Rasisalai United FC
Ground: Sisaket SAT Stadium
Capacity: 10,000
Club Founded: 2019
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
This page covers the remarkable 2025-26 season and my memories from attending the home matches of Rasisalai United. A club history and my first match have their own pages, as do the games from September 2023 to June 2025.
Rasisalai United 3 Sisaket United 3
Thai League 2 - Thursday 28th August 2025
👨👨👧👧 4,458 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
Amazing Local Derby
An incredible experience for which I ran out of superlatives long before the end of filming clips for the video for my YouTube Channel. To have two sides from my adopted province put on such a display was a pleasure to witness on an occasion that will live long in the memory.
Unprecedented queues of traffic waiting to access the complex from the main road, the full car park and chaotic parking thereafter, the size of the crowd, the happy vibes, the vendors doing roaring trades, fans mixing freely and having fun, the weather holding off after days of heavy rain, and then, of course, the football.
Unprecedented queues of traffic waiting to access the complex from the main road, the full car park and chaotic parking thereafter, the size of the crowd, the happy vibes, the vendors doing roaring trades, fans mixing freely and having fun, the weather holding off after days of heavy rain, and then, of course, the football.
Rasi on top before the speedy Steeven Langil broke and finished brilliantly for Sisaket, who doubled their lead when the Frenchman set up Sarawut Thorarit after half an hour. The hosts were somehow kept at bay by the post and bar in an attacking move near the break.
Coach Arnon weaved his magic at the interval, as he often does, with his troops reducing the arrears within seven minutes through a header from the ever-impressive Natchanon Yongsakool. How he and his twin, Nattapon, had not been picked up by a T1 club is incredible.
It probably said much about the spirit at Rasisalai, where many players developed together.
Langil broke through again midway through the second period to finish with aplomb, and that in normal circumstances would have been that, with an away win following. However, Rasi never fails to create chances. Alberto Gouvea reduced the arrears soon after with a header after fine work from fellow Brazilian Gilberto Macena.
The noise around us was deafening, not least from the racket being made by the partner of Gouvea and the wife and son of defender Ramon behind us. Sisaket were tiring, notably defender Pakornkiat Kaena, who had been outstanding earlier. Perhaps the bulk he had put on was slowing him down.
Own Goal Drama
The game was levelled in the most unlikely of ways. A hopeful ball towards the edge of the Sisaket box was somehow volleyed into his own net by the substitute, Tiwa Piswai, severely piswaiing off many in the busy away section. It was perhaps fitting that such an entertaining game was levelled up so comically.
There was still drama in stoppage time as Fellipe Veloso was denied on the line, and then keeper Sakkongpop Sukprasert pounced on another effort. Seconds later, the inconsistent ref, Kanoksak Khiaodaeng, blew the full-time whistle, as players fell to the ground, and we gradually made our way out of the stadium slowly back to the main road. Incredible.
There was still drama in stoppage time as Fellipe Veloso was denied on the line, and then keeper Sakkongpop Sukprasert pounced on another effort. Seconds later, the inconsistent ref, Kanoksak Khiaodaeng, blew the full-time whistle, as players fell to the ground, and we gradually made our way out of the stadium slowly back to the main road. Incredible.
The video of the derby for my YouTube Channel
Thai League 2 - Sunday 14th September 2025
👨👨👧👧 1,164 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
Fun as VIPs
An excellent day out, started with 9 holes of golf on a semi-waterlogged course. Guinness and pizza were enjoyed before the match in eclectic and entertaining company, including a John introducing Paul, a former Netherlands softball Olympic team manager.
In the stands were sitting next to Fillipe Veloso and Steeven Langil of Sisaket United’s overseas stars, plus two Rasisalai WAGS and the son of Ramon. This was while we continued to sit in the VIP area, which we had used in the third tier, without anyone asking any questions. Indeed, several Rasi officials and sponsors acknowledged us.
The Match
The Match
It turned out to be quite a regulation victory, as unbeaten Rasi defeated a limited but organised visiting team, who defended deep and in depth. The first half was quite dull as Chanthaburi denied the home team much space to get in behind, which they are adept at exploiting.
There was not too much to talk about until ten minutes into the second half. Gilberto Macena was adamant that a defender had handled in the box, but play continued until the ref got a message from VAR to look at the screen. He pointed to the spot, and Macena slotted home.
We were hoping that the goal would make Chanthaburi change tack.
We were hoping that the goal would make Chanthaburi change tack.
They made a couple of subs, but they hardly mustered any shots, despite Rodrigo Maranhão doing a lot of hard work. Much of them being kept at bay was thanks to defender Ramon Mesquita, who had an excellent game, which was probably as well. Rasi had their second-choice goalie, Phumeworapol Wannabutr, between the sticks.
