai after a most enjoyable Sixes competition. I was in absolute top form, and Steve was in far better nick on arrival than the previous year. That was because we had time to wake up properly and enjoy lunch before leaving the north.
Our flight arrived in Udon at 3pm. We didn't have much spare time before kick-off. Especially as the club had moved to a new stadium several kilometres outside the city, and we weren't sure how we would get there.
We checked into our rooms at @Home at Udon before heading to the bus station to sort out our arrangements for Tuesday morning when he headed to Buriram. This was not as straightforward as it sounds, as there was no direct service.
We checked into our rooms at @Home at Udon before heading to the bus station to sort out our arrangements for Tuesday morning when he headed to Buriram. This was not as straightforward as it sounds, as there was no direct service.
We ate at the Good Corner as we digested the news and tried to come up with ideas to reach Buriram. Never mind. There was surely a way to get there. I had other priorities, like how we would get to the newly built SAT Stadium and back.
After depositing our dirty laundry, we went to the Central Plaza to get a taxi. We managed to sort a fare for the 15km journey. Steve tried to negotiate so our driver would receive more for a return journey than for the way out if he picked us up.
He chatted away on his phone, but in the end, he decided that he couldn’t take us back. We were pushing it for the start. We heard the King's Anthem being played as we were dropped off in the car park. After buying our tickets, we went upstairs to the Main Stand.
The SAT Stadium was certainly an improvement on the Institute of Physical Education Udon Thani Stadium. However, the location would surely mean fewer crowds. I guess that nearly every Thai has access to a car or motorbike/scooter? Our stand was raised well above pitch level and had a roof, running most of the full length of the touchline.
The centre section was for VIP’s. Opposite was a similar structure, only open to the elements. A running track surrounded the pristine playing surface, with no spectator accommodation around either curve. If needed, the stadium could be expanded on the spare land.
The match was not dissimilar to Udon’s game with Army United on our previous visit. The home side played narrowly and struggled to create any noteworthy opportunities. They didn’t get wide enough, which would have been the key to unlocking the defence. The hosts had more of the pressure and played some good stuff, lacking an end product against their bottom-of-the-table opposition.
The fans on the far side did their best to raise their side, albeit in clusters of different supporter groups. Warut Supphaso wasted a decent chance when he fired across goal when played in, before skipper Prakit Deeprom fired a speculative shot over the bar. As often happens, a side is punished for not scoring when on top.
In first-half stoppage time, Customs were awarded a free kick wide on the left. Anusorn Srikaloung planted it past home keeper Kittipun Sansuk, who misjudged the curling effort, which sailed over his head and in to make it 1-0 at the break. We swapped sides at the interval and watched the second half from the far side.
We thought we might bump into other Farang fans who could take us back, or at least offer us advice. The stadium certainly wasn’t on a regular bus route! We checked out the numerous catering outlets. Fried maggots? No thanks! In the end, we each grabbed a bottle of water for 20 Baht and a bowl of Dim Sum. Seven pieces in sauce cost just 20 Baht.
The middle sections of the stand were pretty busy, so we took up a spot near the end of the open section, just above one of the splinter fan groups, with plenty of locals smiling and intrigued by two Westerners attending the match. Udon continued to press but were undone on the break in the fiftieth minute.
The middle sections of the stand were pretty busy, so we took up a spot near the end of the open section, just above one of the splinter fan groups, with plenty of locals smiling and intrigued by two Westerners attending the match. Udon continued to press but were undone on the break in the fiftieth minute.
Cameroon striker Isaac Mbengan capitalised on some reluctant defending to double Custom’s lead with a rasping left-foot drive. The away following of around a hundred fans opposite were ecstatic. Big Brazilian forward Bruno Correa came on for Udon just before halftime and began to use his physical presence and nous to good effect.
His flicked header helped his side back into the game just before the hour mark as Jetsada Badcharee scored at the back post. Udon poured forward, looking to get at least a point. Attacks were thwarted, and players on both sides went down too easily, trying to fool the referee.
Steve and I considered leaving to look for a taxi when the board went up for additional time. Then the ref was finally fooled; at least it looked like it from our position. He pointed to the penalty spot for the softest of handball decisions against a dejected Chakrit Rawanprakone. Correa made no mistake with his kick to make it 2-2.
Outside, there wasn't a sign of a taxi. The security guard at the stadium entrance onto the main 2410 road couldn’t help. We started walking along the road, praying to see a taxi. Our hopes were not high. Then, out of nowhere, a local came to the rescue.
A large car pulled up. A gent in a Udon shirt asked where we were going. His English was certainly better than our Thai as he told us to get in. Suk was to become the hero of the hour. He took us all the way back to the Central Plaza, and we had a lovely chat.
Suk was a lecturer at one of the local colleges. He loved English football, with Liverpool being his team. He rang his wife to tell her he’d be late getting home, and went several miles out of his way. He couldn’t understand why we were at the game.
He drove along in disbelief as I explained my hobby and the other Thai clubs that I’d visited for matches. He was over the moon that we’d checked out his club. He considered it an honour. He refused to take anything in return for his astonishing kindness.
It epitomised why I love Thailand and its people so much. In the past we’d been given a lift from a Muangthong fan in Bangkok. This time it really was appreciated. We might have been stranded. Steve and I went on our way, enjoying yet another top night in Udon and its various establishments.
It epitomised why I love Thailand and its people so much. In the past we’d been given a lift from a Muangthong fan in Bangkok. This time it really was appreciated. We might have been stranded. Steve and I went on our way, enjoying yet another top night in Udon and its various establishments.
The following day, we checked out the train option to Buriram and sampled fantastic food in the Sports Bar on Soi Samphan. Udon hadn’t let us down. In fact, it could have done with being a little less inviting when I got the taste on the Monday evening, but that’s another story.
If you enjoyed this article, you might like to visit my YouTube Channel, with numerous homemade Thai football videos, as well as a wide range of content covering all aspects of life in the Land of Smiles, including this one from a later visit to Udon Thani.
If you enjoyed this article, you might like to visit my YouTube Channel, with numerous homemade Thai football videos, as well as a wide range of content covering all aspects of life in the Land of Smiles, including this one from a later visit to Udon Thani.
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