Army United

 

Army United FC, who were known as Royal Thai Army FC until December 2010, was a professional football club based in the Din Daeng district of Bangkok. The club was originally formed in 1916 and always had a team competing in Thai football.

Most of the clubs players were members of the Army playing at the impressive 20,000 capacity Thai Army Sports Stadium. They folded at the end of the 2019 season owing to changes to the constitution of such sporting entities and their funding.

When the Thai football league system was modernised, Army were in the Premier League. However they were relegated in 1999 and they remained in Division One until 2004-05 when they won the title. Three seasons in the top flight followed before a further relegation was suffered.

This time the team went straight back up at the first attempt in 2010 helped by the goals of Tatree Sing-Ha. In 2011 the club abandoned its policy of only fielding players from the army as the game in Thailand became more professional.

At the same time, Army Welfare Development was formed, playing in the Khǒr Royal Cup before being elected to the Regional League 2 in 2015 as Royal Thai Army FC to offer an outlet to purely army employees.

'The Gentlemen Ranger' reached the FA Cup Final in 2012, but lost out to Buriram United under the stewardship of Paniphon Kerdyam. During the run, Army were given a reprieve from a penalty defeat to Trat when it was realised that the Regional League side had fielded an unregistered player and were kicked out of the competition.

Former Scottish international defender Matt Elliott was in charge of team affairs between January and June 2014, before the ex Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Gary Stevens took over.

Stevens lasted until May 2015 when he was replaced by Issaro Sritaro, who in turn was replaced by fellow Thai and former team boss Watcharakorn Antakhamphu. 

His tenure saw the team go on a poor run which saw them in the final relegation place with three rounds remaining when the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej marked the end of the season with league places at the time being counted as final. Thus Army were relegated.

The 2017 campaign in the newly rebranded second tier Thai League 2 (T2) kicked off with Thanis Areesngarkul in charge of team affairs, but a poor run of results saw him replaced by Col. Kittichet Mahothorn in March 2017.

Daniel Blanco took over team affairs in July 2017; remaining in charge until the end of the season before departing to Krabi. The former Portugal international midfielder Nascimento arrived as the new head coach for the 2018 season.

He was replaced in June 2018 by Adul Luekijna who remained in place to take the side to an eighth-place finish before Daniel Blanco was appointed as head coach for the 2019 campaign. The side finished fifth in the table as Tanakorn Dangthong led the scoring prior to the club folding.

My visit

Royal Thai Army 1 Bangkok United 1 (Saturday 24th April 2010) Thailand Premier League (att: c1,200)

My report written for Scarborough Athletic FC fanzine, Abandon Chip.

Owing to the erupting Icelandic volcano, I was unfortunately detained in Bangkok for a week longer than scheduled. Not wanting to cry over spilt milk and ever looking to broaden my footballing education, I decided that Saturday 24th April 2010 should be spent watching a local game.

I had planned to go to the game in the Premier Division between BEC Tero Sasana and top of the table Chonburi at the Thephasadin Stadium. Unfortunately this venue was next to the old National Stadium in an area of the city disrupted by violent political clashes involving the military and the red shirt protestors. This led to the game being postponed.

Not to be deterred, I hit on a plan B. I took off after lunch with Steve and the other intrepid stranded traveller, Neil Eggar, I found a taxi and set off. My companions gave me the wind up before I set off. My chosen game was to be Army v Bangkok United. They laughed as they said I’d probably picked a grudge match. 

The driver wasn’t sure of my destination so I gave him a station on the underground where I thought I could walk from. After a little conversation in very broken Thai and English, he revealed he was a reserve in the Army and showed me his ID card. 

He reckoned he knew where the stadium was. I also knew vaguely as I’d passed it before on my way to Harrow International School where I help co-ordinate a cricket tournament each November.

My man was spot on and he pulled into a service station just short of the stadium off the expressway a full hour before kick off. I spotted a local in a Bangkok United shirt who luckily spoke English nit noi (a little) and he directed me to the ground. 

A five minutes later saw me entering the sports campus. The guard seemed very friendly which was encouraging. I knew the stadium had a track round the pitch and one side had a roof from research so I wandered round to that side. All around were basic cafes which also served beer.

Outside both clubs had souvenir stalls, but I resisted. I decided to enter the ground and I paid 80 baht (just short of £2) for a seat in the Main Stand. I had the bottle from my water removed by courteous guards. Upon entry I found I was in the home fans section. A VIP area separated us from the away fans further up the touchline. 

