Uthai Thani

 

Uthai Thani FC is a professional football club from the town of the same name in lower northern Thailand. The formation of ‘The Elephants’, the current club representing the town, came in 2019 following a name and location change.

The owners of Air Force United FC decided to move the club from their Thupatemi Stadium in northern Bangkok to Uthai Thani and change their name to reflect the move. You can read here about Air Force United. 

Previously, Uthai Thani Forest FC playing at the towns’ Province Stadium were the local football club when formed in 2010, finishing their debut Regional League Division 2 Northern Region season in fifteenth position.

A big improvement saw seventh place being achieved prior to a couple of seasons in lower middle table in 2012 and 2013, with the latter being played partly at Lat Yao Wittayakhom School Stadium in Nakhon Sawan.

Forest finished second bottom in 2014 and did not enter the competition the following year. The team re-appeared in 2016, finishing last in the Central Region which meant relegation, but the club was suspended regardless.

After the ‘new’ club moved in, they took up the place of Air Force United in Thai League 2, finishing in the relegation places in seventeenth in the 2020-21 campaign, which is best summed up by the turnover of head coaches throughout.

Thanaset Amornsinkittichote started the season in charge before being replaced by Therdsak Chaiman prior to the arrival of Japanese boss Masayuki Miura. Worachai Surinsirirat could not save the side from the drop.

The team regrouped in Thai League 3 with an outstanding 2021-22 season thanks in part to the fire power of Ricardo Santos, Phattharaphon Jansuwan and Chigozie Mbah at the Elephants finished top of the Northern region table under returning head coach Chaiman. 

The form continued into the Champions League promotion play-offs when they finished top of their group to win promotion as well as defeating Krabi 3-1 on aggregate to be crowned as outright Thai League 3 champions.

The knockout competitions also saw good runs, with Uthai Thani reaching the quarter-final of the FA Cup before going out at home to Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda. The side also reached the last eight of the League Cup, with eventual winners PT Prachuap ending the run.

There was a spell of doubt whether the club would compete the following season until new owners were found who then appointed the experienced Somchai Makmool to run team affairs. Narasak Boomkleang was appointed as head coach in 2022-23 before being replaced by Pan Suksawang and then Pattaraphon Naprasert.

The season saw the team end in third place to reach the playoffs as the reliable Ricardo Santos continued to score the goals. Suphanburi, and then Customs United were defeated as Uthai Thai reached Thai League 1. The Province Stadium was adapted, with new stands behind each goal being added over the running track.

The owners showed their intent by appointing Jukkapant Punpee as head coach but replacing him within two weeks with Mikael Stahre. In a turnaround, Jukkapang was back at the helm before the end of the season as the Elephants finished in seventh place.

The experienced Serbian head coach was given the role at Uthai Thani in August 2024.

Uthai Thani FC will play in Thai League 1 in the 2024-25 season.

My visit

Uthai Thani FC 0 Nakhon Ratchasima 1 (Wednesday 16th February 2022) Thai FA Cup Round of 8 (att: 856) 

Studying the forthcoming midweek fixtures, I fancied somewhere different for a couple of days and to have an adventure outside Bangkok. Time was of no consequence, so I figured that a venue not so easy to get to was a good challenge.

This trip around 180 miles north fitted the bill, with the third-tier hosts looking to knock out another top-flight side after an extra-time win at Muang Thong United in the previous round. A potential cup shock and unchartered waters. A plan was hatched. 

I'd travelled to nearby Nakhon Sawan the previous day by train to stay overnight. This looked like my best solution. A fine afternoon of sightseeing and walking, followed by an evening in the Analogue Bar drinking and listening to music was a great start.

My trainers were still wet from the Tuesday evening deluge when I awoke in my room in the basic but friendly Anodard Hotel. I had obviously had a good walk as I soon relented on my way to the bus terminal and jumped aboard a tuk-tuk instead. 

The helpful staff soon sorted me out with a minivan ticket for 30 THB. I quickly grabbed some provisions at 7/11 and got a seat by a couple of monks, one of whom was most friendly and helpful as he spoke a bit of English.

I’d been told that it was a religious day because of a Buddhist celebration and that bars would be closed. I was still hopeful, despite the religious brothers confirming the fact to me. Surely, I’d find somewhere?

The journey took around an hour before I began exploring another new place. I was a bit early to check into my excellent room at S2@Uthai but the smiling staff soon had me sorted. It was time to head out for more exercise.

The area along the banks of the Sakae Krang River was interesting. I particularly liked the street lampstands being decorated with elephants. From there it was onto Wat Sanggat Rattana Khiri.

This consisted of two temples. One at street level and the other one overlooking the town up a long set of steps. The view at the top was well worth the effort, as were the various buildings and places of worship.

I headed back to my hotel via a convoluted route down the hill and then around the main road. A siesta was most welcome before I headed in the direction of the local Province Stadium for the 6pm kick-off.

