Buriram United FC
Ground: Chang Arena
Capacity: 32,600
Club Founded: 2012
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
Capacity: 32,600
Club Founded: 2012
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
This page covers the matches I have attended at the Chang Arena since 2019. A delve into the history of Buriram United and my first visit has its own page, as does my visit when the stadium was used as a neutral venue, with its background.
My Visits from 2019 to 2026
Buriram United 1 Beijing Guoan 3
AFC Champions League Group G - Tuesday 9th April 2019
π¨π¨π§π§ 9,345 π️ 150 THB (£3.60)
The fixtures were perfect after the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. I hadn't considered returning to Buriram so soon. Steve, my regular Thai travelling companion, wanted to go, as did Fah, who is originally from the province.
It worked out well. Fah would meet us there, along with Gary, who lived in Buriram. Before we connected with them, we had had some serious issues to overcome to get there. I hadn't done my homework about bus travel in Isan.
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| Traditional Isan train fare. Barbequed chicken on a stick |
Homework Failure
We’d been in Udon Thani v Customs United on Sunday evening, followed by a couple of heavy nights out. I had relied on there being a bus to Buriram. However, I was wrong. We had to change in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the whole journey taking seven hours.
Instead, we decided to take the train and change in Korat. The snag was that we needed to catch the 5.45am service to arrive in Buriram at 2pm. Depending on your sense of humour and attitude, it could be described as the stuff of legends or nightmares.
A Rough Ride
Instead, we decided to take the train and change in Korat. The snag was that we needed to catch the 5.45am service to arrive in Buriram at 2pm. Depending on your sense of humour and attitude, it could be described as the stuff of legends or nightmares.
A Rough Ride
To add an extra dynamic into the equation, I decided to get drunk the night before in Udon and turn into George Best without his talent. It’s fair to say that an interesting evening evolved, meaning two very weary travellers trudging to the station in the dark early the next day. It was not easy to sleep in the basic carriages, but I enjoyed a bit of extra shut-eye.
I saw the elevated part of the track under construction in the Khon Kaen region on my visit the previous June. I’m not sure Steve was quite as fascinated. The assistant at Udon the day before assured us we could take an air-conditioned first-class train between Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram. Steve’s expression at the ticket office, when we changed, told a different tale.
All seats were sold, and we were in a third-class carriage. I wasn’t perturbed. Surely there would be plenty of space? I was wrong. Terribly wrong. I can’t remember ever trying to get on such a busy train between towns for so long. It was a minor miracle that we got my big case on the overhead rack.
Freelance food and drink sellers squeezed down the aisles, adding to the melee. All sold similar wares and shouted the same story. It got past being amusing after a while. It didn’t deter me from buying my favourite lump of chicken on a stick as bemused locals watched the two big Farangs standing up on the train. A gaggle of Beijing fans were sitting further up the carriage. Goodness knows what they made of it all.
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| Steve and Fah |
It was some relief when we pulled into Buriram. Fah was there to greet us on the platform, from where it was only a walk across the track and a minute's walk to the top-class Klim Hotel. I couldn’t remember being as happy to flop on a bed and then take a shower! Gary met us outside at 4pm and took us to Up2you Bar for drinks and excellent Thai food.
Onwards to the Chang Arena, where the car park was fuller than last time. Our friend had sorted out our tickets in advance. Again, no programmes were on sale. Buriram’s opponents had started the Chinese Super League with four straight wins, so it was obviously a big test for the locals. The crowd was poor, but 6pm kick-offs don't help getting from work to the game.
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| Beijing fans section |
The Match
Beijing were serious from the off, taking the lead in the second minute. Star of the show, CΓ©dric Bakambu, turned in Li Lei's low cross at the near post. United responded with some good football, and were unlucky when a defender deflected a cross onto his own post.
However, the Beijing defence was in resolute mood. Yu Dabao was superb throughout. Pedro Junior, Supachai Jaided, and Supachok Sarachart all saw efforts denied. The hosts were made to pay for not taking their chances on the half-hour mark.
However, the Beijing defence was in resolute mood. Yu Dabao was superb throughout. Pedro Junior, Supachai Jaided, and Supachok Sarachart all saw efforts denied. The hosts were made to pay for not taking their chances on the half-hour mark.