There were school children on the far open side. It had been my intention to gain entry into there at some point to take photos and to get on the live TV coverage while speaking to my mates on my mobile while they looked on from home.

The fans were very enthusiastic making loud noises with drums, hooters and the plastic sticks which are found at games. 

Their support never abated. The crowd was mainly aged between 14 and 30 and it has to be said that it was a pleasure to be in the company of the many females. They were certainly more aesthetic than my usual mates at a game. 

A leader got the “Tra Kong Chak”, as Army are known, fans going with a megaphone and nearly everyone joined in. If only I knew what they were chanting so I could have!

The game was very entertaining, assisted by a good ref who worked well with his assistants. Army were bottom of the league but they had the better of the play, eventually going ahead. I was really getting into it by now and I was even greater enthused by finding beer for 30 baht (80p) at half time. 

Even better was when I could take one back upstairs for the second half. It was most welcome as it was thirsty work just watching. I noticed that the sub has to go to the fourth official and show his official TPL ID to sanction a change.

United grabbed an equaliser about ten minutes from time. The same tell tale which is found anywhere in the world signs echoed through the stand: a second or so silence followed by the roars of the away fans who numbered around 300. The total gate probably crept over 1,000. 

I was sick for my new found friends who had been most welcoming with their warm smiles. Full time saw something I am very much in approval of. The teams went across to their opposing supporters and bowed; known as wai-ing in Thailand. 

It is a traditional greeting like shaking hands in western culture). In return the opposing fans applauded the players. Very civilised and far nicer than the abuse they would suffer elsewhere. It IS a game after all.

At full time I went back to a bar that was showing the last half hour of the Man Utd v Tottenham match and got stuck in. Some locals tried to have a conversation but expressions and body language spoke louder than words. 

I went back to the club shop and purchased an excellent quality Army team shirt for 450 baht, which was less than a tenner!. I finished off my beer and went for a taxi back to Steve’s house in Minburi.

The games kick off in Thailand at a perfect time. I was home twenty minutes into the 3pm kick offs from back home with each game being shown live on different channels.

If ever you are in the Land of Smiles, please make an effort and go and watch a local game. You will see 100% commitment offering excellent value for money. 

You will generally get a cheap meal and beer and you can buy a team shirt for £10; which showed just how much all clubs in the western world were ripping off genuine fans. You will also get a warm welcome and your support will be appreciated.

Make sure you do it! To see a brief video I took at the game, click here:

To read about my confusing visit to watch Royal Thai Army FC in 2016, click here:

Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok)

Rajamangala National Stadium is located as part of the large complex under the operation of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), in the district of Hua Mak, in the east of the capital, Bangkok. 

The main material used in construction was concrete and therefore, creating a stadium that is both impressive and imposing. It is undoubtedly dramatic, especially when viewed from its approach or by visitors heading into the city from Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

The stands rise and fall like a giant, exaggerated version of the stadium opened in Huddersfield in 2004. At each end are quite narrow tiers of seats but the tiers rise and rise as they move round the sides until they peak level with the half-way line.

It has been home to the national football team for many matches as well as being used for other events over the years after being opened in 1988 in readiness to stage the Asean Games to great acclaim.

Groups in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup were staged in the arena, including the matches which Thailand played in. Thai club sides have also used the stadium when playing in continental cup competitions. 

Krung Thai Bank FC, who would later morph into what is now BG Pathum United and PEA FC used it in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup, respectively. Aside from football, it has been used for athletics, pop concerts and political rallies as the SAT try to use it to its full potential.

Among the musical stars to have entertained the crowds in the magnificent bowl are Lada Gaga, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, One Direction and Blackpink, as well as numerous other shows and exhibitions.

The side tribunes are designated 'East' and 'West'. 'East' is the uncovered popular side; 'West' is the covered side where the more expensive seats are. The two ends are designated 'North' and 'South'.

The capacity of the stadium is around 55,000. The oft-quoted figure of 65,000 was the capacity when the stadium first opened but at that time the 'North', 'South' and 'East' sides were bare, concrete steps. 

The stadium staged the home games of BB-CU as their ground share with Army United was not permissible during their spell in the Thai Premier League, as United were also in that division. Games were played in front of small crowds.

