Siam FC

 

Siam FC is a semi-professional football club located in the Thai capital of Bangkok, which was originally formed in 2011 as Rangsit FC, who were given a place in the third tier Regional League Division 2 Bangkok Metropolitan Region as an expansion club in 2012.

A debut season eleventh place playing at Leo Stadium, home of Bangkok Glass. A change of name for the following campaign to Thonburi BG United followed, with the team a reserve side for Glass, with home games played at Thonburi University Stadium. 

The side ended second from bottom in Central & Western Region prior to a move back to the Bangkok region, where they reverted to the Rangsit name, finishing in midtable while playing at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi Satadium.

A return to Leo Stadium followed in 2015, and with it, a slight improvement on the pitch, with another similar position being achieved a year later. Thai football extended to four tiers for the 2017 season, which saw the club become Bangkok Glass B in the Bangkok region of Thai League 4, where the team ended third.

2018 saw another retitle, as BGC ended in the Champions League playoff positions, where their hopes of promotion ended in defeat to Hua Hin City as Phattharaphon Jansuwan led the scoring. At this point, the club was taken over and renamed Siam FC.

The side played half the 2019 campaign at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, with the other at Nonthaburi Province Stadium, with the side ending in seventh place as Ghanian striker Oscar Plape provided the goals under coach Alireza Hassanalizadeh who was replaced by Philip Adejoh. 

A turbulent campaign ended with Boonyanaisakdi Yiamran in charge of the side. The club set up an academy at the same time, to try and nurture its own production line of talent. The 2020-21 season saw Thai professional football revert to three levels, and to adopt the European playing calendar.

Siam finished second from bottom of the table, in which Hassanalizadeh had another spell at the helm, followed by Ruben Fortunato Lopez and then Matu Conde. A vastly improved performance saw a sixth-place finish in 2021-22 after relocation to the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi.

That season saw Sarfo Otis Adjei end as the top scorer for the team led by Kobenan Leon N'Guatta from November 2021, prior to the return of coach Adejoh. Adisorn Kittipornpracha was put in charge of the side at the start of the 2022-23 season.

Adjei also led the scoring charts in 2022-23 in a season that saw coach Adisorn Kittipornpracha replaced by Sergio De Mota with a couple of games remaining. However, the Spaniard could not rescue the team that was relegated.

The club appeared to fold shortly after with no further updates on their social media page.

My visits

Siam FC 1 Inter Bangkok 0 (Sunday 4th September 2022) Thai League Cup First Qualification Round (att: c150)

 

My third visit to the 72nd Anniversary Stadium after previously seeing BEC Tero Sasana and Inter Bangkok as home sides there. This encounter would see the two clubs currently sharing the venue do battle in a cup tie.

My friend Gary was down from Buriram eager to tick the venue off his list, as we were going to the match between Police Tero and Port afterwards. On a gloomy Sunday lunchtime, he and his girlfriend headed for lunch with Taew and me. 

We met at the decent Phahon View Restaurant on Khum Klao for some nice food, before my good lady headed off to open her bar, while we went over the road and down the lane to the match, where free admission was an obvious bonus.

The 72nd Anniversary Stadium is a venue like many others used in lower-league Thai football. It has a track around the pitch and stands on either side. The ones in Minburi are big, the place is showing signs of age, and it is far too big for any of its uses. A proper white elephant.

That said, the views high up under the roof are excellent. The pitch, like many other hired-out arenas was hard, bumpy, and badly maintained. We saw what turned out to be a reasonable match as both sides tried to play football.

Inter had been taken over by AUU in the close season, and I expected them to be the stronger of the sides, but not for the first time, my prediction was wrong. The teams were separated by a goal from Otis Sarfo Adjei, which was scored nine minutes before halftime.

The facilities for spectators were pretty much nonexistent, with toilets, which were far from pristine, being the only amenity. The chance of refreshments was zero, which was a shame as when I saw Tero playing there it was an excellent set-up.

At full time we sped away as quickly as possible to pick up our mutual mate Steve in the centre of Minburi ready for the evening’s action, which was truncated by a huge storm and the three of us getting drenched.

Siam FC 0 Royal Thai Army 1 (Saturday 19^th November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 75)

It was an unexpected return later in the season, as I wanted to stay close to Minburi, as my friends were coming to Brothers and Sisters Bar to celebrate my birthday. I knew Taew was making an effort, so I didn’t want to be worn out or late.

My plan was a Minburi City friendly at 3pm at Kanjanapat Arena, not too far away and handy to get to by bus. Unfortunately, that fell foul of the overnight rain, and I wouldn’t have been too worried about staying in until I received a message from a mate.

 

Brett Johnston and his daughter Libby were in town and keen to catch up, and they didn’t mind going to football, so they agreed to meet me at Min Residence. From there we took a taxi to the stadium.