If ever a more butterfingered custodian has been let loose in professional football, I’d be astonished. He appeared to be frightened to death and consequently flapped at everything. A second penalty for handball was awarded, wrongly in my book, by the ref. Macena put it away. Ramon finished things off with an unmarked bullet header from a corner six minutes from time.
Rasisalai United 2 Police Tero 1
If ever a more butterfingered custodian has been let loose in professional football, I’d be astonished. He appeared to be frightened to death and consequently flapped at everything. A second penalty for handball was awarded, wrongly in my book, by the ref. Macena put it away. Ramon finished things off with an unmarked bullet header from a corner six minutes from time.
Rasisalai United 2 Police Tero 1
Thai League 2 - Saturday 27th September 2025
👨👨👧👧 1,246 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
Sisaket Sports Pub
Sisaket Sports Pub
Pre-match, on this occasion, was spent in The Londoner sports pub watching an earlier T3 game. I enjoyed the happy hour Guinness offer, with a soundtrack to the 80s/90s/00s on in the background, creating a fine ambience.
What followed was a fantastic game of football between two good teams. A 92nd-minute winner sent Rasi three points ahead at the top of the table. Was top-tier football heading to Sisaket? It would take a good team, or injuries and suspensions to their star players, to stop them.
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| My old Tero mate, Shiro |
After a VAR check for offside, the goal was given, while those at the desk looked at two potential penalties without summoning the excellent referee, Kriangkrai Thiphanunjarukorn. Refs and VAR teams have recently been sent on a course and have been quicker and more decisive since.
It was all square just before the break when central defender Ramon tried to clear from near the line, cannoning the ball against a teammate, which fell at the feet of Veeraphong Aon-pean. He made no mistake from a few yards out, much to the joy of the 30 or so from Bangkok in the away section behind the goal.
Both sides played excellent football at times in the second half. Twins Natchanon and Nattapon Yongsakool were as excellent as ever in midfield, while veteran forward Gilberto Macena was as clever as ever, closely marked by the excellent Isaac Honny. Macena must have been some player when younger.
It looked like it would end level, and that would have been about fair enough, but successful teams often dig deep to find something extra. A cross was cleverly volleyed home at the near post by Nattapon. Tero threw everything forward, but Rasi held out.
Rasisalai United 3 Pattani 2
Thai League 2 - Sunday 19th October 2025
👨👨👧👧 1,249 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
After pre-match in The Londoner, we enjoyed another extremely entertaining game between the sides who served up a classic in the playoffs a few months earlier, as Rasisalai continued their incredible run to maintain their place at the top of the table.
They went 3-0 up, playing quality attacking football with Nattapon outstanding in midfield, scoring two and setting up the other goal for Alberto Gouvea. Yet, it wouldn’t be a Rasi game without them conceding. Pattani are lamentable at the back but always look to attack.
After pre-match in The Londoner, we enjoyed another extremely entertaining game between the sides who served up a classic in the playoffs a few months earlier, as Rasisalai continued their incredible run to maintain their place at the top of the table.
They went 3-0 up, playing quality attacking football with Nattapon outstanding in midfield, scoring two and setting up the other goal for Alberto Gouvea. Yet, it wouldn’t be a Rasi game without them conceding. Pattani are lamentable at the back but always look to attack.
The visitors grabbed goals back through Ekkachai Samre and Chukid Wanpraphao, leading to a nervy final eight minutes. Special mention to both goalies who made some excellent saves but also let in a goal apiece, they’d probably rather forget. Regular goalie Sakkongpop was again on the bench for some reason for this encounter. Our posse agreed. He must play.
Rasisalai United 2 Trat 2 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium
Rasisalai United 2 Trat 2 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium
Thai League 2 - Saturday 1st November 2025
👨👨👧👧 1,087 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
Venue Change
This game was played at the Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of neighbours Sisaket United, as Rasi’s home was under repair after a concert where 20,000 attended the previous weekend, damaging the pitch.
There was a muted atmosphere as spectators adhered to requests to continue showing respect for the passing of Queen Sirikit. It meant that for the following year, there would be a period of reflection for the monarch before all games. This would be as well as the national and King's anthems, the latter a recent addition to boost morale around the border conflict.
The Match
Trat went ahead through a great individual goal from the impressive Myanmar forward, Than Paing. The ‘home’ side levelled up shortly after half-time through Wichit Kongsinkaew, who finished a low cross at the near post. Rasi’s defence went walkabout once again, allowing sub, Crislan Henrique, to put the visitors ahead before Gilberto Macena’s late spot kick.
