Five Regions Stadium is a football venue across the Chaophya River in the district of Nonthaburi in the Thai capital of Bangkok.
VRN Muangnont, formerly carried the prefix of STK, opening the venue as their academy with two full sized pitches, along with a couple with artificial surfaces, changing rooms, accommodation and social facilities. Five Regions Stadium was an impressive venue.
My visit
Bangkapi FC 4 Minburi United 1 (Saturday 7th May 2022) Thailand Amateur League Bangkok Group B (att: c70)
The 2022 Thailand Amateur League group stages some games played on consecutive weekends. This game, paired with the earlier encounter between Bangkok Football Academy and Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy FC were scheduled for Thonburi Stadium.
Thankfully, I checked social media on Saturday morning before setting out. I can only presume the original venue was waterlogged in the horrible deluge I got caught in at the Muang Thong United Training Ground Stadium on Friday afternoon.
I’d dipped out of heading to Five Regions Stadium earlier in the tournament. It looked difficult by public transport. That was until I had discovered I could catch a minivan from near home direct to Pak Kret over the other side of the Chao Phraya River.
Another huge storm dropped on us as the van progressed along Ram Inthra. I was tempted to bail out and head home, but the forecast showed signs of improvement and the game was enticing as it would see Minburi United progress with a draw. Bangkapi needed a win.
I walked over Rama IV Bridge and continued to what turned out to be a busy industrial road. Fortunately, a taxi driver was sat on his break at the roadside and made himself available. Google Maps did the trick directing us up narrow lanes.
My driver risked his suspension on the bumpy approach to the ground before depositing me. The venue had two pitches, the second one of which was severely waterlogged. I headed for the covered spectator accommodation, which was not unlike the structure at Airport Stadium in Sam Wa.
A long low cover had a balcony with cover above it in the centre section. There were decent facilities with food and drink available. Over the other side were three small sided artificial pitches with the STK Muangmont Academy buildings at the other side.
A man who along with his wife sported a Port FC training top chatted to me in good English. They lived in Samut Prakan, while his son Suwijak Tipsana was playing for Minburi United. Other members of the family joined them, and they all seemed very pleasant.
I hadn’t even heard of United, despite living in Minburi until the start of the competition as they didn’t appear to play in any league that I was aware of. This put me in a spot. Two local teams. Who to go for? The family won me over, but it wouldn’t end my world either way.
The game kicked off, with it soon apparent that the pitch was verging on unplayable as you can see from this video. Fair dos to both clubs, the officials and groundstaff for wanting to get it on.
It was a decent standard in comparison to other games I’d attended at the same stage. United looked the better of the two sides. The game would change in dramatic circumstances seven minutes before the interval.
Bangkapi left back Kiadtisuk Seenunejan took what looked like a harmless free kick just inside his own half by the touchline. He launched the ball forward. Despite it being boggy in parts, it was firm in others. The ball skipped viciously and proved too strong for keeper Udomchok Sitthimanee.
Seenunejan opens the scoring as Bangkapi's photographer Pon Boomdaddy catches me on camera
I was caught on camera behind the happy scorer by the excellent Bangkapi photographer. The goal seemed to galvanise the leading team. A half volley was also shot just wide before the interval.
I’d nibbled on some deep fried fritters which I coated with a bit too much chili sauce. I’m not sure what was in them, but they did the job, before I returned upstairs for the start of the second period. The Muangmont academy players provided entertainment over the back. I have to say they were being trained very well.
The first action of the second half saw a low skidding shot from Bangkapi’s sub Thanakorn Pheuansopa was turned round the post by Sitthimanee. A couple of efforts also went close as the team adopted a shoot on sight policy in the difficult conditions.
Bangkapi were also adept in game management. Their skipper Pramual Sriboon was constantly in the ear of referee Boonsong Prachumrak, who ideally could have been stronger, especially as the game progressed.
Bangkapi thought they’d doubled their lead when a parry was followed up and put away, but the linesman had his flag up for offside. Sitthimanee then pulled off a good save to deny half time sub Phutaress Chantasom as the female fans screamed for their favourites.