Bakambu replicated the opening goal. This time Renato Augusto provided the cross. With no further goals before the break, the hosts needed to regroup and plan. The Democratic Republic of Congo striker Bakambu extinguished home hopes when completing his hat-trick nine minutes after the restart.
To Buriram's credit, they never gave up and created several half-chances. Zou Dehai saved Pedro Junior powerful shot from the edge of the box. Bakambu missed the easiest chance of the game in the seventy-seventh minute. With just over ten minutes left, Buriram got the goal back they thoroughly deserved.
Luong Xuan Truong and sixteen-year-old Suphanat Mueanta put together a clever move through the defence for the youngster to score. We held out hope of a comeback. Another quick goal would have set up a thrilling finale, but it wasn’t to be, despite Buriram’s valiant efforts. The Chinese side showed a little more class and deserved their victory.
Post-Match
After the game we went to Harley Route 288, a fine sprawling bar run by an amiable fella from Portsmouth. Virtually all the expat blokes wore Buriram United shirts. Many had watched the match there rather than going up the road to the stadium. From there, we headed to Paddy's Irish Bar, where the Swedish owner was very friendly.
I was certainly a fan of Buriram's bars. Steve and Fah were also impressed. However, they were tired and went to bed, while Gary and I ventured to Speed Hall and its surroundings. I slept that night, which was just as well. We enjoyed a really good touristy Wednesday after a really good breakfast.
Discovering Buriram Province
Fah wanted to show us her home “village” of Nang Rong. Thankfully, Gary’s drove! That was another eye-opener. Nang Rong turned out to be a town of 21,000 people over thirty miles away! I love doing local cultural stuff, so it was right up my street. Fah seemed pretty chuffed that we’d made the effort too.
We returned and had a proper look and walk around Khao Kradong Forest Park and the volcano on a blistering-hot early afternoon, where the young monks posed for photos. In the evening, we visited The Swan Bar for another outstanding meal before returning to Paddy's Irish Bar.
We returned and had a proper look and walk around Khao Kradong Forest Park and the volcano on a blistering-hot early afternoon, where the young monks posed for photos. In the evening, we visited The Swan Bar for another outstanding meal before returning to Paddy's Irish Bar.
We had a good long drink. Unfortunately, my sense of direction got us lost, and we had a little tiff. I apologised profusely the following morning. By then, I’d licked my wounds at Castleblack craft pub, where I’d wanted to take Steve.
Perked up, I finished the evening in peak form in Tawandang, an entertainment hall, where I watched local acts and smiled with locals. It was the penultimate night of my trip after all. Steve and I flew to Bangkok the next morning with memories of a brilliant few days on the road.
Buriram United 0 BG Pathum United 1
Thai League 1 - Sunday 20th March 2022
π¨π¨π§π§ 22,079 π️ 150 THB (£3.60)
Nakhonchai Air Bus
It was time for another trip to a city that I thoroughly enjoyed, this time with just Steve, after Fah fell ill a couple of days before departure. We travelled by coach on Nakhonchai Air. It was a great choice. The seats were comfortable, like a train's first class. Each had a screen with a full entertainment package, and you could press a button at any time to massage your back.
Plus, we got a food voucher when we stopped. Thoroughly recommended. We arrived around thirty minutes late. We walked to the Klim Hotel for a quick rinse before Gary arrived and drove us to a usual place for food and drinks before the match.
Training Ground Move
The stadium was busy. We finally found seats near the back, even if the crowd figure was nowhere near the published attendance for the 7pm kickoff. It would prove to be another frustrating evening for Buriram. Unbelievably, my record of seeing them lose every time I visited the Chang Arena continued, despite needing a solitary point to clinch the league title.
The excellent away team performance thoroughly merited the win. The only goal came in the thirteenth minute. Sarach Yooyen smashed a volley past goalie Siwarak in a corner kick move, devised on the training ground.
Buriram Frustration
The hosts huffed and puffed against a resolute BGPU side, who prevented any real, clear-cut chances. An effort over the bar from Theerathon summed up their frustration before the same player bent a free kick over the bar. Supachai blasted over on the half-volley soon after half-time. He should have hit the target, but his effort typified the home performance.