Manchester United defeated Liverpool 4-0 in the Century Cup in 2022 in front of 50,428 spectators. In 2023 tournament football returned to Rajamangla, as group games in the under 17s Asian Cup were staged. The largest attendance came when 421 witnessed Japan's 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan. 

My visits

April 2007

The following is my description of my visit as part of a ground hop around Thailand in March/April 2007 that appeared in the Scarborough Athletic FC fanzine, Abandon Chip

"The week after Chiang Mai (an amateur international cricket tournament I had attended) I had time to kill while my hosts Steve and Ea were at work, so I decided this was a great time to adventure without the assistance of local knowledge, which led to the challenge. 

The following Tuesday I took a taxi to the country's major venue, the imposing Rajamangala Stadium. Despite the outer gates being open the guards wouldn’t let me in before I eventually came across the Thailand Museum of Sport. 

A kind lady let me have a look around while she enquired on the telephone if I could get inside the stadium, once she’d satisfied herself that I didn’t belong to the media. Our esteemed editor obviously hadn’t sorted me any Abandon Chip accreditation.

I’d borrowed Steve’s good camera which had no doubt raised her suspicions. The stadium didn't disappoint me once inside and it proved worth the effort in negotiation. It is a huge bowl with the usual athletics facilities which dips down at each end with just a roof covering the main side. 

The stadium can accommodate 65,000 and is all seated. It would be the location if ever Mr. Scudamore and his cronies get away with their plans to play Premier League games around the world".

Thailand U23 0 North Korea U23 0 (Tuesday 31^st March 2015) AFC Under 23 Qualifier (att: 20,000)

It was the second day of my holiday in Thailand in readiness for the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes and after a decent rest at my host Steve Walker’s house, his girlfriend Fah delivered us some fine local food from a nearby street stall in Minburi on the outskirts of Bangkok.

After many visits to the Land of Smiles, I was determined to use local transport and I’d done plenty of homework regarding buses to be able to do so. Steve and I caught an open-backed songthaew to the main road in Minburi in what proved to be sweltering temperatures. 

We then continued by catching a number 27 service bus which dropped us opposite the ever-impressive indoor air-conditioned Bangkapi Mall, offering a welcome rest bite from the conditions before heading for our third mode of transport.

This came in the form of the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat. The short journey dropped us off at Mahadthai from where we had a look in the Adidas store and a large outlet with sports goods from all the major manufacturers on the corner of Ramkhamhaeng 65 and the main road. The complete journey of around 20km cost about 58p for the pair of us.

The stadium was across the busy thoroughfare, which required the footbridge to cross just under the flyway. Fans were assembling ready for their team's big game. The other group game between Cambodia and the Philippines had kicked off at 4pm inside, but we decided to wait for the main event at 7pm. 

Requiring refreshments and some food, we grabbed some cheap fried chicken from a street vendor which helped enhance our thirst. Google Maps were not as reliable as we'd hoped, and after a bit of a wild goose chase, we settled for a large beer in the trendy Wink Bar.

We were looking for a bar selling worldwide craft beers on the map, but we ended up outside the stadium for a tin of Leo before buying our 200 Baht (£4 tickets). These represented decent value for this match, but they covered both games. No match programmes were available.

Extensive searches and several ticket checks were carried out before we headed up to our seats in the open West Stand. I had been in touch with Tom, a groundhopping mate who I’d last seen at Leatherhead. He was now teaching English in Bangkok and got stuck into watching games around the country. He was at the back of the lower tier and waiting for us.

We found three seats together towards the back a bit further round so we could have a good chat. Our side and the two ends began to fill up. The support when everyone sang or cheered in unison was most impressive. Three ultra sections were spread around leading the support.

The game itself was short of action and attacking intent for such an important clash, being the final game in the group. Thailand had not capitalised on building their goal difference against the two weaker sides in the four-team group and now required a win to top the section and automatically qualify for the finals. 

The North Koreans looked a far better organised side and we all predicted that they weren’t about to be beaten. As the match went into the second half we were surprised and frustrated by the home side's tactics. 

It was as though they had no concern. By the eightieth minute, we were getting a bit tetchy and lamented the attitudes on show. The game finished with a whimper without any real goal-mouth action. The home side took their plaudits as we trudged out.

Tom joined us for some post-match refreshment as the crowds drifted by. The ‘highlights’ were being shown on TV in the open bar we chose along with interviews. No-one seemed concerned in the slightest. 