It was then the turn of Prachaya Somboondee of Bangkapi to be denied by another save. United seemed to take heart from their keeper and began to launch some attacks of their own before they drew level.
Ra-Chan Pomfhang went on a fine run down the right wing on sixty-four minutes before crossing to the far post by Tipsana who volleyed home past keeper Ruangyot Noppakaow, much to the delight of his family.
For a few minutes I thought that the Minburi side could go on and win. The Bangkapi goal had a close escape before they elder more experienced side regathered their poise going on to retake the lead midway through the half.
Sarayut Trongdee wriggled to the byline. He delivered a hard cross which Seenunejan forced over the line with his body at the back post. It was a classic game. Poor conditions with real jeopardy depending on the result. It remained that way with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
Bangkapi’s players had a habit of falling over to get the physio on. Finally, the ref instructed players to leave the pitch on a stretcher to get on with things. Minburi were chasing the game and their desperation led to the decisive moment.
The ball was lost in midfield, Arthit Permsomboon scooped it forward to put Jettipat Wongyee through on goal, where he made no mistake in making the score 3-1. I headed round to enjoy the last few minutes on the banking behind the goal.
The scoring was rounded off in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Chantasom volleyed home at the far post despite the best efforts of Sitthimanee who apart from the first goal had a fine afternoon between the sticks.
The match was a great advert for local amateur football. I would think that all the players and officials would have been thoroughly worn out on Saturday night. I ordered a Bolt taxi as a kind local shopkeeper gave me a seat to wait on.
I was dropped off in Pak Kred and headed back home by van ready for a clean-up and some refreshments and music in my favourite bar.
Minburi City FC is an amateur football club representing the district of Minburi in Bangkok, Thailand that was formed in 2021 by football enthusiasts with a background in mainstream media and sports media studies, including club manager Neti.
Its aim was to establish a good standard first team as well as offering development opportunities for local youths. To that end, an academy was quickly set up. Narinsak Norin was appointed as City's head coach.
City played in the 2022 Thailand Amateur League, finishing second in Bangkok Group E. After that they entered the 2022-23 FA Cup, going out to Prime Bangkok who provided a harsh lesson in the difference in abilities in a game played at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University.
They went on to play in the Semipro League in the same season using the KMITL Stadium in Lad Krabang as their home venue, with the team finishing in fifth place. From then on the club appeared to concentrate on their academy structure.Stadium
My visits
At Vichupa Field 5
Minburi City 3 Pivo V Revolution 0 (Wednesday 19th January) Friendly (att: c25)
I thought my luck at seeing a midweek game was out when BG Pathum United v Port was postponed owing to Covid in the FA Cup. However, Facebook came up trumps with a late arranged friendly.
The newly formed club of my home district were due to commence in the fourth tier Thai Amateur League a couple of months later and were keen to get a match in. Off I set by bus, gradually getting more confident of my orientation around the capital.
I finally found the venue after going to the wrong one with the same name; Vichupa Field. My first attempt was not far off Ram Inthra, where the youth team of Bangkok United were getting changed after their training or game.
Off I set on foot for around twenty-five minutes, wary of barking soi dogs and following directions on the Minburi City Facebook page. I eventually found the right place. Both grounds had multiple pitches which all had netting around them and small stands covered in canopy for spectators.
Admission was free into Vichupa Field 5. I immediately recognised the City players from their kit. I took up a place under the canopy. The Minburi media machine was in full mode as a cameraman filmed the coach’s team talk.
I knew that they were a well-organised club from their social media output. I would have been to see their inaugural game the previous Boxing Day, but a social invite had put pay to that. They were offering exclusive access and information to any early fans.
Their opponents for this encounter wore a mismatched kit. From research, I struggled to find out if they played in a competition or were just a recreational side. Pivo started alright with a couple of breakaway attacks, but Minburi were clearly the better side.
They gradually took control firing in a couple of wide shots, one of which forced a save from the Pivo keeper. I recognised the referee and at least one of the linesmen from their officiating at games of SPA Srongpol.
Neti, City’s club manager joined me for a chat. He was a pleasant chap who spoke good English from his time studying at the University of Liverpool. He also had connections with the Cricket Authority of Thailand and had visited my favourite Gymkhana Club in Chiang Mai to assist with cricket tournament administration.