Arriving reasonably early just in case there was a huge crowd, I was delighted to see that the fan's area outside the stand had been missed off the memo about the booze ban. I grabbed a couple of beers and snacks.

An excellent atmosphere was building as cup fever had reached town. It took me back to Scarborough playing Chelsea in terms of many non-regular townspeople turning out to create a festival vibe. 

It was great fun outside and again once upstairs in the seats. The ground reminded me of a lower-league German venue around a running track and with a mountain forest as a backdrop. The raised seated stand was on the far side with a long lower cover where I was located.

The locals made plenty of noise getting behind their favourites, with some grabbing a vantage point looking over the fence in the far corner as they stood in the back of an open truck. I was shocked when I saw the announced crowd figure. I thought that there was more there. 

The visiting Swatcat from Korat saw Kwame Karikari head over a decent cross in the opening exchanges. It wasn't hard to see how Uthai Thani topped their regional division and were also in the last eight of the League Cup. They gave it everything.

A fine long diagonal pass picked out Elephants’ Phongsakon Trisat who headed down for Nontapat Naksawat whose half volley from the edge of the box was parried away by visiting custodian Pisan Dokmaikeaw. 

Chitpanya Thisud then flashed a powerful drive wide for the hosts. Ratchasima responded when Nattachai Srisuwan saw his shot deflected narrowly wide. Karikari came close to inadvertently heading into his own net when trying to clear a corner.

There wasn't much between the sides in the first half, but on the pattern of play, I was convinced I was going to see a giant-killing after the interval. At the break, I went for a wander to get some photos from different angles.

The away side defended with discipline and created an opportunity when Karikari just failed to get on the end of a slide rule pass from Amadou Ouattara. Srisuman hooked an effort over when it eventually fell in his path following a corner.

Mongkol Thosakrai came desperately close to converting with a diving header for Uthai from a low cross, but the ball was just ahead of him. Korat’s English defender Charlie Clough showed intent when heading over at the other end.

It would be the big fella from Taunton, who was about my man of the match with a powerful display, who broke the deadlock with just over three minutes remaining. Naruphol Ar-romsawa sent in a bending free kick. Clough ran past the high line defence to score on the volley having lost his marker.

Uthai weren’t done. Persistence from Phattharaphon Junsuwan and Thosakrai saw the ball come to sub Suphawit Chusaksakunviboon around eight yards out in the centre of the goal. He somehow contrived to shoot over the bar. 

Fine play from Thosakrai was not capitalised on when he got to the byline and got his cross in. Another substitute, Kirati Keawsombut should really have got a header on it. I must admit to feeling quite sad at full-time. I'd really got into it among the hospitable locals.

Common sense should have prevailed on leaving as I should have had a couple of beers at the ground. Nomto Café music bar over the road was closed so I decided to head back into town looking for a rare sign of life.

I couldn't find a bar or shop serving beer though I thought I’d struck lucky when I spotted a man with a drink watching the Thailand Under 21 side on TV outside a shop by the bus station. The forthright woman inside gave me a proper dressing down when I asked for a beer!

Back on Thanon Toep Siri opposite KFC, a group in Uthai Thani shirts were sitting. I’d waved and said hello on the way to the stadium and they pointed to the turn-off I needed when they went ahead on their motorbikes. They remembered me and beckoned me over the road.

 

They said they could get beer if I fancied one, so I gave them some cash to get some cans. My new friends were intrigued by what I was doing there as an educational drink ensued. They soon knew all about the Scarborough v Chelsea game I mentioned earlier in the piece.

After a couple of drinks, I headed back to the hotel for a proper night's sleep. The following morning, I was more than a little concerned to find that I would not get to Nakhon Sawan in time for my booked ticket back home. Buses weren’t as frequent as I believed. 

Not to worry. I’d have to buy a new ticket and get home later. No harm done. I was considering all options when I asked where the minibus in the station was going. It was my lucky day as Bangkok was its destination.

It was a bit cramped, but we stopped at the services at Saraburi for a stretch. I was later deposited at Mo Chit from where I caught a bus home via Bangkapi, alighting at home to be greeted by another rainstorm. 

It had been a fantastic couple of days on the road. You can watch the YouTube clip of my full adventure here.

Air Force United

 

Air Force Central FC was a professional football club that was based in the north of the Thai capital of Bangkok. The club were formed as Royal Thai Air Force FC in 1937 as they quickly became one of the most successful outfits in the country.

The club's honours included several Khor Royal Cup and Queen's Cup triumphs throughout the decades. Success continued into the nineties as the Thai FA Cup was lifted in 1995 and 1996. This brought league honours as the Thai Premier League title was claimed in 1997 and 1999. 

Silverware once again arrived at Thupatemi Stadium in 2001 as Air Force once more won the FA Cup. Unfortunately, that saw the end of the run, which saw the team relegated from the TPL at the end of the 2003-04 season.