It’s fair to say that this would not have been my first pick, especially as Port were at home to Buriram United later, but that was sadly out of bounds. Admission was 80 Baht, and the club looked like they'd found a volunteer to sell tickets, but the atmosphere was negligible.

At least I knew to advise my friends to pop into 7/11 and take refreshments with them. I’d seen the Army side win at Kasem Bundit a few weeks earlier, and their style matched their persona. They were fit and disciplined but not hugely flamboyant. 

It was lovely to catch up and try to answer as best I could the questions about the lower leagues of Thai football, and why such a small game was being played in such a huge stadium. I honestly did not know. 

The only surprise to me was how long it took the Army outfit to break the deadlock. It might have been the pitch, or some hard work from Siam, who played nothing like the lovely stuff I would see from their Academy team on a couple of occasions.

The goal eventually arrived halfway through the second period, when substitute Wasin Tiammuang thrilled the gaggle of away fans along the main stand. Both sides tried their best, but it was pretty obvious that the goal would be decisive. 

We departed a few minutes from full-time, not to beat the traffic, I hasten to add. Sod's law decreed that there were no taxis, so walked along to the main road. I dropped my friends by Minburi Market so that they could have a good mosey while I grabbed an hour on the bed.

They both joined me, Brett, for a very long drink, at my favourite bar where a wonderful night of food and drink ensued. And Port took a beating, so all in all, things probably worked out for the best. Friends are always more important than football.

AUU Inter Bangkok

 

AUU Inter Bangkok is a professional football club based in the western district of Minburi in the Thai capital. The club was formed in 2015 under the name Bangkok University Deffo and playing at Bangkok University Stadium in Rangsit.

The team was placed in the third tier Division 2 Bangkok Metropolitan Region where they finished third from bottom of the table. Improvement came in 2016 with a third place, which gained a place in the retitled Thailand League 3 Lower where the performance was replicated as Anusak Laosangthai put away the goals.

However, the side was relegated in 2018 in bottom spot as Deffo FC and playing at TOT Stadium in Chaeng Watthana, dropping down to Thai League 4 Bangkok Metropolitan Region when the title was changed again, this time to Rangsit United, and playing home games at Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Stadium in Pathum Thani.

The Thai League system was changed for the 2020-21 season, with the calendar matching that of Europe, and also reverting to three tiers. Inter Bangkok came into being relocating to 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi with the club being attached to the Inter youth academy.

 

The change of name failed to change fortunes for the side coached at the end of the campaign by Daniel Melo as they finished bottom of the table despite the goalscoring efforts of the Brazilian, Caio Da Conceicao Silva.

Fortunately, for Inter owing to the Covid pandemic there was no relegation, as they retained their league status. Intouch Yamyindee netted as the side improved by two places in 2021-22 under coaches Kantameth Rodprasidh before he was replaced by Sunti Songte.

A link up with AUU, who little is known, aside from being connected to Bangkok Premier League club AUU Dream Team, saw a tinkering with the club title for the 2022-23 campaign, with Chaitud Uamtham taking up the role as head coach and overseeing a stark improvement.

The new moniker and restructuring paid dividends as the side ended in tenth place Aphiwat Charoenlai topping the scoring charts. A season later the side finished a place lower as Kamron Samranphan took over as coach midway through the campaign.

Santichai Anusim took over team affairs for the 2024-25 season as Inter with placed in the Central Region. He was gone a third of the way through to be replaced by Aphirak Sriarun.

AUU Inter Bangkok will play in Thai League 3 Central in the 2024-25 season.

My visits

Inter Bangkok 0 North Bangkok University 9 (Sunday 20^th February 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Region (att: 60)

I set out to my football in melancholy mood, with the news of someone I used to play against and have an occasional drink with back home of a similar age, had died. It was certainly a jolt and a reminder to enjoy every day. In the end I gave myself a shake and headed to the local market.

From here I knew that a bus went reeasonably close to the cavernous 72nd Anniversary Stadium. There was no sign of a service, so I decided to set off walking along Sihaburanukit Road and grab a taxi if all else failed.

As it happened a bus did arrive, and the conductor was most helpful telling me the nearest stop when we approached. From there it was a further thirty minute walk down Thanon Khum Klao and then the approach Khum Klao Alley to the stadium on a very warm day.

Taking on water as I walked, I started to feel a bit more upbeat, noticing how the area had developed since I visited the arena when BEC Tero Sasana were the host club. However, it was a different story at the stadium. 

Thai Honda took on residency to displace Tero who merged with Police United. The whole place looked scruffy and pain peeling and rust appearing. Lots of seats had been removed from the main side, which was the only one open. Admission was free with an absence of club officials noticeable.

While I thought things were a bit tardy off the pitch, I hadn’t seen anything yet. Inter’s home performance was simply shambolic. As North Bangkok were pushing for a play-off spot, it was definitely not a good day to be off it, as it were.