The friendly boss explained that his side was depleted owing to positive C19 tests throughout the squad. The match was played with rolling subs to give everyone a fair go, which I heartily approve of in amateur Thai friendlies as well as the Bangkok Premier League.
The ground was a decent set up to watch football, even if I had to apply plentiful anti-mosquito spray to my legs. The spectator accommodation was built down one side into a natural bank with Vichupa 4 pitch behind it.
City went ahead when the pace of number 24 saw him progress down the left wing with his low centre reaching number 9 who slotted home. A cross-shot from the “hosts” then came back off the crossbar.
Me being interviewed at half-time
The lead should have been doubled when number 28 dribbled and then laid square to Minburi's 28 who fired over open goal. However, the score was soon 2-0 when a defensive error was pounced upon by number 24 who smashed home.
At the half-time break, I was delighted to take part in an interview with Neti on the pitch asking about my interest in local football and support for Minburi City and how I’d heard about them. All good for club PR.
The scoring was rounded off to complete a comprehensive win when number 8 saw his shot saved by the legs of the Pivo keeper. The Reds number 14 was on hand to put away the rebound.
Despite City missing several players, they had been far too good for their opponents. I found nice people running the club. They were still not sure of a permanent ground for their club, though the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi was mentioned.
I had an interesting walk back to the bus, trying not to disturb any more erratic dogs as I headed to Nawamin Road, walking a fair distance along it before the arrival of the number 96 service to take me home.
At Kanjanapat Arena
Minburi City 2 Bangkapi FC 2 (Saturday 19th February 2022) Friendly (att: c40)
City kindly sent me a message about this friendly, which had a relatively rare 3pm kick-off. Their social media was top-class. It was easy enough to get to the Kanjanapat Arena with a ten-minute walk from Ram Inthra once I’d left the number 26 bus.
I found a tidy enough little local league venue where I opted for the shade on the near touchline with City’s club manager Neti and the goalkeeping coach, who also doubled up looking after Bangkok United’s under-19 stoppers.
I was treated to a decent local derby. Bangkapi took the lead when a shot from number 16 proved too hot to handle for the City keeper after he had earlier made a save when faced with a forward through on goal.
However, a shocking error from the stopper led to Bangkapi doubling their lead after a shocking first touch and attempted pass. Bangkapi’s number 47 slotted into an empty net. It could have been much worse for Minburi as their opponents had a goal ruled out for offside.
Bangkapi deservedly went in 2-0 up before the interval. I popped outside the ground to visit the shop and clubroom of Chibuna FC where I purchased an excellent pizza and bottle of pop to enjoy while watching the restart.
Some of Chibuna’s academy side were training on the ground's second pitch at what that club called the Shibuna Arena Football Stadium. I retook my position with my new friends. I don’t think they had been massively impressed by City’s first-half showing.
After the restart, Minburi showed more intent and purpose as a decent-sized crowd consisting of several families looked on. They reduced the arrears when number 14 smashed home an absolute beauty.
City equalised in controversial circumstances. The linesman flagged so everyone stopped, even though the referee waved his arms to play on, apart from a Minburi player who collected the ball out wide and ran unchallenged towards goal to score.
The ref went over to speak with his colleague before awarding the goal. Surely a lesson in the old age adage of always playing until you hear the ref’s whistle. A few tempers were raised in the searing temperatures as Bangkapi went in search of a winner.
Just how a local derby should be! I thought it an excellent game and experience all around. I enjoyed the actual match, had some nice food and had an enlightening chat about the attitude of foreign imports with the goalie coach. I caught the bus back from a stop near Siam Park.
At Insee Chantarasatit Stadium
Kasetsart University 5 Minburi City 0 (Friday 18th March 2022) Friendly (att: c40)
An entertaining enough Friday night out in which the better more organised side had deservedly won.
Please click here and scroll down for a full description and images from this game.
At Rangsit University Stadium
Minburi City 3 Krungthep FC 1 (Friday 29th April 2022) Thailand Amateur League Bangkok Group E (att: c100)
My adventures and report of this wonderful afternoon can be read about here.