We had an inkling that we were missing something when Tom found out the news that Thailand had gone through as a best runner up. The news of earlier kick offs around Asia had obviously been passed onto the players on the pitch. Fans leaving the stadium kept coming by. They’d stayed behind to celebrate.

We went over the road and found a fine upstairs bar overlooking things and with open sides. Each of us had a Thai meal and a large pint bottle of beer. The total cost was 480 Baht or less than £10. The area around Ramkhamhaeng University and the Sports Authority of Thailand really was a decent find.

Steve and I finished off by jumping in a cab and ending proceedings with a couple of nightcaps outside our favourite Minburi bar, Sudtong Club, to round off an educational and great value-for-money outing.

Bangkok United 2 Buriram United 0 (Saturday 5^th August 2023) Thai Champions Cup (att: 10,824)

A shock in the Thai equivalent of the Community Shield as Bangkok United (BU) did a proper job on last season’s treble winners Buriram United (BR). Thoroughly deserved it was too, as from the outset the winners went about their task, threatening before Brazilian striker Willen finished off a smart move after eight minutes.

BR new signing Ramil Sheydayev of Azerbaijan origins looked good out wide but there seemed to be an overreliance on supplying him which was soon pounced upon, and he gradually became increasingly frustrated throughout the match.

The club had fired forward Jonaton Bolingi in the summer for ill-discipline, but his replacement in the starting lineup, Lonsana Doumbouya looked lightweight, losing interest quickly after being the recipient of a strong areal challenge from Suphan Thongsong.

International striker Supachai Jaided seemed strangely muted playing just behind him. It was a curious performance from the favourites to retain the Thai league title, though Bangkok won the corresponding fixture the previous season. There are no points at stake in a friendly.

Thitipan Puangchan in a holding midfield role for BU was excellent as was the scorer of the second goal Eid Mahmoud, a Palestinian who always impresses me who notched five minutes after the restart.

His chance came after more woeful BR defensive work allowed a wide man to skip past the full back and deliver a low cross. The play from the Bangkok side was fluid throughout with their keeper Patiwat Khammai making one excellent save in the first half and a regulation one after the break.

A special mention to the referee Mr Somsingha who clamped down when necessary but gave the game a chance to flow which it did. He also did well in my opinion to wave away much of the moaning emanating from the Buriram crew.

It was great to be back at Rajamanagala. The place had suffered during the pandemic and was getting a blast from some Thai-based westerners on social media owing to the lack of football being played there and a recent postponement featuring Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

In truth, I suspect that had more to do with the lack of desire from the two teams than the conditions. There was a floodlit 6-a-side beach football tournament in progress with crowds around it when I was leaving as well as lots of other facilities being in use.

It created a vibrant atmosphere around the place, as many athletes from a wide range of disciplines got to use the facilities. Whether it's archery, ice hockey, gymnastics, velodrome cycling, swimming, athletics, snooker, or one of the other multitude of sports with a national authority, then Rajamangala is the place to head.

I arrived by two buses and a boat down the Saen Seap Canal a couple of hours before kickoff and bought cheap food from the open market next to the main road before putting on my sad eyes and getting the open-fronted Wink Bar to serve me eighty minutes ahead of their 6pm opening time so that I could get back over the road for kickoff.

My return journey was by one of the many buses that pass by along a bustling Ramkhamhaeng Road at the front of the complex. I changed to a taxi near Fashion Island and was home ready for food in just over an hour after full-time.

Port FC post June 2021

Click here for history and visits prior to the 2021-22 season.

The spell of Sarawut Treephan as team boss was a short one with his replacement being Dusit Chalermsan before Treephan was reinstated by the trigger-happy Madam Pang. Jadet Meelarp returned as interim for a fourth spell in an interim role as Port stuttered to an eighth-place finish.

Scott Cooper was appointed as manager in June 2022 as the playing squad saw big changes. However, the manager was judged to have underperformed as he was sacked and replaced by his assistant Matt Holland, before the appointments of joint head coaches, Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep.

Despite finishing third in the league, Owner Madam Pang decided that another change of coach was required in November 2023 as former Police Tero boss Rangsan Viwatchaichok was installed. He took the side to another third spot as Hamilton and Teerasak Poeiphimnai weighed in with the goals. Further investment in the side saw the arrival of Willen Mota.

Despite a bright start to the 2024-25 season, the side dropped disappointing points as coach Rangsan resigned after a year in charge.