Bunmathan was the pick of the home players, bending a low effort just wide and then threading in Jonathan Bolingi, who was denied by the Pathum Thani defence. It looked like the home side had restored parity when Bolingi squared for Suphanat to net. VAR showed it was offside.
Bunmathan was the pick of the home players, bending a low effort just wide and then threading in Jonathan Bolingi, who was denied by the Pathum Thani defence. It looked like the home side had restored parity when Bolingi squared for Suphanat to net. VAR showed it was offside.
They saw the game out with relative ease. Buriram still led BGPU by nine points with four games remaining. It took quite a while to get out of the busy, disorganised car park. We headed to AkriKa bar, where the amiable host Geordie and a few regulars provided excellent company and some good local advice.
Buriram United 2 Port FC 3
Thai League 1 - Sunday 30th April 2023
π¨π¨π§π§ 29,461 π️ 250 THB (£6)
Perfect Day
Some days stand out in your life as a football supporter, and this was most certainly one of them. I don’t suppose Lou Reid was thinking of me when he penned Perfect Day, but that’s what it turned out to be.
My wife Taew and I set out just past 8 am from our Suan Kluai home in Sisaket Province, heading west to Surin, before meeting Gary in Buriram. On arrival, we left the car at the Sita Princess Hotel. Gary drove us to Chang Arena, where I collected tickets I’d bought online earlier in the week, just in case it sold out.
Sightseeing, Lunch, and Football
My pal parked on the main road away from the congested car park. This worked well. The away block was on the way, so we didn’t need a specific meeting point after the game. We passed an outdoor market with food and beers. We used the bar yards from our entrance to catch up with some expats I’d met on previous visits. I pointed out I'd seen Buriram lose all 3 home games I had attended. Not that I gave Port much chance of extending that run.
The Match
We went our separate ways after beers, with our tickets being the usual ridiculous markup as away supporters. Port’s players gave the re-crowned champions a guard of honour onto the pitch ahead of the 5.30pm kickoff. The away side, backed by about 300 fans who’d made the six-hour trip up from Bangkok, started reasonably well.
Suphanat saw a near-post header from a corner go over for the hosts before fellow Thai international striker Supachai missed a chance when put clean through with a slide rule pass from Haris VuΔkiΔ. Negueba had a chance for Port. Siwarak gathered his tame side-foot shot easily. Forward Hamilton, described by some as the Brazilian Andy Carroll was a handful throughout this encounter.
A Port counterattacked. Negueba played in Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom, whose first touch was poor and second awful as he wasted a one-on-one. I was happy enough if the teams were level at the break. No prizes for what happened next.
Suphanat nipped and supplied VuΔkiΔ, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net for the champions after some faffing about at the back between Tanaboon Kesarat and Bordin Phala. VuΔkiΔ had to go off with a strain immediately after, his work done.
At the interval, beers were available downstairs, but I didn’t bother. There was also a pile of Euro Cakes, a sweet version of a UK cake, which were given out free outside by sponsors, but not allowed within view of the pitch. My wife was told not to eat the tubs of sweets in her bag, either, and I am being totally serious.
Goran ΔauΕ‘iΔ missed a good chance for the hosts when the ball was dragged back to him. Port continued to play OK and equalised with Airton, the third Brazilian in the line-up, scoring a superb bending free kick of around 25 yards.
Somporn Yos saved, and ΔauΕ‘iΔ's follow-up was easily dealt with. Just before the hour mark, Port took the lead. Hamilton headed to Worachit Kanitsribampen, on loan from BG Pathum United, who scored. Unbelievably, the linesman's flag was up, but I said straightaway it was a goal because he had come from behind the defender.
It was tighter than I initially thought, but VAR overruled the official, and Port found themselves 2-1 ahead. Three minutes later, the scores were level. Supachai was gifted a free header from a corner and made no mistake.
Away Win!
The restart was delayed when Negueba complained to referee Sivakorn Pu-Udom that Buriram sub, Jonathan Bolingi, had gestured to him. The ref clearly didn't know what had happened, booked Bolingi, and made the situation worse by also showing Hamilton a yellow card for his protestations.