Kasem Bundit University FC is a football club based on the Rom Klao University campus of the same name in the Bangkok district of Minburi. The football club was formed in 2003, playing in university football before joining the newly created third-tier Regional League in 2009.
‘The Intellectual Light’ were placed in the Bangkok Region, one of five geographical leagues at that level, finishing their debut season at Kasem Bundit University Stadium in the runners-up position.
An eighth place finish in 2010, followed by a couple of campaigns at the bottom end of the table. Kasem Bundit spent some time during this period playing their home games at 72nd Anniversary Stadium and KMIT Stadium in nearby Ladkrabang.
After their return to Rom Klao, KBU improved to seventh place in 2013, before another disappointing season followed it. 2015 saw the team end up in fifth place, before a fourth-place finish in the 2016 season while competing in Bangkok & Eastern Region.
The Thai football league system underwent a change for the 2017 season, with a fourth tier being added. Kasem Bundit were placed in the third level, playing in Thai League 3 Lower Region.
Ghanaian striker Victor Painsil finished as top scorer, as KBU finished in eleventh position under the management of Tawit Klaitin, while the American, Diego Barrera netted a hat trick in the game against Rajpracha.
The 2018 campaign saw Kasem Bundit end in eleventh position as the Brazilian Alaan Bruno De Souza E Santos topping the scoring chart. A slight improvement to eighth place with Selwan Al Jaberi knocking in the goals occurred in 2019 under coach Aphirak Sriarun
Brazilian Carlos Damian topped the scoring charts in 2020-21 as Kasem Bundit ended in seventh in Thai League 3 Bangkok Metropolitan Region following a restructuring of the nation's football pyramid.
The 2021-22 campaign saw the team play home games behind closed doors owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Goalkeeper Chitchana Tuksinpila played a significant role as his team finished in fifth position.
The 2022-23 season saw the long-term coach Sriarun being replaced by Krit Singprecha. Prasert Pattiwan ended as the top scorer for the team that ended in sixth place while the university also fielded a side in the Thonburi League and in academic competitions.
2023-24 saw the team improve their finishing league position by one place with Nigerian striker Thomas Chinonso putting away the goals. The whole club had an upgrade with a new logo being introduced along with a stadium refurbishment which saw it being referred to as Estádio Kasem in some circles.
The club was moved to Thai League 3 Central for the 2024-25 campaign following the geographical restructuring of the tier.
Kasem Bundit University FC will play in Thai League 3 Central in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Kasem Bundit University 0 Trang 1 (Sunday 17th June 2018) Thai League 3 Lower Region (att: 150)
My two week holiday to Thailand was nearing the half way mark. For the first time in my many years of visiting the Land of Smiles, I had no cricket commitments. The holiday was all about visiting new places, socialising and watching football.
Everything had run exactly to plan, much to my delight and slight surprise. I took the 9am flight from Buriram, where I’d watched the reigning Thai champions go down to Chainat the night before and took a cab from Don Muang to Minburi.
After a bite to eat, nap and catch up with Steve and Fah I was ready for an afternoon and evening of football. The match at Kasem Bundit was to be doubled up with the top flight clash in Pathum Thani between Bangkok Glass and Navy.
Sean and Tracy arrived at Steve’s house. It was great to see my friends from Scarborough once again. Sean was going to go to the games with me, with Steve just taking in the local match.
It was another warm and bright day as we walked to hail a taxi on Soi Sam Wa. The journey took only ten minutes. Kasem Bundit were the closest team to the centre of Minburi. Our driver took us right through the campus to the small stadium.
Identical raised covered stands flanked both touchlines, with the entrance side structure having a small VIP section in the centre. Both ends were open and without spectator accommodation. It was a neat and tidy venue and the ideal size.
Admission was 80 Baht (around £1.80) and we took up a position towards the halfway line on the back row of the deep steps that doubled up as seating. The smattering of visiting fans were gathered on the other side of the VIP area further along.
The three of us all had a score prediction. Trang were towards the top of the table before kick-off while the hosts were languishing towards the bottom. My two pals went for an away win, while I thought we’d see a 1-1 draw.