Top of the table Rasi were not at their best, needing VAR intervention to have the penalty awarded, after the ref had somehow missed the clear handball offence. Plenty of advice was offered to the referee and his timekeeping at the end. Fines would be arriving, no doubt, as the lady owner Nuch lost her discipline as well as several of her players.
Rasisalai United 2 Kasetsart 1
Thai League 2 - Sunday 30th November 2025
👨👨👧👧 958 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
I loved my matchday in Sisaket. It was again spent in excellent company, with a decent feed, as well as lots of beer and whisky. A game of few chances ensued, which was well refereed.
A valuable late stoppage time winner on the volley from Alberto Gouvea, who latched onto a smart flicked header from a cross, took unbeaten Rasisalai back to the top of the table, as temperatures warmed up again following a week of cold weather. Temperatures had dropped to as low as 15 degrees at times.
A valuable late stoppage time winner on the volley from Alberto Gouvea, who latched onto a smart flicked header from a cross, took unbeaten Rasisalai back to the top of the table, as temperatures warmed up again following a week of cold weather. Temperatures had dropped to as low as 15 degrees at times.
The goal could have been argued to be unfair on the visitors who put in a fine shift and had themselves equalised with three minutes remaining. Jaeyong Lee rose to head home from a corner to momentarily silence the home crowd. This was after a fine near-post header from bustling forward Wichit four minutes before half-time.
Returning home, I celebrated living in Thailand for four years with another couple of drinks with my wife, Taew. I certainly slept well.
Rasisalai United 1 Chiangmai United 0
Thai League 2 - Sunday 7th December 2025
👨👨👧👧 1,256 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
Another good day out with golf, great food, drink, and excellent company before we watched an easy enough win for Rasi, who extended the lead at the top of the table to four points, but more importantly, twelve points over their neighbours Sisaket United, placed in third after the weekend's games.
A well-worked goal headed in by Supab Muengchan did the job. Chiangmai United failed to register a shot on target throughout despite playing some reasonable stuff, with the hosts Gilberto Macena missing a VAR-awarded penalty in the closing stages.
Rasisalai United 3 Nakhonsi United 0
Thai League 2 - Wednesday 4th February 2026
👨👨👧👧 1,029 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
Those who made the long journey from the south must have thought their team was going to reward them by forcing a draw. However, late drama ensued as Rasi, without a win in three games, scored three times in the final four minutes, while second-placed Police Tero were getting pumped 4-1 away to Chiangmai United at the same time.
The game changed when midfielder Nattapon was introduced ten minutes into the second half. Still missing his injured twin, he transformed the attacking intent of the hosts, boosted further twelve minutes later when forward Wichit came on.
It was he who headed home the opener, followed by a near-post finish from Gilberto Macena from a corner and then a penalty from Alberto Gouvea in stoppage time. We headed away even happier after an already good day of golf, food, beer and meeting new friends, while my whisky hip flask got a working over at the match.
Rasisalai United 2 Songkhla 0
Thai League 2 - Saturday 14th February 2026
👨👨👧👧 1,345 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
A Top Ref
A day out that included 9 holes of poor quality golf, food and beers in an otherwise fully reserved Leo’s before a stop in Craft and Cold, which had a buy one get one free offer on their taps. I think the locally brewed cocoa stout and cocoa porter were as good as I’ve sampled from them. The usual excellent company to boot on a hot day!
The march to the title and promotion continued when we arrived at the stadium. A really good match devoid mostly of theatrics, thanks to the superb referee Wathanyu Morin, about the best I’ve seen in Thailand. Both sides helped by playing properly, knowing they wouldn’t be getting away with anything.
My Roving Report Video for A Thai Football Podcast
Proper Use of VAR
Songkhla were the better side in the second half, going behind to a header from Birthday twin Nattapon, superbly set up by Aphisit after thirty-eight minutes. Veteran home goalie Sakkongpop had a marvellous game, making some vital stops. Big defender Alex Flavio stood out for the visitors.
The ref rounded off his display, after the dreaded VAR poking its nose in when Somyot scored Rasi’s second goal late on. They advised Wathanyu to go to the screen, which he did, and then gave the goal. More of this, please. Credit too to the 14 away fans travelling 1,500 km each way.
Rasisalai United 0 Pattaya United 1
Thai League 2 - Sunday 22nd February 2026
👨👨👧👧 1,459 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
This was one of the more remarkable football matches I have ever attended, as part of an excellent day out.
Build Up
It began with golf, where the locals wanted us to stay on and take part in a competition. Tempting though it was, the air-con, beers, and food, and Leo’s pre-match won. We headed to the SAT Stadium without an inkling of what we were about to experience.