In 2009 the club changed its name to Air Force United as regulations in Thai football required all clubs to become private franchises. United continued in the second tier of Division One as they tried to regain their top-flight status without really getting close to promotion.

United had to relocate to Ramkhamheang University for the latter part of the 2011 season as the floods in the north of the season hit Thupatemi Stadium. They moved out once more at the end of the following campaign to North Bangkok Stadium, while their home venue was renovated.

'The Blue Eagles' battled successfully against relegation in both 2011 and 2012, while the 2013 campaign under the stewardship of club legend Narasak Boonkleng turned out to be one of great success after a couple of lengthy unbeaten runs led to the team winning promotion under the title of Air Force AVIA FC.

The club changed its title to Air Force Central FC for the 2014 campaign in a sponsorship deal. Unfortunately, the change didn't bring any good fortune back in the top flight. The team were relegated after finishing second from the bottom of the table and Boonkleng departed.

Sasom Pobprsert took over in 2015, intending to take Central straight back up at the first attempt. He took the side to ninth place with Julius Oiboh top-scoring. The goals of Valdo and Leandro fired the Air Force to fourth place in 2016, just missing out on promotion.

Thai League football was restructured for the 2017 campaign, with Air Force being placed in the second tier Thai League 2 (T2). Probrsert led his side to second place and promotion thanks in part to the goals of Kayne Vincent as the crowds flocked to Thupatemi Stadium. 

However, the clubs spell in the top flight lasted just one season. The Blue Eagles finished bottom of the table as Probrsert was replaced in March 2018 by Andrew Ord who lasted until June before former Welsh international goalkeeper Jason Brown took over. 

The Central Group pulled their sponsorship as the club was renamed Air Force United for the 2019 campaign. The team finished fourteenth in Thai League 2 as Vincent again ended as top scorer. The change of monarch also led to the withdrawal of government support to state-owned signs around this time.

The club franchise was sold as Air Force relocated and was renamed as Uthai Thani FC. You can read all about them here.

Thai Royal Air Force FC moved into Thupatemi Stadium to play in Thai League 3 in 2020. Their exploits can be seen here. 

My visits

Luk Tapfah Pathum Thani 1 Futera Seeker 1 (Wednesday 27th March 2013) Thai Regional League Central West Region (att:  c300)

To see my round-up and photos from the above match, click here: 

I had the opportunity to visit Thupatemi Stadium at the above game, after visiting several stadiums in the area. Because of its location, I'd been past a few times and had flown right over it when using the nearby Don Mueng Airport. Indeed, during the match, several Nok Air and Air Asia flights went close by over the pitch.

The stadium had a running track around the playing surface but the stands were straight at the ends, which would mean quite a viewing distance from the corners. It was immaculately painted in white, both inside and out. Just one side had a roof, with blue seating and a VIP and press area occupying the centre section. Old-fashioned scoreboards stood at the rear of both ends. 

Outside there was a large car park and some smaller pitches leading out onto Phahonyothin Road. The rear of the Main Stand had an excellent club shop, which would be well worth a second visit as it stocked shirts from many other Thai clubs as well as paraphernalia of Blue Eagles souvenirs.

Air Force Central 2 Police United 2 (Saturday 31^st October 2015) Thai League Division One (att: 3,389)

The last of my touring mates was heading home after the Beer Battered Seadogs tour. I had taken Karl and Tony for lunch at the Australian Bar in Soi 11 before we enjoyed a relaxing leg and foot massage on Soi 5. 

Last-minute shopping had been purchased by the lads at MBK which was followed by the slowest served strawberry smoothie in history, in the plush Siam Center.

I was now ready for some ‘me time’. The boys headed back to check out of our fine Bally D Varee Diva Suites on Soi 20 before they headed to the Crossbar for the Birmingham City v Wolves game to say goodbye to Steve, Vaughan and Brian.

For me, it was a step into the adventure of local Bangkok transport and I couldn’t wait. The BTS Skytrain took me to the northern terminus of Mo Chit from where I looked down on the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market and to my delight the row of bus stops. My earlier research had offered me a list of buses heading close to the Thupatemee Stadium and fortunately, the 34 service soon arrived.

The bus had seen better days and had a Manchester United large sticker above the driver. The driver dunked his mug into a big bucket of water to stay hydrated. The engine was right next to my seat up front, so I stood for a while until a seat further back became available. Air conditioning was by courtesy of open windows. The ‘clippie’ operated from a little wooden tin. I think he charged me 8 Baht (16p). It was to be excellent value.

We went slowly up the fascinating Phahon Yothin Road, past lots of markets and thousands of people. This was proper Bangkok. To be honest I had moments when I wondered if I was on the correct bus? Time was passing by as we got stuck in traffic where the Skytrain extension works were being carried out.

Occasionally I recognised a name like Kasetsart University. I tried to place it into a virtual map in my mind. Not being able to spot the familiar Don Muang Tollway was throwing me. When I retraced my footsteps online later I realised I’d been on the same road for a short while with Steve when we took the bus from Minburi looking for the home of Police United the previous March.