The match started off fairly evenly. The first real action took place after fifteen minutes when a low cross from the visitors was scrambled by Kittin Uttsan in the KBU goal. The ball was skied over the bar from close range.
Just before the half-hour mark, Trang missed a golden opportunity to take the lead as the Brazilian Ricardinho somehow missed an absolute sitter when set up at the back post before he fired in a long range free kick which produced a save from Uttsan.
The custodian made rather a lot of the stop as if the Thai Match of the Day cameras were in evidence as the halftime whistle approached. Phumniwa Thuha, his counterpart at the other end received treatment after a slight collision from a set piece.
Trang eventually went ahead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. A free kick wasn’t cleared properly, with the ball falling to Eakartit Somjit who fired home in fine style.
At the break, I went for a walk, in search of refreshments. Unusually there were no street stalls outside the ground, as was the norm at most venues. I was pointed in the direction of a small shop selling a variety of items catering to those staying on campus.
I returned with water for my pals and some crisps to share as the hosts nearly drew level ten minutes after the restart. Substitute Sanou Oumar went on a fantastic run to tee up Bruno, KBU’s Brazilian, who blazed over the bar.
Chances were at a premium. Kasem Bundit were giving it their best, but in truth, the Trang defence was in relative control. They attempted to ply some pressure but were missing the cutting edge.
The visitors came close to doubling their lead, but Tetsuro Inoue headed straight at keeper Uttsan, who pulled off a decent stop. As the game entered its closing stages my mind was concentrating on the issue ahead.
We needed to find a taxi that would take us the twenty miles or so to Leo Stadium in an hour to arrive for the 7pm kick-off. Steve was teasing me as usual, saying I’d no chance or I’d end up getting lost.
We saw the last few minutes of the game near the gate before trying to flag down a cab coming around the back of the stand. However, he was picking someone up. Another driver waved us away.
I must admit to getting a little concerned as no further taxis were coming down the drive. I ushered my pals along who didn’t seem quite as concerned. That or they were winding me up!
When we reached the main road by the entrance the first driver agreed immediately. He even dropped Steve off at the bottom of Soi Sam Wa, not that he deserved it! Sean and I went on to arrive at Glass just in time for kick-off, as a grand day out continued.
Kasem Bundit University 1 Bangkapi FC 1 (Sunday 17th July 2020) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c100)
The second week of the Thonburi League offered an opportunity to return to the venue. It had been closed to spectators during the Thai League season owing to Covid-19, with Kasem Bundit playing home games behind closed doors.
Steve managed to finish duties early enough so we could get to the 3pm kick-off, though not without a slight hitch in communications. I headed to find Family Mart on Sam Wa Road to meet my mate. However, the sign was no longer above the shop.
Consequently, I walked halfway down the road before giving him a call. He’d gone past on his motorbike on the other side and was now ordering some grub in KFC. No matter, as we were soon reunited and heading down Rom Klao Road in a taxi.
As ever Bangkapi had a few supporters in tow. They went to the stand opposite the main side. The pair of us sat in near enough the same position as our previous visit on what was a hot afternoon.
The weather didn’t do anything to stifle the action, as the game was of high intensity from the get-go. Bangkapi played some nice passes, which in the main tried to pick out the pacy forward in the number 29 shirt.
He was close to getting on the end of a couple of through balls, that were slightly overhit. However, one delivery on twenty-five minutes saw him push the ball past the keeper before being upended unceremoniously by the custodian.
It was a clear-cut penalty and surely a card of sorts to the offender. We were astonished that the referee decided that the award was punishment enough. The members of the away side bench were not massively impressed either.
The visiting side skipper, wearing the 6 jersey, coolly dispatched to make it 0-1. We thought we’d witness an easy Bangkapi win at this point, as they continued to take the initiative and create problems for the young student side.
KBU’s keeper made a top save to deny the scorer of the earlier penalty when diving to stop a curling free kick. By now the hosts decided to get stuck into their opponents as the ref began to pay the price for not cautioning the home goalie when he should have.
He began to show yellow cards for lesser offences and generally became inconsistent while trying to restore discipline. The tactic seemed to fire up the students as they began to get back into the game.