It was an important encounter for both sides. The three nearest challengers to Rasi at the top of the table all lost the previous evening. The competitive division, if at times lacking quality, was similar to a poor man’s EFL Championship. A home win would have widened the gap to ten points clear. Pattaya needed points in their battle to avoid relegation.
Dramatic Action
The visitors were the better side for the opening thirty minutes. Veteran home goalie, Sakkongpop, made some good stops, which continued after the break. Rasi coach introduced star midfielder Natchanon, still recovering from injury, and the course of the game changed. Chommaphat in the Pattaya goal found his workload increased thereafter.
Arnold was clean through for the visitors and about to pull the trigger straight after the break when the ball took a ridiculous bobble on the poor playing surface. Both sides had efforts on goal well saved, before Rasi looked like they’d taken the lead, only for Alberto Gouvea to be correctly given offside when poking in a rebound off the bar.
Pattaya went ahead with twelve minutes of normal time remaining, as Gregory Rocha prodded home a free kick. Rasi poured forward to be denied a clear penalty when Chommaphat took the legs of Gouvea away from under him. The ref waved play on with VAR surprisingly not intervening. Remarkable when later viewing the incident online.
Emotions Run High
While the Rasi players surrounded the ref and linesman, the keeper threw the ball out, and Pattaya missed a glaring opportunity at the other end. They were then caught out of position as the ball went to a Rasi forward who was adjudged offside, with the linesman seemingly not looking at the players behind him.
An incredible decision, which saw owner Nuch march out of the stands and harangue the officials. This was after a few minutes of ranting on the mic that she had grabbed off the stadium announcer, who had the common sense to turn it off. Not that it bothered her, continuing her rant and encouraging the home fans to act.
Coach Arnon, meanwhile, was sitting behind us in the stand, serving a touchline ban of his own. Those on the bench were also losing their cool. The ref had a decent game, but he was not helped by his linesman and the lack of VAR when it was needed. He then also started to lose control under pressure.
Utter Chaos Reigns
No board was displayed to show how many additional minutes would be played. There were five in the first half. In the eight minutes of time added on in the second period, an almighty scramble, including all twenty-two players, saw Rasi force the ball over the line.
The ref was summoned to look at VAR, where it looked as though the goal was disallowed for handball. Ten minutes later, he blew his whistle for full-time. He received rapid police protection from Nuch, whom the home players tried to lead away. Her son tried to make peace with the fourth official. Coach Arnon remained remarkably calm behind us.
An hour or so after full-time, the official Rasi Facebook page posted an address from Nuch, accusing the officials of cheating, telling everyone she is not hot-headed, but apologising for her inappropriate language. The ref wouldn’t allow her into his room to discuss matters, and who can blame him?
The Aftermath
While Nuch had overseen the remarkable Rasi story, from youth team in the Amateur League to the cusp of the top-flight, her passion sometimes got the better of her. Read how many times she is mentioned for her behaviour on the pages of this Blog.
Astonishing, action-packed, controversial, passions boiling over, the lady owner on the pitch, the ref needing police protection, goals overruled by VAR, and plenty more going on. An incredible weekend as the four teams at the top of the table all lost. To give it its deserved justice, I’ve written something more in-depth for those interested.
The accusations rumbled on, leading to stadium bans for the owner and her son, while a coach was suspended from sitting on the bench. Thai football is rarely dull!
Build Up
It began with golf, where the locals wanted us to stay on and take part in a competition. Tempting though it was, the air-con, beers, and food, and Leo’s pre-match won. We headed to the SAT Stadium without an inkling of what we were about to experience.
It was an important encounter for both sides. The three nearest challengers to Rasi at the top of the table all lost the previous evening. The competitive division, if at times lacking quality, was similar to a poor man’s EFL Championship. A home win would have widened the gap to ten points clear. Pattaya needed points in their battle to avoid relegation.
Dramatic Action
The visitors were the better side for the opening thirty minutes. Veteran home goalie, Sakkongpop, made some good stops, which continued after the break. Rasi coach introduced star midfielder Natchanon, still recovering from injury, and the course of the game changed. Chommaphat in the Pattaya goal found his workload increased thereafter.
Arnold was clean through for the visitors and about to pull the trigger straight after the break when the ball took a ridiculous bobble on the poor playing surface. Both sides had efforts on goal well saved, before Rasi looked like they’d taken the lead, only for Alberto Gouvea to be correctly given offside when poking in a rebound off the bar.