Passing more built-up shopping areas and population centres I was getting a little concerned. There were less than thirty minutes to the 6pm kick-off. We passed the Air Force Museum, which gave me some comfort, but just where was that tollway? When two young lads got on in AFC shirts I was over the moon.

When they got up I followed. Sure enough the stadium was just over the busy road and through the market. Really I should have grabbed some of the chicken on the stalls, but I trusted my luck to food at the stadium. When would I ever learn? 

My ticket was 120 Baht (around £2.40). With a large Coke and some fried skewered meat in hand for 45 Baht (90p), I went upstairs to the Main Stand. This was familiar surroundings to me as I’d been to Thupatemee Stadium in March 2013 for a Luk Tapfah Pathum Thani game. The club shared the stadium. There was a good-sized mixed crowd in attendance. As usual, the game kicked off late; this time eight minutes.

Planes soared above every couple of minutes as they came to land at nearby Don Muang Airport. Police were cheered on by around 200 away fans. In a delicious twist of irony, they were placed in the worst part of the ground, at the far end and a long way from the pitch.

In the early stages, Police’s attacking midfielder Adnan Barakat was standing out. Central’s Ghanaian frontman Issac Honey on loan from BEC Tero Sasana, was proving a handful. After around the half-hour mark, Air Force took the lead with a slightly deflected shot at the near post from Hyunjin Lee. The Brazilian Valdo was having a fine game for the AFC as he took on opponents with skill.

It really was a good game. Air Force started the game just outside the promotion places against the runaway leaders. The home fans on the far side were doing their best to rouse their side. The bank blasted out a decent version of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. It was infinitely preferable to listen to Southampton fans sing it for the twentieth time in a game. 

Police drew level with an absolutely brilliant goal. Several one-touch passes gave the home side air sickness before a solo run and finish from Tana Chanabut gave the scoreline a more realistic tint. Police were not getting many decisions from the officials, so I thought the equaliser was deserved.

The scoring in the first period wasn’t done there. On forty-three minutes, an Air Force attack ended with the visitor’s Kon Saipanya putting the ball into his own net at the back post while under pressure 2-1 at the break. I entered the stand at the far end for some additional photography before heading across to the far open side. A fine feature at most grounds is that your ticket allows you to use other stands, as long as the stadium isn’t full.

Before I went in it was time for another Coke and a carton of small chicken pieces which really put any KFC product in the shade; quality and price-wise. I nearly repeated the dose, but I was wary of leaving room for later beers!

The atmosphere was certainly feisty in the cheap seats, but also humorous. The presence of a foreigner was greeted with lots of smiles. The home fans were excellent with vocal encouragement. One of the older fans seemed to be instructing the ball boys not to rush too much in returning the ball when it went out of play.

The game was ebbing from end to end. Air Force had chances to extend the league, but the Police weren’t destined for a swift return to the top flight for nothing. Halfway through the second period, it was time for me to make a move. I was slightly reluctant, but Port were my team and I wanted to see their 8pm kick-off at TOT.

I went through the car park past the numerous vendors and over the Lam Luk Ka Road to flag down a taxi for my second match of the evening.

I later found out from a Central fan at TOT Stadium that the final score was 2-2. Dagno Saika had levelled in the second minute of stoppage time. No wonder he looked fed up.

To see my video, as part of my tour diary, click here. 

Port FC before June 2021

Port FC is a professional football club based in Khlong Toei district of central Bangkok in Thailand. The club was founded in 1967 as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club and they went on to win the national title in their first year in existence.

Singha Jao Ta (Port Lions) is one of the most successful Thai clubs having won both the King’s and Queen’s Cups on numerous occasions. After restructuring of the leagues they became founder members of the Premier League in 1996.

The club changed its name to Thai Port FC Ltd in 2009 under the new Football Association of Thailand regulations, that all teams in the top flight must be registered as limited companies. 

Port also made the extremely popular move to the PAT Stadium nearer their home support after years at stadiums around the city. Unfortunately, the crowds can be extremely volatile and this led to the stadium being shut for three games because of fans throwing missiles at the match officials. 

Stricter regulations regarding drinks inside the stadium were introduced to curb the problem.

For the 2010 season, the club played some of its home games elsewhere while the PAT Stadium was upgraded. They even played a home game in the AFC Cup against Wofoo Tai Po of Hong Kong in Phuket, in the south of the country. 

The 2012 season ended in disappointment as the team were relegated for the first time despite the goals of top scorer Olof Hvidén-Watson. At the end of the campaign the club changed their name to Singhtarua FC as new floodlights were installed at PAT Stadium and former Thai international Dusit Chalermsan was installed as head coach.

Singhtarua went on a fine run under the new head coach with Brazilian Leandro Oliveira fuelling the passion of the Khlong Toey Army with his mesmerising skill. The team won promotion in the runners-up spot at the end of the 2013 season to set off wild celebrations at the PAT Stadium.