From the kickoff, Buriram won possession and fed Suphanat wide. His low cross found Bolingi, who couldn’t connect firmly, allowing Somporn to save as the atmosphere increased. Ten minutes from time, the away section went wild when a build-up wasn't cleared. It fell to Worachit, who finished very calmly. I could hardly believe what I was seeing.
Siwarak's legs denied Suphanan Bureerat as the visitors threatened to extend their lead with another effort coming back off the underside of the bar. Bolingi was fortunate not to receive a second yellow when, in quick succession, he used his hands to push over a Port player in the upper chest.
From the kickoff, Buriram won possession and fed Suphanat wide. His low cross found Bolingi, who couldn’t connect firmly, allowing Somporn to save as the atmosphere increased. Ten minutes from time, the away section went wild when a build-up wasn't cleared. It fell to Worachit, who finished very calmly. I could hardly believe what I was seeing.
Siwarak's legs denied Suphanan Bureerat as the visitors threatened to extend their lead with another effort coming back off the underside of the bar. Bolingi was fortunate not to receive a second yellow when, in quick succession, he used his hands to push over a Port player in the upper chest.
Post Match
Naturally enough, I was extremely happy, but also disappointed. I know it’s easier when your team wins, but I thought the expat Buriram fans might have been slightly more magnanimous, putting the result down to their poor team rather than offering any praise. Not for the first time, I must add.
We went on to the Astra Bar, a rooftop area on top of the Alvarez Hotel, where it was surreal to hear an expat having a go at the Thai staff for poor service, while a fella from Newcastle 'entertained' the meagre number of customers while singing and playing the keyboard. I did well not to let my laughter show, while my missus told the moaner to calm down in Thai.
On to Afrika, a bar that doesn’t seem to have a clock, to see Geordie, while I continued asking the locals if they enjoyed the game. We ended up at Tawandang nightclub until 3am, where I sang and danced with my good lady and three young Port fans. It was incredibly loud, but fun, with live acts and a DJ. At my age, I should know better!
Buriram United 2 Chonburi 2
We went on to the Astra Bar, a rooftop area on top of the Alvarez Hotel, where it was surreal to hear an expat having a go at the Thai staff for poor service, while a fella from Newcastle 'entertained' the meagre number of customers while singing and playing the keyboard. I did well not to let my laughter show, while my missus told the moaner to calm down in Thai.
On to Afrika, a bar that doesn’t seem to have a clock, to see Geordie, while I continued asking the locals if they enjoyed the game. We ended up at Tawandang nightclub until 3am, where I sang and danced with my good lady and three young Port fans. It was incredibly loud, but fun, with live acts and a DJ. At my age, I should know better!
Buriram United 2 Chonburi 2
Thai League 1 - Sunday 8th October 2023
π¨π¨π§π§ 16,813 π️ 100 THB (£2.40)
Another great day out. Taew drove us through for lunch at a stunning waterside restaurant with our friends. Before the match, we met up with Dale, Nui and Jamie. I played the interviewer, getting opinions and score predictions. Dale, cheering for the visitors, genuinely feared a severe drubbing.
Fans of other clubs generally think that Buriram has too much power through their owner, who has a lot of influence. A few weeks earlier, his side got a huge rub of the green from a referee astonishingly appointed despite being from Buriram. Their away game against Bangkok United was postponed, while other matches are often played in far worse conditions.
That said, Buriram has the best stadium, a fantastic recruitment record, and huge support. They won the domestic treble in the previous two seasons. They came into this match with games in hand on leaders Port, with opponents Chonburi in the drop zone after seven games.
The Action
An incredible game of football ensued, flowing from end to end throughout, and provided a superb spectacle, at least for a neutral, on a slick pitch in pouring rain, which no doubt added to the excitement. Chonburi looked panicky and conceded from a free header after five minutes when Lonsana Doumbouya bulleted in the third of three consecutive corners.
The away side played high-risk, high-reward football. They were thankful their keeper, Patrick Deyto, pulled off a miraculous save from Doumbouya as the pressure mounted. Gradually, the visiting Sharks grew in confidence and kept playing in the same fashion and creating chances.
A video from my visit
Many more Thai football videos on Rob’s Roving Sports Report
Lira smashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar, while he was also dominant in the air. He looked like a proper player throughout. Both sides were going for it and fashioning opportunities. Supachai missed a header soon after the restart. Chonburi were reduced to ten men with half an hour remaining.