Pattaya went ahead with twelve minutes of normal time remaining, as Gregory Rocha prodded home a free kick. Rasi poured forward to be denied a clear penalty when Chommaphat took the legs of Gouvea away from under him. The ref waved play on with VAR surprisingly not intervening. Remarkable when later viewing the incident online.
Emotions Run High
While the Rasi players surrounded the ref and linesman, the keeper threw the ball out, and Pattaya missed a glaring opportunity at the other end. They were then caught out of position as the ball went to a Rasi forward who was adjudged offside, with the linesman seemingly not looking at the players behind him.
An incredible decision, which saw owner Nuch march out of the stands and harangue the officials. This was after a few minutes of ranting on the mic that she had grabbed off the stadium announcer, who had the common sense to turn it off. Not that it bothered her, continuing her rant and encouraging the home fans to act.
Coach Arnon, meanwhile, was sitting behind us in the stand, serving a touchline ban of his own. Those on the bench were also losing their cool. The ref had a decent game, but he was not helped by his linesman and the lack of VAR when it was needed. He then also started to lose control under pressure.
Utter Chaos Reigns
No board was displayed to show how many additional minutes would be played. There were five in the first half. In the eight minutes of time added on in the second period, an almighty scramble, including all twenty-two players, saw Rasi force the ball over the line.
The ref was summoned to look at VAR, where it looked as though the goal was disallowed for handball. Ten minutes later, he blew his whistle for full-time. He received rapid police protection from Nuch, whom the home players tried to lead away. Her son tried to make peace with the fourth official. Coach Arnon remained remarkably calm behind us.
An hour or so after full-time, the official Rasi Facebook page posted an address from Nuch, accusing the officials of cheating, telling everyone she is not hot-headed, but apologising for her inappropriate language. The ref wouldn’t allow her into his room to discuss matters, and who can blame him?
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| Owner Nuch. Not a hotheaded woman |
The Aftermath
While Nuch had overseen the remarkable Rasi story, from youth team in the Amateur League to the cusp of the top-flight, her passion sometimes got the better of her. Read how many times she is mentioned for her behaviour on the pages of this Blog.
Astonishing, action-packed, controversial, passions boiling over, the lady owner on the pitch, the ref needing police protection, goals overruled by VAR, and plenty more going on. An incredible weekend as the four teams at the top of the table all lost. To give it its deserved justice, I’ve written something more in-depth for those interested.
The accusations rumbled on, leading to stadium bans for the owner and her son, while a coach was suspended from sitting on the bench. Thai football is rarely dull!
Rasisalai United 3 Nakhonpathom United 0
Thai League 2 - Tuesday 3rd February 2026
👨👨👧👧 1,879 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
It was a very hot day in Sisaket, making golf challenging before John and I visited Cuckoo's Nest, a visit to a restaurant off the beaten track for a fine meal and to beat the religious day booze ban, news of which didn’t appear to reach the stadium vendors either.
We then watched a thoroughly comprehensive win from the leaders as they pressurised their opponents before calmly putting away their chances. A fine back header from Nattapon after half an hour was added to by a quality finish from Alberto Gouvea just before the hour was up.
His low cross was deflected into his own net by Pitipol in the fourth minute of stoppage time to put the icing on the cake. Pathom had zero efforts on goal. My return journey, with driver Uan, was spent keeping up with Sisaket's vital away game at Bangkok FC, which also ended in a win. It was looking like both the province's clubs were heading to the top flight.
Rasisalai United 3 Mahasarakham SBT 0
Thai League 2 - Saturday 18th April 2026
👨👨👧👧 4,132 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)
A grand day out to celebrate Rasisalai being crowned as champions, along with the promotion sealed three weeks earlier. Shopping, golf, pizza, beer, and then friendships, both old and new, were acquainted at our usual pre-match haunt.
A big crowd assembled to get involved with all the razzamatazz associated with such days. While it is not hugely my scene, it was nice to celebrate and reflect on the incredible journey that Rasisalai had been on. While remembering that interesting times would be ahead the following season, playing against Thailand's elite clubs.
The hosts turned the match into a simple win once Marasarkham gave their best efforts with a storm at their backs in the first half. They, like many other visitors against Rasisalai, ran out of steam after the incessant pace and pressure took effect.
Once Wichit scored after the break, there was only ever going to be one result. He doubled the lead before the ref went to the VAR monitor to award a penalty. I didn’t think there was too much in it, but the player who was collided with, Alberto Gouvea, picked himself up to round things off in fine style.
Then we had the presentation ceremony, which ran surprisingly efficiently, with a cheque for 5 million THB (£115,550) handed over. This, along with the medals and the Thai League 2 trophy, was greeted by fireworks. All of which is covered in Rob's Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast.
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