The new 2014 season back in the top flight got off to a bang as Leandro continued to find form with his teammates. Port even went into top place for a couple of games, until Leandro was injured and missed several months of the campaign. 

The team finished in thirteenth place before changing their title to Port FC at the end of the campaign, while the club logo was also redesigned, with Leandro moving on and Somchai Chuayboonchum and then Paiboon Lertvimonrut having spells in charge of the team. 

Management of Port was been purchased by Nualphan Lamsam, a businesswoman also known by her nickname of Madame Pang. She signed an agreement for five years to control the club from the Port Authority of Thailand.

Gary Stevens came in for a short spell as team boss after a poor start to the 2015 season. He only lasted a few games before being replaced by Somchai Subpherm. The team struggled. Wuttichai Tathong ended top scorer with just six goals.

Port were relegated on the final day of the season, by which time Japanese coach Masahiro Wada had become the latest incumbent for the job. The only real positive was the signing of Spanish defender David Rochela from Buriram United.

The goals of Rodrigo Maranhão helped the team to third place and promotion at the end of the 2016 season. Wada had been replaced by Jadet Meelarp in mid-season, who in turn lasted until June 2017.

Legendary former Thai international star and national team manager, Kiatisuk "Zico" Senamuang took over at the PAT Stadium, but poor results led to the return of Meelarp within a few months.

Port finished the 2017 season in ninth place as Brazilian marksman Josimar finished as top scorer, before improving on that with third spot in 2018 thanks to the goals of Dragan Bošković and Sergio Suárez.

Suárez continued to star in 2019, with Port ending in third place, with the Spaniard scoring the solitary goal in the FA Cup final against Ratchaburi Mitr Pohl at Pathum Thani. Meelarp moved upstairs to be replaced by Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok.

Choketawee Promrut took over in charge of the side for the 2020-21 campaign but was soon replaced by Meelarp who in turn handed over to Sarawut Treephan. The team once again ended the season in third position.

Click here for history and my visits from June 2022

My visits

Monday 26th April 2010 

I had previously visited the Osatsapa Stadium when Port shared the venue and the Taura Stadium, as Pat Stadium was then called, was being originally prepared.

Osotsapa Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It is currently used mostly for football matches and was the home stadium of Osotsapa FC at the time, PAT were currently joint tenants  The stadium holds 3,000 people. The club previously played at the Thai-Japanese Stadium.

On another blazing hot day,  I had the opportunity to visit the PAT Stadium. My extended stay owing to the erupting Icelandic volcano was to come to an end the following day, and as I was in the city I decided this was a good photo opportunity. 

I took the MRT (underground) to Khlong Toei. I had sketched down rough directions to the stadium and sure enough I soon saw the floodlights peering over the buildings after a ten-minute walk along Rama IV Road and then down Sunthon Kosa Road.

The area behind that end of the ground was still open at the time. The ground was mid-construction, so it was easy to gain access. I soon talked my way past a security guard who only seemed half interested and I was in a gap and onto the corner of the pitch. To my right stood the oldest stand, containing the VIP areas and changing rooms. 

Behind the nearest goal was a new stand which was still not fully constructed. A similar smaller structure stood behind the far end, topped with a huge advertisement and scoreboard. The far side had a stand with orange and blue bucket seats in the lower section. 

All three structures were on metal frames and not dissimilar to the structures found at the Withdean in Brighton and around the greens at major golf competitions. It was fairly obvious that football was taking off, hence the need for the construction of more stands. 

The capacity was intended to be 10,000 when completed. I could imagine the atmosphere to be very good because of the ground environs and there was no track around the pitch.

The surrounding district was obviously one of the poorer districts in the city. However, it was an excellent place to go for food or shopping at cheap markets. The stadium backed onto a pleasant public garden behind one of the goals. 

Singhtarua 1 BB-CU 2 (Sunday 7th April 2013) Thai League Division One (att: approx 7,000)

After returning victorious from the cricket at Chiang Mai once again, I wanted to see some Sunday football on my rest day in Bangkok. Originally I had planned two games around Minburi, but my good mate Steve Walker was out of town for the weekend.

Instead, I booked a central hotel for the evening and worked out two games nearer home. After taking in an hour of Globlex against Samut Sakon in the Regional League, I headed back to the main Rhampangpeng Road to flag down a taxi.

Thai taxi drivers, particularly those in Bangkok can have surprisingly little knowledge of their own city, and so it proved once more. My pilot was a wonderful smiley bloke, but he didn't have much of a clue, not helped by my total lack of any Thai words relating to football or stadiums.

However, between us, we managed to find PAT Stadium through a mixture of writing down names on my pad and drawing impromptu maps. The brand new towering floodlights and the Singhtarua fans on mopeds finally gave the destination away.

I alighted outside the club shop on Thanon Sunthon Kosa and had a look at the merchandise. Time was getting on, so I headed across the training pitch to the rear of the open terrace and looked for the ticket booth. 