A fine break could easily have ended in a goal but for a terrible pass missing a free man by a long way. They did equalize when awarded a free kick, which was getting on for thirty yards from goal. Bundit’s skipper, the number 12 put in a fantastic bending effort into the top corner.
At the interval, we headed off for water in the excellent onsite store across behind the stand. We marvelled at some of the facilities on offer to the scholars. Certainly, a little different from the schooldays back in Scarborough we earlier reminisced about.
The home team in blue continued to impress upon the restart. It was an excellent advert in general for local amateur football. A fine Bundit move saw a low cross come close to being converted at the near post.
After that, the passion or pace never gave in. nor did the referee issue cards, but neither side caused the keepers any real distress. Efforts on goal were limited to weak shots from the edge of the box that were saved comfortably.
A draw was undoubtedly a fair result. We headed out back down the lane, past even more incredible facilities before boarding a songthaew back to Minburi Market. I grabbed some food and headed home for ODI cricket and the British Open golf on TV.
Kasem Bundit 3 Thaispirit 0 (Sunday 31st July 2022) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c80)
Another opportunity for Steve and me to pop round the corner to the local university and we were happy we did. Before arrival, I most certainly had Spirit down as favourites, but the hosts showed my local football knowledge was not quite as good as I thought.
Bundit showed their intentions from the start with both number 8 and 9 having the chance to advance on the visitor’s goal, but both stopped in their tracks through a lack of pace and looking to set up teammates which came to nothing.
Spirit looked good on the break before the hosts deservedly took the lead on thirty-five minutes when 9 got free out wide. His low cross was volleyed in low at the back post by number 10.
The students continued to impress and were opening up the Spirit defence at will. At the break, we wandered across to the shops before returning to our seats with provisions. The away side nearly drew level shortly after the restart.
A low shot from an indirect free kick hit the foot of the Kasem post. The home side 49 saw a header from the corner that drew a great save from the Spirit keeper. The 23 headed wide and then 9 dragged a shot across goal as the pressure mounted.
The Spirit keeper made a massive error when fumbling a free kick from 12, which was pounced upon by 23 to score. The impressive performance was backed up when the lead was extended as 12 got through to set up 23 to score at the near post.
Bundit were superb throughout and thoroughly merited their victory. Spirit continued to the end and drew a save out of the home goalie who tipped over. During the closing stages, we were treated to an amazing storm building over Minburi.
We were fearing the worst as the clouds and lightning advanced on us. Typically, the heavens began to open right on full-time as we walked back to the main road. Fortunately, a songthaew soon arrived on Rom Klao to take us back towards home.
Kasem Bundit University 5 Bangkok FC 3 (Saturday 8th October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 150)
Occasionally you leave the ground shaking your head with a big smile, and this was one of those days. What a game of football. I was already in a good mood on arrival after a pleasant walk to the ground from home.
After paying my 80 Baht I got a good seat chatting to a local man who could speak a bit of English once we had a sad minute of silence for the poor kids massacred in Nong Bua province earlier in the week.
The pitch was scarred in places through the heavy rainfall in previous weeks and overuse. It was good to see the hosts take the field with a Thai starting eleven. The visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Bruno Suzuki received a slide rule pass and scored off the legs of keeper Chitchana Tuksinpila.
The scorer missed a great chance to double the advantage, slicing wide. KBU responded when Anipong Kijkam made a good stop to keep out a downward header from Attaphon Kannoo, who was to feature throughout the contest.
Bunlue Thongkliang had a stinging shot for Bangkok saved by Tuksinpila before a drinks break was called in the heat by referee Jatupol Kidklang as the pitch was starting to cut up in places, which would add to the ensuing drama.
Just as a large group of away fans arrived their side went 2-0 up on thirty-four minutes through a low shot at the near post from Thongkliang. Poor defending allowed Ronnarid Saichantuek to get an effort away for Kasem which was saved.
The attendance consisted of mainly students. I saw a couple wearing Buriram United E-Sports shirts, a phenomenon I failed to grasp. The host's sloppiness in possession was pounced upon with the last action of the half when Goshi Okubo made it 3-0. That was surely that?