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

My visits from 2022

Port FC 1 Bangkok United 1 (Sunday 9th January 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,053) 

Port like most clubs had their capacities cut owing to Covid. I had stayed over downtown and saw that the club were asking fans to queue for vouchers from 7am to guarantee a ticket when they went on sale at 10am.

I was too late for that, but quickly made friends with a German Port fan who played a couple of seasons for Bayer Leverkusen in the mid-70s. He kindly got me two tickets as each token allowed four. I also had a plan B. I think someone gets their beer free of charge down there as I was told I could get sorted for 200 THB each. The actual tickets were 120 THB.

My pal Steve joined me for the match as we sat with locals drinking beer and making friends out on the street before the match. The game itself was a midfield battle with the home team going ahead shortly before halftime through Adisak Kraisorn.

A miraculous save from the United keeper Michael Falkesgaard kept his side in it as they took the ascendency after former Port player Heberty came on and was roundly booed following his spell with the club and his previous career at bitter rivals Muang Thong United.

 

The game ended in controversy. The linesman flagged for offside as the Port defence more or less stopped. The ball was crossed and put away by sub, Thitipan Puangohan. On referral to VAR, the goal stood. The home fans, never the slowest in showing their emotions went berserk. It was about the right result but not a nice way for it to come about.

Port FC 2 Suphanburi 0 (Wednesday 9th February 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,681) 

A win’s a win but it was a far-from-inspired performance by the hosts who showed an obvious lack of confidence. At least the effort was there. Goals came from Bordin after twenty-eight minutes and substitute Nattawat in stoppage time. 

He had replaced hapless Salvadorian striker Nelson Bonilla who would struggle to score in Patpong on his form at the time. It is always sad to see a player struggle, especially when they take up decent positions. It looked like both parties were resigned to it not working out. 

I had caught the bus from the end of my complex to the stadium gates where I picked up my pre-paid ticket from the booth, leaving me time for a few drinks from the pop-up bars on the street outside PAT Stadium.

It was also nice to have a quick slurp after the game with some local lads I've befriended before a taxi home. It was also nice to celebrate the opening goal with Madam Pang who was upstairs in her apartment behind the goal in a happy mood.

Port FC 1 Chiangmai United 2 (Sunday 13th February 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,825) 

PAT Stadium was still restricted to a 25% capacity because of Covid, but selling out wasn't going to be an issue with performances like this particularly abject offering in places against the bottom of the table away side. United fully deserved the three points.

Their physical Brazilian pairing of forward Bill and centre-back Evson showed how to put in professional performances. Both must have been ruined at full time, after giving everything as well as using their nous in game management and knowing how to see a game out.

Thawin Butsombat scored for Chiang Mai within the first minute. Four minutes after the break Ekanit Panya doubled the lead after the linesman had originally flagged for offside before VAR correctly gave the goal.

Port mounted some pressure and got one back through Kevin Deeromram to set up a grandstand last twenty minutes. Bonilla had been introduced at the break. There was more chance of me scoring. 

I had taken the opportunity to sit downstairs down the side where the most passionate locals offer advice to all and sundry as I try to work out where I fancy getting a season pass for next time round.

It reminded me of Morton in Scotland in terms of vitriol and in terms of being able to understand what exactly was being shouted. It was an experience. I had time to kill before the game. 

My intention was to rid my Saturday night hangover by heading out early, buying a ticket and then going on to the Bangkok Premier League match at 4pm between Harmonious United and Nonthaburi City before returning to PAT for 7.30.

However, the buses let me down, so I ended up having a lengthy walk and an all-day English breakfast at the excellent Sportsman bar on Sukhumvit Soi 13. Ironically enough a bus turned up from the other side of Khlong Toei Market not long after the game to take me all the way back to Min Buri.

Port 0 Chiangrai United 0 (Wednesday 9th March 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,629) 

A bus took me most of the way into town before getting snarled up in rush hour traffic meaning that I required a cab to complete the journey if I wanted a couple of libations from the pop-up stalls.

Port were on an awful run and had two players suspended along with injuries, but they put on an excellent display, full of effort and energy. Well generally anyway. Salvadorian forward Nelson Bonilla really was a waste of space, totally lacking in confidence and commitment. 

The hosts had a goal ruled out just before the break for offside after a VAR review. I enjoyed the displays of twenty-one-year-old Swedish/Thai William Weidersjö, in midfield until he ran out of gas and the ever-willing Philip Roller, a Thai with a German father, wide on the right. He was prone to errors but gave his all each match.