Everyone stopped and stood to attention while the national anthem was played, but the atmosphere was bubbling. It reminded me of my day out at St Pauli in Hamburg, only considerably cheaper! I obtained a ticket for 100 Baht (around £2.20) and I was in down the side. 

I opted to go upstairs for a better view even if the atmosphere wasn't quite as intense. Many fans stood right against the railings at the front, so viewing wasn't as good as it could have been. Stewarding was generally non-existent, whereas the police looked like they were there to watch! 

The concourses behind the stands were heaving with fans of all ages, both men and women. Most wore the orange and blue shirts of their heroes. The PAT Stadium is located close to the docks, yet only ten minutes from the affluence of the tourism area of Sukhumvit Road.

Over the last few years the club had suffered as players were unpaid, the floodlights continually failed and hooliganism had found its way to the terraces. PAT had been closed with the team being forced to play at an alternative venue. 

An Aussie pal of mine, who lived locally, wanted to take his son down there, but his Thai wife wouldn’t let him. They have dubbed themselves as the 'Millwall of Bangkok'; no doubt with ex-pat assistance.

All kids were admitted free of charge. PAT Stadium was a proper football ground. Three sides had steep open metal terracing, with the home end slightly bigger than that reserved for visiting fans. 

The open side had two tiers, with nearly every view looking down on play. The final side was a raised seated stand, taking the total capacity to 12,000. I had visited the stadium a couple of years ago for pictures when it was being upgraded, but the final product really was impressive.

The noise was incredible inside the place, with drums and all manner of musical instruments blaring out. The locals really got behind their side, and it was soon obvious that BB-CU would have to show great resolve to get anything from the match. 

This was even more so when the near-side linesman buckled and flagged for a penalty for handball under great crowd and player pressure. Brazilian Leandro Luz slotted the ball home after a shoe was thrown from behind the goal at the visiting offender.

BB-CU equalised with an absolute beauty from Cameroon striker Bouba Abbo and gradually took the sting out of the home side, as Leandro and his pals whinged to anyone who’d listen about any decision. 

The referee was obviously getting sick of this ploy and gave them less and less. The 75 or so away fans; which I thought abysmal for a local derby, who played and sang full songs in tune were thoroughly enjoying their night out. I wished the England Band could have taken note.

At half-time, I mingled with home fans and a large number of ex-pats as I drank ice-cold cans of Leo beer for around 40p. For the second half, I went behind the goal in a fan group called The Flying Portman. 

BB-CU always looked more dangerous with Bouba Abbo superb in strength and power. It was no surprise when he scored what proved to be the winner. It was sad to hear a sporadic monkey chant from the terraces aimed in his direction.

If it wasn’t for the home keeper the margin would have been greater, and although Port had a few spells up the other end of their own, they didn’t really look like scoring. At full time I headed for the club shop and bought a Singhtarua team shirt for 660 baht (around £13.50). 

Yes, the club did appear to have problems in certain areas, but for the real atmosphere and a traditional stadium just a couple of stops on the metro or a ten-minute cab ride from the western bars, there was only one place to head for a football fix. It reminded me of why I fell in love with the game as a kid.

I retired for the evening after a welcome comforting McDonalds meal to relax and get a proper night's sleep so that I could fly down to Phuket the next morning full of life and ready for more fun.

To see my amateur footage video footage of the evening, please click here.

Singhtarua 3 Samut Songkhram 0 (Wednesday 26^th March 2014) Thai Premier League (att: approx 5,500)

A few weeks before heading to Thailand for the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. I was checking out the football fixtures and trying to find additional fixtures through Facebook and Twitter. Ideally, I wanted a lower division or FA Cup game as an aperitif before an evening game, but it was not to be.

Steve Walker, my good mate in Bangkok, was keen to go to see Port as Singhtarua was formerly known. He’d been close to heading to Khlong Toey on a couple of occasions. As I was quite fond of the club and the atmosphere from my previous visits I was more than happy to head down once more.

After a couple of beers in The Crossbar with our old pal Gavin Shaw we headed initially for the underground before deciding to take a taxi. Our driver never particularly filled me with confidence over his navigational skills. 

I knew the PAT Stadium was at the bottom of Ratchadapisek Road so I told him it to the left. Unfortunately, he took a left a little early, leaving us snarled up in rush hour traffic and heading back to Ekamai. 

We bailed out as I led the way in what I thought was the correct direction. We went down an alley and over the Khlong into the back street market. This was a really down-to-earth and down-at-heel part of Bangkok. I marched on with a mixture of hope and confidence. I was most happy when we turned a final corner and saw the club shop ahead.

We marched over the practice pitch with kick-off looming. I left Steve to sort out a couple of beers while I went to purchase the 100 Baht (£2) tickets. We went in down the side nearest to the away end, standing to attention for the national anthem before taking up our position.

