It is important to note that many places outside the tourist area are unlikely to be of a western pub experience. Some English is spoken, but all places mentioned are friendly and offer an authentic experience. Other tips are more than welcome as well as any errors that are spotted.
The capital is a huge metropolis. Despite this, aside from in the tourist areas, very few bars open before 4 or 5pm. Thais work and then enjoy themselves as the sun sets once temperatures have cooled down a little with outdoor bars and night markets providing plenty of options.
Therefore, those wanting pre-match beers are advised to head to the stadiums before the game where beer will be sold. However, it is important to remember that any stadiums located in educational establishments are not permitted to sell alcohol.
Sukhumvit
Another option is to fuel up in town and then head to the game while allowing plenty of time if going by road. Especially for evening kick-offs, when many people are heading home after work which can treble normal distance times. Getting to the stadium early is never a bad option.
The Sportsman on Soi 13 Sukhumvit is a great option with multiscreen sports in a large venue that opens long hours. It also shows all Port FC home and away games. The Game on Sukhumvit Road below Nana BTS station is of a similar style, only showing fewer sports and games. The Clubhouse is a good alternative along similar lines for those finding themselves in Asoke.
Club & Stadium Guide
Those heading to stadiums and wanting local options might like to try out the following.
AUU Inter Bangkok
Desperados who find themselves at the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in the middle of nowhere need to take food and drink with them. It resembles a barren wasteland. The best bet for those wanting to experience something local is a taxi back to Minburi where Min Station Stop on the corner of Sihaburanukit and Suwinthawong Roads offers salvation from 6pm with views of passing overhead trains before heading back to the city.
Bangkok United
The trek to Thammasat Stadium is bound to make anyone thirsty. No beer inside the campus. An alternative is to take your own or for later kick-offs or when contemplating the journey back to the city after a game is Conversation Bar open from 5pm. A decent place with a youngish vibe being by the university. It's on the opposite side of Khlong Luang Road, about a 10-minute walk to the turnstiles. Other options appear to be available down the Sois running off the main drag.
BG Pathum United
A brilliant football venue with an excellent fan zone experience which includes the air-con Rabbits Bar & Restaurant. From 6pm Kin Do Funk on Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road is an excellent option for food, drink, music, and EPL on TV. It’s on the main road back towards Rangsit and the city.
Chamchuri United/National Stadium
The newly developed area to the west of the National Stadium provides many food and drink offerings. A few blocks south many sports shops supply amateur teams with their outfits and gear as well as stocking plenty of Thai League kits.
Customs United/Samut Prakan City
Very little at the stadium apart from a single beer and snack seller. Better options are to be found in Lat Krabang on the main drag which has numerous food and bar options in a surprisingly vibrant district. Kota Bar & Café open all day and sells a good selection of beers by Soi 11/12 on Lat Krabang Road. Another option, on the highly expensive side, is Rest Up bar, which has several craft taps.
Bangkok FC
Bang Mod stadium has the usual stalls outside the venue. For those wanting to try local establishments which could include bars, the area at the end of Pracha Uthit Road looked promising on my visit. Alternatively, take the bus back to Hua Lamphong and then explore Chinatown with the bars on Soi Nana offering decent if expensive options.
Kasem Bundit University
Another alcohol-free venue. Those wanting a meal and beer may enjoy the lakeside location provided by Rim Lagoon Café & Restaurant, which is 30 minutes on foot to the stadium. Alternatively, Chomna Bar & Terrace by the Saen Seap Canal on Ramkhamhaeng Road, which is a similar distance might appeal. Both places are open from midday.
Kasetsart
Another university stadium so again no beer, though plenty of food and coffee options inside the campus. The best option for those wanting local culture bar-wise appears to be to head back to the area by Pathonyothin Road. Nothing is open before 5pm as found on previous recce missions.
Muangthong United
Fans, including ex-pats and Curva Sud Ultras, gather under the tollway on Popular Road. N Zone fans sell cheap beer outside their access gate behind the main stand with music being played. Those wanting an extremely expensive treat might fancy Flann O'Brien's Irish Pub by the Impact Arena while another option from 5pm is Nap Bar on Bond Street, otherwise known as Chaeng Wattana/Pak Kred Soi 33.
North Bangkok University
Same as BG Pathum United apart from no beer being available inside the campus so take your own. Those wanting an alternative post-match might enjoy one of the bar restaurants built on old boats across the Khlong alongside the main road.
Police Tero/Prime Bangkok
A small fan zone on the eastern side of the stadium. Those wanting adventure should arrive at Bang Bua BTS and walk through the village communities on the route to Boonyachinda. It's around 20 to 25 minutes on foot. On return cross Phahonyothin Road and walk down 46 Alley. About 50m on the right there is the wonderful open-fronted Curve Bar that shows EPL and plays good tunes. There are plenty of food options for what is as traditional a local bar as anyone could wish to find. A vibrant young crowd with a university nearby. The estimated opening time is 5pm.
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| Post-match fun at the Curve Bar |
Port FC
A wonderful fan zone at the stadium with probably as good a beer garden as anywhere in Bangkok on a matchday. It is no frills, inexpensive, and buzzing with atmosphere and characters. Plus it isn’t far from the tourist bars in a taxi or just one stop and a walk on the MRT. A great experience before any game.
Rajamanagala Stadium
There are surprisingly few bar options for a stadium of this size. Especially before an evening kick-off. Muangthong fans use a shop that sells beers and has seating outside on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 57. Wink Bar south of the stadium on Ramkhamhaeng 24, Soi 30 is a good option to let the crowds die down after a game along with other options. The night market on Ramkhamhaeng is fantastic for cheap snacks before the game which can be taken into the stadium.
Royal Thai Air Force
Not too much happening at the once busy Thupatemi Stadium. A good option, as with anyone returning from games in the Rangsit area is to stop off at the excellent Save One Go Market by Yæk Kor Por Aor BTS station. It opens at 4pm and has a Chang beer garden where food can be taken in from the multitude of food stalls while there are also plenty of clothes shopping opportunities.
Samut Prakan FC
Quite possibly the standout feature is
Modern Sporty, the sports shop on the main road opposite the main entrance along
from the main stand. It stocks a wide range of football shirts. The area around
the stadium is extremely urban, not unlike a town stadium of the old days in
England. There are interesting-looking bars and food outlets at night two or
three blocks south of the stadium.
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