Thai Football 2026/27: What to Expect from the New Season

It doesn’t matter where a football fan is located around the world. The arrival of a new season brings expectation, excitement and hope, and supporters in Thailand are no different. This year, however, they have to wait slightly longer for domestic football to get underway, with the Thailand national team involved in the ASEAN Championship.

So what is in store in 2026-27?

The Thunder Castle Chang Arena in Buriram

Buriram United Dominance

Those who follow club football in Thailand to any degree know that Buriram United is the dominant side. The Isan outfit has a powerful owner and is streets ahead of the competition in terms of merchandise, their stadium, training facilities, recruitment and the cash they invest. In a nutshell, they are based on successful European operations rather than using a scattergun approach generally favoured by their rivals.

Since becoming Buriram United, the club has collected 10 league titles in the last 13 years. They have won Thai League 1 for the last 5 seasons. They have won 4 FA Cups in the last 5 years, as well as the League Cup 3 times during the same period.

Therefore, it will be no shock that I predict they will continue to win the league and the cups. Their performances lead to competing in AFC Asian competitions, where big money is earned, so the cycle continues.

BG Stadium, Pathum Thani

A Competitive League

However, if you take away Buriram, the rest of the league is extremely competitive. There are some good teams like Port FC and Bangkok United, and the occasional well-run club such as Ratchaburi and BG Pathum United.

There is excitement in my part of the world as both Rasisalai United and Sisaket United won promotion to the elite level of the Thai League last season. The big shock was when former dominant club Muangthong United went in the opposite direction and will be looking to make a swift return.

Who goes down and is replaced by who sees fans discussing endlessly on social media, with Facebook packed with pages of supporters' groups across the country, along with others who spread news that is often little more than unsubstantiated rumours. If you need information about matches and the clubs, then Facebook or Line is the place to look in Thailand.

Pre-Match Ambience at Port FC

How to Attend Matches

Attendances at matches continue to show positive signs of improvement. Going to a game is still an excellent few hours out, with all sections of the community having fun. The tickets are easily available; they are relatively inexpensive, and the whole experience means that even if the game is poor, the time spent isn’t wasted.

Most stadiums have vendors outside selling food and beer, with chairs and tables laid out. The prices are comparable to local bars and restaurants, sometimes even cheaper, rather than the exploitation of fans that often goes on in the UK. Supporters often play local music outside, adding to the atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet people and make friends.

The atmosphere inside the stadiums can be extremely vibrant, with passionate home supporters often giving match officials feedback. Yet, it is extremely rare to see animosity between opposition supporters. In my experience, they are more likely to want to talk and drink with you.

Breadcrumbed Chicken on a Stick

 - A Thai Stadium Classic

How to Watch at Home

For those who cannot get to a game, AIS, a communications company, has a contract to show all games in the 3 divisions live, as well as most cup matches. Those who subscribe can watch on their mobile devices, while those who have an AIS Wi-Fi connection can view the action on their TVs via a box.

Madame Pang

The FA President Nualphan Lamsam, usually referred to by her nickname, Madame Pang, has done many good things since her appointment to the role. BYD has become the league sponsor, and Chang beer is the name associated with the FA Cup, while Mueang Thai Life Insurance sponsors two other cups.

She negotiated the TV deal that assists clubs throughout the 3 national divisions with their finances. Better governance, administration, and discipline throughout Thai football have been introduced, with clubs required to reach higher standards. The Under-21 League has also grown in numbers this season. The League launch is now a big event that gains increased publicity.

Yes, some things could be improved in Thai football, but much of that responsibility lies with the clubs. They need to be better communicators with supporters, telling them the news, whether it is good or bad. They need to improve their facilities, upgrade stadiums and build infrastructure rather than spending cash on short-term foreign signings, some of whom flatter to deceive.

Dragon Solar Park - Ratchaburi

National Team Improvement

The Thai national team are showing signs of improvement too, with Madame Pang playing her part by persuading some of those with dual passports, who play in leagues elsewhere, to choose Thailand. Head coach Anthony Hudson is building a decent team that has one foot in the final of the ASEAN Championships as I write.

They will compete in the 4-team King’s Cup in Sisaket in November and then the AFC Championships against the best of Asia in Saudi Arabia next year. By the end of the season, supporters will know much more about the progress made by their national heroes.

Matchday Fun

A Closing Round-Up

So, in closing, while Buriram United will more than likely lift all 3 major domestic trophies once more, along with the Shopee Cup, the Southeast Asian championship, there is much to look forward to.

New teams are looking to make their mark in Thai League 1, established old hands want to return to former glories, and the Thailand national team could reach new levels.

And best of all, those who want to go to matches can do so, having an inexpensive day, enjoying food and drink with friends old and new and taking in a fantastic atmosphere, so even if the game is poor, the time is never wasted.