The Samut Songkhram fans numbered a couple of hundred and played their part in creating a fine atmosphere. Port were unbeaten, three games into their return to the top flight after the final match promotion and a huge party at the end of the previous campaign. 

I had pointed out Leandro in his number ten shirt to Steve, and he didn’t let us down as he was running the game from just behind his forward partner. However, the Flying Mackerel defence proved difficult to breach. 

It looked like the teams would go in scoreless at the interval before Singhtarua were awarded a very soft penalty close to the halftime whistle. Leandro put the ball away with aplomb.

We went downstairs at the break to purchase more beer and much-needed food. For around £2 I got a bag of fried chicken and barbequed pork, while Steve went for some top-class dim sung. For the second half, we went behind the goal close to the Main Stand.

It really was a family affair down at PAT Stadium with fans ages ranging from babies to pensioners. It took me back to my infancy watching the game, although it had to be said that I never got to see games under lights with temperatures in the thirties; more is the pity.

Singhtarua continued to pile forward in the second half as the visiting defence ran a merry dance. The young Thai international Krirkrit Thaweekarn made it 2-0 after fifty-seven minutes. Samut Songkhram had an occasional break forward, but it just wasn’t going to be their night.

Eventually, the mass pressure on the visiting goal paid dividends in injury time as the brilliant Leandro continued to turn the screw, which led to a third goal; this time it was Sarawut Kongjaroen who finished off the move.

We hung around as both teams took their deserved applause before suddenly the crowd went wild as the other results began to come in. We had an inkling that other rivals had done badly, and this was confirmed when we spoke to some ex-pats who told us that Port were top of the league for the first time in a lot of years.

We walked back to Khlong Toey station and then went to meet Chris Lamb and other arriving tourists on Soi Cowboy where we drank to a tremendous night out. If only every football experience could have been that good. 

Port FC 0 Army United 2 (Wednesday 28^th October 2015) Thai Premier League (att: 2,678)

The Beer Battered Seadogs touring party was gradually depleting after a great tour and relative success on the pitch during the Thailand International Cricket Sixes. We said goodbye to four of the boys, while Steve, Tony, Karl, Ron and I headed back up to Bangkok with the Wednesday night football in mind.

Four of us had a nice meal at the Penalty Spot bar around Sukhumvit 25 before taking the subway one stop to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station. I was pretty sure of the way from there, but a young lad in a Port shirt was an additional help.

Khlong Toei market was still busy. The main Rama 3 road had stalls spilling out. We had a brief look as time was getting on. We crossed Rama IV and Sunthon Kosa Road by footbridge, with the floodlights looming into view.

We met Steve, along with new Bangkok residents Sean and Tracey by the fans park to sort out tickets and a beer. Most eyes and ears were on the sky, where a massive storm was brewing.

Some locals were most pleased to have met some farang Port fans. One took our photos for his online fanzine. Admission was 100 Baht, but no programmes were available. We opted to stand upstairs down the side.

The King’s Anthem was interrupted by heavy thunder and lightning, and within minutes the heavens opened. It was every man and woman for themselves as there was no cover in the stands.

I managed to get under the stand overhang at the back, despite a crazy local walking around on the steps using a chair as a hat while nearly taking several fans' eyes out. I met some of my pals down there.

Eventually, the storm subsided and we ventured back upstairs, where some had braved it out. The temperatures gradually warmed up again, which was just as well. We were drenched! Ron, Steve and Tracey reappeared in waterproof coats looking like three of the Telly Tubbies!

Meanwhile on the pitch, Port were doing their best in a game that they really needed something from. Their position in the last of the relegation places was looking perilous, and more worrying was the lack of bite up front.

At the interval, I ventured back down to the fans area, where all sorts of food and beverages were on offer. A can of Leo for 80 Baht (40p) won it for me. 

Nearly everyone at the game wore the orange and blue of their heroes. I was slightly shocked to see such a low official attendance, although it should be remembered that juniors did not pay.

After half time Port seemed to have stepped up a gear, but most of the attacks were marshalled comfortably by a very competent Army defensive unit. There was lots of lovely intricate passing without any shots being fired.

I mentioned to Steve that I could see a goal coming. I was right, but not how I wanted. A counterattack had broken up another set of passes going nowhere from Port and gone straight up to the other end. From this the Spanish defender Ernesto fired home from a resulting corner.

The Khlong Toei Army tried to rally their troops on the pitch. The game reverted to the same pattern with Hassan Sunny a mainly redundant figure in the United net. Most of Port’s constructive play was coming from lightweight Japanese forward Hironori Saruta and defender David Rochela.

With eight minutes remaining, another attack from Army caught Port’s players out of position. A pass was put into the space where the central defence should have been, for Thanakorn Danthong to send the 200 or so away fans behind the goal and in the seats into wild delight. 

The Army band were very impressive throughout the game, but they probably did it as a profession, as I noted at the time. Sunny was at last called into action in the closing stages, but it was far too little too late. 