There was a good turnout of away fans and the usual PAT Stadium experience where I took a seat at a bar next to a young fella called Jorge, a freelance walking tour guide in Bangkok. We sat in the ground together too. Even better a bus took me all the way back to my local from the far side of Khlong Toei Market so I could enjoy a couple of nightcaps.

Port FC 3 Nongbua Pitchaya 0 (Sunday 1^st May 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 2,875) 

The previous evening, I had been at the excellent Ratchaburi v Chonburi match before catching a bus back to Bangkok and heading down to buy tickets, as I was to be joined by my pal Steve along with three Aussie mates from the annual cricket in Chiang Mai.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that tickets were being given away free as a thank you from Madam Pang. We all met at Oasis Bar on Soi Cowboy before heading to the match, where we were hit with a huge downpour as we were going in. Fortunately, an opportunist poncho seller came to the rescue. 

Port were aided by an early Nongbua red card given by referee Noppadet Mangngam to Iain Ramsay who spat at a home player. The hosts played extremely well and put on a proper display, somehow going in 0-0 at the break after doing everything but score.

They were backed by an excellent raucous atmosphere, which my guests really enjoyed. The visitor’s rearguard was finally breached three minutes after the interval when the unfortunate Yuttapong Srilakon put the ball in his own net.

The ever-excellent Sergio Suárez scored the second which was added to in stoppage time by sub Nurul Sriyankem. We headed away in good form to grab a cab back to Min Buri.

Port FC 0 Lamphun Warriors 0 (Sunday 14^th August 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 6,065) 

This was more like it, at least pre-match, as the full fan zone had re-opened and a full capacity available. The club had decided to charge just 50 THB a ticket for the first half of the season as well as removing seats in areas where the most vocal fans congregated. 

There was no shortage of encouragement for Port, but the performance failed to live up to expectation and had to thank their keeper Worawut Srisupa for making some excellent saves as Warriors nearly took all three points in their first game at the top level of Thai football. 

A good day for me, as I had been to a decent Thonburi League clash between Thaispirit and FC Bangsaotong with my friend Vaughan and his son Pat before they dropped me in town. The slow but cheap 519 took me back to my local bar after the game.

Port FC 1 Bangkok United 1 (Sunday 2^nd October 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 4,199)

 

I had considered heading to Chamchuri United v Samutsakon City in advance of this fixture, but tiredness ruled it out. Instead, the direct 519 bus dropped me outside the PAT to collect my pre-paid 50 Baht ticket, just as it started tipping down thirty minutes before the 6pm kick off.

Fortunately, a poncho seller was on hand making quick sales. A couple of beers and then inside. Port played pretty well against a decent United side. going ahead five minutes before the break when referee Chaireag Ngam-Som awarded a debatable penalty. 

Hamilton stepped to slot the spot kick home past keeper Michael Falkesgaard. The man in the middle had an indifferent game but probably got the big calls about right. After the break Vander Luiz levelled things up after an hour and then antagonised the home fans with his over the top celebrations.

The pattern of the match would change halfway through the second period when after a check of the VAR monitor, home defender Suphanan Bureerat was correctly shown a straight red card after bringing down a United forward on his way to goal. 

There followed a fine back to the wall display from Cooper’s side that would have ended in certain defeat before his arrival. Port even strung a few promising attacks of their own together but couldn’t find a way through.

United had the majority of possession but were either wasteful or came up against resilient defending. A draw was the right outcome. At full time I headed through the market and caught the bus back to Minburi in time to catch some Premier League football.

Port 3 Sukhothai 0 (Wednesday 2^nd November 2022) Thai FA Cup Round of 64 (att: 2,654)

I arrived at this cup tie with Marco, and Jim who runs the Port FC Sambapit Twitter feed by Grab taxi after we had been to the earlier match at Samut Prakhan Stadium for the match in the same round between FC Bangsaotong and Uthai Thani.

Our driver had worked the oracle and we arrived in time for a beer. The match followed the pattern of a normal Port game. Lots of possession and pretty football, but chances going begging and the lack of someone being able to strike on target from the edge of the box.

Indeed, with the frustration growing I popped down to buy my round for the boys when I heard a cheer from the stands. Teerasak Poeiphimai scored in first-half stoppage time. At the break, I had a lovely chat with an elder Port fan Geoff, who supports Watford back home, with our subject for ten minutes or so being Luther Blissett.