Having seen Bangkok a few weeks earlier I knew that they were a good side but also susceptible at the back. However, I wasn’t ready for what was about to follow. Whatever manager Vallop Suwandee said to the Bundit players at the break I don’t know, but it worked.
But only after the away side missed a guilt-edged chance to extend their lead further. Both Thongkliang and the excellent Padungsak Phothinak seemed to be in on goal but somehow the defenders got back to scramble clear. How the Fire Bulls were to pay for the missed opportunity.
Bundit rallied with Prasert Pattawin drawing a save out of Kijkam before they grabbed a goal back on fifty minutes when a low shot from skipper Chaiyasan Homboon was too hard for the custodian to keep out.
The home fans started to see a chink of light and got behind their side. Homboon made it 2-3 eight minutes later with a superb bending free-kick into the top corner. All hell broke loose a minute later when a low cross-shot was put into his own net by Banjong Phadungpattanodom.
3-3 with half an hour to play as the hosts piled forward with Kannoo a real nuisance for the hosts. A couple of times he rattled into Kijkam who in truth didn’t look up for it despite keeping out a header from the forward.
The momentum had swung around completely with home sub, Sundy Wongderree nearly lobbing the out of position Kijkam from deep. The inevitable happened with three minutes of normal time remaining when a cross took a ricochet in the box and landed at the feet of Kannoo who made no mistake to put his team ahead.
Shortly after the warrior was carried off suffering from cramp and nearly dropped from the stretcher by the youngsters carrying him on the muddy surface. In stoppage time Supakrit Petpon found himself unmarked to volley in at the back post to round off an amazing game.
Wandering away for a songthaew back to Minburi an English fella spotted my Hull City shirt. He was from Leominster and was a friend of Jarrod Bowen. What a small world. It was his first Thai game and was on holiday, and certainly bewildered by what he had seen as a Chelsea season ticket holder.
We had a good chat as I put him right on the quickest way back to the city. He had somehow persuaded a motorbike taxi to take him to the game! I bet he won’t forget his experience in a hurry either. A great afternoon.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Royal Thai Army 2 (Saturday 22nd October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c140)
A quick return for Rom Klao but unfortunately it was average fare compared to my previous visit. Army in a camouflage shade of dark green deservedly took the points with an army-style performance full of fitness and discipline.
They went close in the early stages when Narongsak Saekaw saw his shot deflected wide prior to a dipping effort from Tanapon Sintan being required to be tipped over the bar by home custodian Natthawut Tharapon.
Home forward Kannoo wasn’t getting the same joy against Bangkok and was well marshalled. The visitors took the lead with a fine shot from the edge of the box that flew into the roof of the next from the left boot of Surat Suriyachai seven minutes before the interval.
The soldiers carried on with their dominance as attacking midfielder Niphon Kamthong just failed to convert on the stretch before a free kick from Pinijphong Jaengploy hit the side netting of the Bundit goal.
After half time the students came desperately close to an equaliser with veteran defender Chatchai Mokkasem heading a shot from substitute Muhammadtaofik Disa-Eh off the line. Kamthong then came close to doubling the lead at the other end with an effort from outside the box.
The homesters continued pressing for parity but were failing to create many clear-cut chances. Tharapon made a terrific fingertip save pushing a allow shot from Atikan Kaokaew around the post to keep his team in the game.
However, he was powerless six minutes from time to prevent Sattra Pokhom from smashing home after tremendous work in the corner from Apirak Dawrueng who beat his man before pulling a pinpoint pass into the box.
A highlight for me was the extravagant signalling and awarding of yellow cards by referee Kittipong Choolerd. He was completely over the top and not particularly brilliant. In the final action, Pattawin forced a save out of Army goalie Kittitat Jeennok, after which I headed home to watch England defeat Bangladesh in the World Cup T20 cricket.
Kasem Bundit University 0 North Bangkok University 0 (Wednesday 30th November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Permiter (att: 150)
I’m not sure what it is about North Bangkok University, but I couldn’t get a decent game out of them. This was the third consecutive 0-0 draw I had seen them part of. Their defensive coach should be a proud man.