The game fizzled out and with it Port’s real chances of Premier League football for the 2016 season. My pals were not impressed by them at all. As it was cynically noted at the time. Port would have struggled to score on Soi Cowboy.

Never mind. It wasn’t the first time one of my teams had disappointed, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. I went to the excellent club shop and bought a polo shirt so I could look smart at the Saturday away game to TOT.

We walked back through the narrow streets of the market, and I’m so glad we did. This was Bangkok’s poorest area, yet the smiles were as big as anywhere. 

Some of the seafood and fruit produce had to be seen to be believed. Tracey and Ron got stuck in, with Ron buying enough fruit to feed a cricket team. Tony bought local sweets for his mates at work.

We all took the train back to Sukhumvit and finished off with drinks in the Queen Victoria on Sukhumvit 23. The decent pub was happy to have a big crowd. Unfortunately because of the earlier soaking, I was suffering from the air conditioning and called it a night after a pint of cider.

It had been a good evening, spoiled slightly by the match. I wish I had a fiver for every time that had happened to me! 

Port 3 Air Force Central 1 (Wednesday 28^th March 2018) Thai League 1 (att: 3,470)

My holiday to Thailand, primarily for the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes was underway, and the chance of a home game at the PAT Stadium was one that I wasn’t going to overlook.

I’d had an evening down the coast with my host Steve, before we took a sangtheaw and then a bus to Bangkapi before catching the ferry into town and alighting at Nana. This inexpensive route was also just as quick as by taxi and kept us away from the pollution along the water.

Food and drinks were taken in Gullivers and then Speakeasy. I had another beer and a feet rub before we took the MRT subway to Khlong Toei in readiness for the 8pm kick-off. We saw three other lads ahead; one in a Port shirt. They followed us before I became concerned.

Unbelievably one of the lads worked with Steve many years previously and had just got into supporting Port. The others from Canada and Switzerland also loved the experience. We were actually heading in the wrong direction, but soon put ourselves right.

I’d considered buying a new team shirt but decided against it. There was time for another beer in the fans area for 70 Baht behind the stands before heading upstairs down the side. Tickets for the match on the three open sides were 100 Baht; around £2.25.

Port had got off to a very decent start to the season. I was keen to see new forward Dragan Bošković in action and whether he was a better option than Josimar; the Brazilian who I thought had real potential the previous season.

Both sides went on the front foot straight from the start, with the Air Force belying their position towards the foot of the table with the quality of their efforts. However, it was Port who took the initiative with Pakorn Prempak starring from the early stages.

He had an effort across goal before Nurul Sriyankem volleyed over when well-placed. Sriyankem crossed for Kim Sung-hwan who was denied at the near post with a tremendous defensive block halfway through the opening period.

Prempak came close with two free kicks, while Renan Marques offered a get out relief for Air Force with his hard work and intelligent runs. Port eventually broke the deadlock seven minutes before the break as Bošković rose majestically to head home a near post Prempak cross.

It was star man Prempak who doubled Port’s advantage as the half came to its conclusion with a tremendous fierce swerving shot, with gave Air Force keeper Kritsakorn Kerdpol no hope as the ball flashed into the near top corner.

At the break we had a wander about downstairs before deciding to go in the end Port would be attacking, near to the away fans section. The visitors from the north of Bangkok had a decent following, including musicians who never relented in their support for their heroes.

Air Force had certainly no intention of surrendering and came out of the changing rooms continuing to play decent football on the eye. Marquez reduced the arrears in fifty four minutes with a tremendous curling shot after being teed up by Yodsak Chaowana.

The two-goal advantage was restored a couple of minutes later when Prempak played a delightful one-two with Sriyankem before firing into the roof of the net past Kerdpol. It really was a tremendous goal on a night when nearly everything the scorer tried had come off.

Marquez went close again at the other end, with the ball staying in play as Leandro Assumpção was denied by a brilliant brave point plank save by Port goalie Worawut Srisupha. Chaowana missed an absolute sitter shortly after as he dragged his effort across the goal.

Prempak was denied by a fingertip save from Kerdpol; which the referee mysteriously overlooked. The sublime Sergio Suárez got a run out for the final ten minutes for the Port Lions as the game drifted out towards full-time.

Port had been well worth the win, but both sides had played their part. We didn’t much about at full time, taking a shortcut through the market and getting a timely reminder of what it looked like for people to really have to graft for a meagre wage.

The MRT from Queen Sirikit National Convention Center took us back to Sukhumvit and another world, as we met up with several friends over for the cricket along Soi Cowboy. An interesting few hours followed as we skipped from bar to bar in the company of Gavin Shaw.

Steve and I headed home in rather bedraggled states after plenty of drinks and I’d somehow attracted the local dancer in one establishment after she took a shine to me supporting the same team as her. Perhaps a hot date at the PAT Stadium was in store in the future?

To see the team celebrate with the fans, click here for this homemade video.