Lira was shown his second yellow card. Both bookings were questionable. Instead of being deflated, his team found another gear and scored despite a VAR check for offside through Channarong Promsrikaew with twenty minutes to go.
The away fans were wild with delight in the open corner. Dale had earlier had a huge row with stewards who wanted to confiscate his brolly that was protecting him and his wife. The hosts missed chances before Supachai finished expertly five minutes later. Again, a VAR check, this time for a push, which went in Buriram’s favour.
A Deserved Ovation
Surely that was that. I thought it could easily end 4 or 5-1 as the visitors were out on their feet. Deyto and his defence were performing miracles as the play stretched and turned into something like a basketball match. However, there was a sting in the tail as the impressive Murillo turned his full-back, cut inside and then unleashed a beauty into the far corner past Siwarak in the home net.
Incredible stuff, as Buriram then did everything but snatch a winner. To their credit, the Buriram fans reception to the Chonburi players was wonderful to witness and well deserved. Indeed, the noise from the West Zone was impressive all evening.
Beer Time
After the game, Dale said he was gutted that his side hadn’t taken all three points. I was only eight numbers out from winning a bed mattress in the halftime draw. It might have been interesting carting that around the town, mind. A fine Indian feed after the match at Afrika Bar, followed by a ridiculously large craft beer session at Jiejiu on Thani Alley.
Five fridges full of bottles and cans from around the world were among the choices. The bar had a great concept. You pick them from the fridge, then pay at the counter, and then sit down, with waitresses bringing you glasses. The big screen showed the EPL. The Thai Everton-supporting owner was very flexible when he shut.
We returned home with two carrier bags full of empty cans, as my good lady hit upon the idea of fixing them to the garden fence and putting pebbles in them so they would rattle in the wind and scare the chickens away from the crops. She’s dafter than me. My hangover on the way home the following morning was not pretty.
Buriram United 1 Port FC 1
Thai League 1 - Sunday 12th May 2024
π¨π¨π§π§ 31,200 π️ 250 THB (£6)
Usual Routine
Back to Buriram by car, and the usual lunch before checking in at the Klim Hotel. We enjoyed plenty of social activity with four couples in our group, some supporting each side. Before heading to the stadium, we visited Afrika Bar. At the ground, we sat down for drinks near the entrance to the away fans block.
Going to Buriram is like going to a good-level European game, with a great matchday experience. On this occasion, a junior tournament with good crowds was being played out on the nearby training pitches. My friends attending for the first time were extremely impressed.
The match was a wonderful advert for Thai football at a packed Chang Arena as the hosts, requiring a win to secure the title, were held by third-place Port, who were denied a late winner by a very dubious VAR intervention.
The Match
Buriram controlled the early stages before Port found their breath and ensured keeper Somporn was untroubled. The visitors from Bangkok took the lead when a scuffed effort found its way to Worachit, who slotted past Siwarak Thedsungnoen. The scorer didn’t celebrate, assuming that he was offside, like most of the crowd.
However, VAR showed he was just on. Thai national team captain Theerathon creates division among opposing fans. He’s an excellent player who delivered some great crosses throughout the game, but as ever, he and Port fans exchanged words. Supporters respect him but genuinely don’t like him.
In the second half, Port took control, playing at a slower pace and keeping possession with a polished performance. They created a few half-chances. As they very rarely kept a clean sheet, they should have taken their opportunities.
In the second half, Port took control, playing at a slower pace and keeping possession with a polished performance. They created a few half-chances. As they very rarely kept a clean sheet, they should have taken their opportunities.
Guilherme Bissoli, the mid-season Buriram signing, made all the difference as they overtook Bangkok United and headed towards their eighth title in twelve seasons. The Brazilian was a class act, always in the thick of the action and being a pest to the opposition, while never being short of a word in the ref’s ear.
It found space from a corner to head home after sixty-four minutes despite Somporn’s best efforts. He came close again from another tremendous, wise delivery that Port failed to get to grips with throughout the encounter. The away side went for the win rather than a draw.
They thought that they had scored a winner around ten minutes from time. A near-post corner was deflected in. Bissoli complained he was pushed. Referee Sivakorn Pu-Udom is a leading Thai official and had an excellent game. However, he was summoned to check the VAR monitor for reasons that those who watched the highlights later still couldn’t work out.