A Wednesday afternoon fixture was a bit of a bonus, and again gave me the opportunity of some exercise, while I sat in my usual place in the stand. I could write about the nice surroundings and the effort that both sides put in.
But in truth, this was a really hard game to watch as nothing really happened. Defences remained on top, with chances at a premium. The one highlight, was a straight red card shown to Teerapong Malai of the visitors in the ninety-fifth minute.
Perhaps he fancied getting to the showers first? That said, I’m glad I made the effort as it was still a far better option than staying indoors.
Kasem Bundit University 3 Samut Prakan 2 (Sunday 8th January 2023) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c250)
Now this was much more like it. Steve accompanied me via taxi to the match. My pal was shocked to have to pay 80 Baht, as matches at the stadium in the Thonburi League were free admission, but he soon noticed the difference in quality.
We were treated to a cracking encounter that was fast-paced from the off. Both sides looked to play football on what in recent matches had become an increasingly worn and difficult playing surface in patches.
The hosts were excellent going forward in the first half, yet despite this, the sides went down the tunnel at halftime with the scores blank. We didn’t have to wait long for the goals to start, with Bundit going ahead three minutes after the restart through Sundy Wongderree.
Rattasak Wiang-In doubled the advantage just past the hour mark, at which point it looked a case of how many the students would win by. However, with ten minutes remaining Prakan pulled one back through Jirayu Niamthaisong.
Kasem went straight up the other end and restored their two-goal advantage when defender Sontaya Thotam netted. Niamthaisong dragged his side back into it with a tremendous direct free kick into the top corner in the second of three additional added-on minutes.
The home team saw out the game, while we wandered out onto Rom Klao and discovered a new electronic bus service heading back to Minburi, where we visited the market before I headed to my new abode on Hathai Rat for tea.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Thammasat University 5 (Thursday 31st August 2023) University Freshy Cup (att: c250)
A comprehensive win for the team north of Bangkok in a competition being played by eight universities from around the capital over the course of a month. Both the neatly smarted up and retitled Estadio Kasem with a wonderful playing surface and Bangkok University Stadium staging all the matches.
Freshy would seem to be sponsors, rather than what I perceived to be the Thai derivation of Freshers. Pre-match I’d have made the hosts favourites, purely as they have a team in the third tier of Thai football as well as a top-flight women’s side. My knowledge was obviously not up to scratch, as many UK bookies will testify over the years.
Kasem were always likely to struggle. Their keeper was much smaller than everyone on the pitch. It would be decisive. The away team went ahead just before the half-hour mark when Narawit Phet Prakob finished off a fine passing move.
A low shot from outside the box from Nithikon Limpanawas saw the short arms of the goalie not getting anywhere close to the ball. In stoppage time Panuwit Kumarasit broke through, was too strong, and finished neatly.
At the interval, I managed to swap sides of the pitch for the first time. It added a new view and enabled me to see the excellent work that has been done to the middle area where the press and dignitaries sit, albeit from 50m. A project for art scholars perhaps?
After an hour a cross saw the tiny keeper have second thoughts when he saw the size of Thammasat’s Shinawatra Prachuabmon whose half-hearted scoop went over the custodian and just over the line. A low curling shot seventeen minutes from time from the same player rounded off the scoring.
The referee was very keen to show multiple yellow cards before turning down the most nailed-on penalty I have seen for a long time as his performance then went downhill, something the local youngsters weren’t slow in mentioning. One of them surely has a future career in stand-up, the way he harangued the official as everyone roared with laughter.
Thammasat changed keepers, as the one who stood there for most of the game might as well have been revising for exams, so little did he have to do. The new lad fumbled a free kick with his first touch, but the defender who tapped in the rebound was adjudged to be offside. Their number 8 then saw the keeper make a fine low save.
Enjoyable as ever, I took the forty-minute walk from Minburi Market, which included a stop by the Saen Saen Canal as I knew that testing was in operation for the hopefully soon to be opened MRT Pink Line monorail. I managed to put a short video together.
Home via a songthaew and bus, including me trying to use the Google translate camera on the front of vehicles to see their destinations with most written in the local language. It took me half an hour longer before arriving for my tea. All part of the fun of learning in a foreign land!