 

The audible groans that accompanied the opening goal from Veeraphong Aon-pean after a defensive howler was a prelude of what was to come. The classy Russian forward, Sergey Tumasyan made it 2-0 with a tap in halfway through the first period. Home defender Jefferson Rico then put through his own net.

Tumasyan extended the lead with a fantastic goal before Assanee Panwang gave the smattering of home fans a moment of rest bite when he shot wide in a rare attack before another effort produced a great save from visiting keeper Sanan Amkoed.

Tumasyan added a couple more before the period ended, the second from the penalty spot right on half time as his team went down the tunnel 6-0 ahead, with what I thought could be many more to come.

As there was no possibility of any refreshments I remained in my seat at the break, noticing some not unattractive WAGS had decided to offer their hapless Inter partners some support. Several descending flights heading to Suvarnabhumi offered alternative entertainment. An unusual feature was girls carrying out the ball retrieving duties.

Home coach Sunti Songte hooked defender Pittaya Nuchkrasae at the break after previously sparing Nopphon Phon-Udom who must have been chuffed to bits to avoid further punishment. To be fair Inter improved after the interval, not that they could have got any worse.

It was that man Tumasyan again just past the hour mark who hooked in at the near post prior to heading for an early shower following a job well done. He was replaced by Tanat Wongsupaluk who would have a say later in proceedings.

A couple of away fans tried to create an atmosphere with a continual out of tune duet and accompanying drum. I could only think that ref Sila Jinnigorn felt sorry for the home team as he awarded them a penalty. Amkoed predictable saved Rico’s effort. What a day he enjoyed!

Wongsupaluk made it 8-0 when his header was cleared from behind the line. NBU missed a guilt edged chance when the overworked keeper Natthawut Kiakhuntod managed to make a decent stop and tip a downward header over the bar.

 

However, he was helpless when Wongsupaluk was given the freedom of the park to waltz through and complete the rout. I headed back to Suwinthawong Road where I hailed a taxi. It had been a tough day, and I had a peaceful quiet night at home.

I’d like to think Daz Brining, who had died suddenly in Scarborough, would have appreciated my choice of match, as he played in better contests. RIP fella.

AUU Inter Bangkok 2 Thonburi United 5 (Sunday 3rd September 2023) Thai League Cup 1st Qualifying Round (att: 151)

The third-tier sides competed in the first couple of qualifying rounds of the competition before their league season got underway a couple of weeks later. Therefore, this could well have been a useful pointer to where the corresponding teams would end in the following February.

The visitors put in a good strong display against game hosts who lacked in some important departments. Thonburi, run by their local University, went ahead on four minutes when Kittipong Seanphong was given a free header from a corner which he made no mistake from. 

Inter, with a good youth set up and training ground near the venue. that looked a far better outfit in general should have levelled but Otis somehow put it wide. A sitter on the dock of the goal if you will. He wasn't going to be the talk of the town anytime soon on this showing.

However, parity was soon restored Siriwat Sinturak smashed home after a header was cleared off the line. The home side showed great promise at this stage but six minutes from the break Teerawat Wongsa clumsily fouled Suradech Klankham in the box. 

Argentinian forward, Ramiro Lizaso sent the keeper the wrong way to score from the spot. The lead was extended further, as Inter had clearly not learned from their earlier poor marking as Seanphong scored in repeat fashion before the sides trotted down the tunnel while I had a walk round the far side.

The hosts returned with increased intent after the interval and saw a shot cannon back off the underside of the bar, before United went 4-1 ahead when the muscly Nigerian forward Bright Friday went on a surging run, cut inside, and delivered a low shot into the corner of the net before firing over a guilt edged opportunity.

Thonburi keeper Pattarapong Patcharoon was keen on the theatrical side of his art, but he made a tremendous fingertip save before Friday made it 5-1. A stoppage time goal from sub Tanasorn Janthrakhot added some respectability to the fulltime score.

Both sets of fans did their best to create an atmosphere with chants and drums in the 10,000-capacity arena and is far too big and located the middle of nowhere in the farthest east of Minburi district. The indoor hall next door played home to BTS in the Thai Futsal League.

At least the pitch was in decent nick, being helped, by Siam FC not sharing it since their relegation to allow the turf extra recovery time. However, the arena was in a state of decay, underused and under loved 

It was good to see small numbers of the public using the amenities with other activities taking place in the bowels of each stand including the Thai game of takraw, which is like the western game of head tennis only with a smaller harder ball made of rattan or durable plastic.

I went via the 131 bus, then a walk to get there from the main Suwinthawong Road. Fortunately, someone stopped and offered a lift for the last ten minutes as it was extremely hot. I took my own refreshments as there is nothing at the stadium. Admission cost 50 Baht.

I was offered some beers by an Argentinian among the away fans cheering on his compatriot, but I declined on this rare occasion. I was home in in 15 minutes by Grab taxi ready to watch some football on TV from the UK.