I’m unsure what directive the Thai FA gave referees, but he decided to chalk off the goal. It caused plenty of anger both in the stadium and on social media. Buriram tend to get many favourable decisions throughout a season. It's a shame to be tainted, as the club does so much right.
After the match, we had a proper session at Jiejiu in town, before returning to the Klim Hotel, which was up to its old excellent standards. Back home, I eventually edited a video for my YouTube Channel.
Buriram United 0 Port FC 1
After the match, we had a proper session at Jiejiu in town, before returning to the Klim Hotel, which was up to its old excellent standards. Back home, I eventually edited a video for my YouTube Channel.
Buriram United 0 Port FC 1
Thai League 1 - Sunday 2nd February 2025
π¨π¨π§π§ 31,305 π️ 250 THB (£6)
Amazing Experience
An utterly amazing day and night in wonderful company. It is right up there with any football experience. You can watch the video on my YouTube Channel. It began early with a smooth train ride from Bangkok. Great friends once in Buriram with an excellent pre-match.
I was certain Port would receive a drubbing, and my unbeaten away team run at the stadium would end. Interim boss Choke chose a line-up not everyone agreed with, but every player gave everything they had. The winning goal came from Chinnawat Wongchai after twenty-six minutes.
I was certain Port would receive a drubbing, and my unbeaten away team run at the stadium would end. Interim boss Choke chose a line-up not everyone agreed with, but every player gave everything they had. The winning goal came from Chinnawat Wongchai after twenty-six minutes.
A Long Night Out
The rest of the game resembled an onslaught, with the hosts having around 80% possession. Somporn in the Port goal was inspired while defenders continually put their bodies on the line and restricted the star-studded Buriram lineup to a few chances on goal. Supachai came closest to an equaliser when his shot hit the post.
The celebrations were joyous and long. We visited bars and then the entertainment zone, finishing close to 3am in Tawandang. The following day was a struggle, but worth it. If only every football day was like this one. Perhaps that’s its beauty and why we savoured it so much.
Buriram United 1 Port 0
Thai League 1 - Sunday 14th December 2025
π¨π¨π§π§ 17,151 π️ 250 THB (£6)
We went in the car again and went for lunch with Gary and mum, reminiscing about the good old days. We met with our friends and headed to the stadium for drinks in the usual place. A large following of Port fans had made the journey in a positive mood. Not so, a couple of hours later.
Dark Thoughts
I seldom leave a football stadium angry in my later life, but the Thunder Castle goings-on upset me on this occasion. The reigning champs won with Goran ΔauΕ‘iΔ's stoppage-time goal, but that’s only a bit of the story.
Port were at least equal to Buriram throughout and had spells on top. The refereeing of Torphong Somsing was biased in favour of the hosts, going one step further in the seventy-third minute when, after a VAR check decided to send off Chanukun Karin for an alleged stamp, which was inconclusive to those watching on TV.
Port were at least equal to Buriram throughout and had spells on top. The refereeing of Torphong Somsing was biased in favour of the hosts, going one step further in the seventy-third minute when, after a VAR check decided to send off Chanukun Karin for an alleged stamp, which was inconclusive to those watching on TV.
Thai Football's Elephant in the Room
Naturally, pressure grew on the away side’s goal, leading to the winner. A frustrated Asnawi Bahar received a second yellow, leading to a huge melee in the middle of the pitch. When my Buriram friends said they were lucky to win and were shocked by some of the decisions, it said an awful lot.
The neutrals I took with me in the away end were completely staggered. Alexandre Gama, the Brazilian Port coach, was fined 100,000 THB for his post-match comments regarding the ref. Incredible. Muangthong United and BG Pathum United were fined only 50,000 each for serious crowd trouble at their game, with three ending up in hospital.
But that sums up Thai football in a nutshell. Nobody is allowed to criticise officials because the authorities lose face. Buriram seem to get away with anything they want. Or at least that's how it looks to fans of other clubs.
Fun Continues
We calmed down with a nice drink at the excellent Castle Black, ironically owned by the football club. We met the others at Buddy By Bus in the entertainment zone before calling it a night.
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