In a good mood anyway, this chat brought a smile to my face as we swapped ends after the break which seemed rather apt after talking about a football legend of yesteryear. There was something of a festival atmosphere among the crowd as Port laid siege to the Sukhothai goal.

The score was doubled after sixty-six minutes when “the Brazilian Andy Carroll” otherwise known as Hamilton scored. Towards the end of the match, I decided to go upstairs down the side for another view and to see what my missed calls were all about.

My good lady Taew had been trying to reach me, as it transpired that a random English bloke had turned up in her bar. I told her to ask him to hold on, and I would get a taxi back rather than the bus, just as Poeiphimai rounded off the scoring. 

The fella lived in Phuket but was in the capital when his wife gave birth to their first child prematurely in Nawamin 9 Hospital opposite the bar. He had gone in to try and relax and have a drink and eat. I was enormously proud, but in no way shocked, that Taew had made his experience so happy.

If I had been in a good mood previously, then this put the icing on the cake, as we shared a couple more drinks before he headed back to see his tired lady who would be transferred to a hospital with their child in Nonthaburi the following day 

Port 2 Nakhon Ratchasima 0 (Saturday 12th November 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 3,118) 

My next visit to the PAT allowed me to partake in one of my favourite pastimes and introduce friends to the experience for the first time. My pal Gary was down from Buriram and had wanted to tick BG Stadium off his list, but their game against Kawasaki Frontale in the J League Asia Challenge was a surprising sellout.

He pondered while we had drinks after the Samut Prakan City v Rajpracha match the previous evening before he agreed to go with me. We met at The Mall Bangkapi before taking the boat down the Saen Saep and had lunch in The Sportsman on Soi 13. 

The pub was packed, predominantly with Kiwis as New Zealand were playing England in the final of the women’s Rugby World Cup. Some of the loud cheering was enough after food and I pint so we headed instead to Lek’s Last Stand on Sukhumvit Road.

We were joined by Andy Crossland and his pal Steve from Sunderland, though now a resident in Beverley for a pint before we went to The Clubhouse where Gary was meeting some Port fans he knew, but who weren’t going to the match. From there it was a taxi to the stadium.

My friends really enjoyed the fan zone outside, My pal Marco had done the business purchasing the 50 Baht tickets in advance, and we were sorted with a table and chairs as the staff of one outlet did their best to offer wonderful customer service.

There was additional interest in the clash with former Scarborough goalkeeper Kevin Blackwell in charge of Nakhon Ratchasima. His grey hair must have gone white as his side put in what was a generally hapless display as we stood behind the goal. 

After lots of possession and missed opportunities, Port eventually went ahead just past the half-hour mark through Bordin Phala. Visiting defender Charlie Clough was taking plenty of banter from some of the expats in the home end and was giving as good as he got.

At the interval, we returned to our table that was waiting and reserved for us, with our drinks arriving quicker than for those who were queuing over the fence. We ensured that a tip was left for our helpful assistant.

 

The second half was typical Port. On top but slowly defending deeper and inviting pressure. I would have had a decent bet on them conceding, but a woeful Korat team could not take advantage. Hamilton put the game to bed with four minutes remaining.

The couple staying in town suggested we hung around and took advantage of such a welcome as we sat down once again for a couple more beers before we waved farewell while Gary and I headed back to Minburi by taxi.

Port 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1 (Sunday 19^th February 2019) Thai League 1 (att: 4,451) 

My life was moving on at full pace, with it being likely that this would be my last chance of a home game for some time, with so much future time to be spent in the northeast of Thailand. I was determined to make the most of it.

The ideal day after a lie in commenced with an early lunch chim chum at one of our favourite alfresco restaurants in Lam Lu Ka, with Taew’s sister and family. The food was top class as ever before I was dropped on the main road ready to have fun. 

A minivan dropped me at Khu Khot BTS station from where travel was still free as far as Mo Chit. I took full advantage by taking it all the way to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao where I swapped to the MRT a short walk away at Phahon Yothin where the subway took me to Phra Ram 9.

I needed some electrical equipment, and I had read that Fortune Town was the place to go. I got one item and met with Port pal, Marco before returning to the train to get out at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

 

We were early enough, so we wandered past Khlong Toei Market to visit Big C before wandering to PAT Stadium to grab our 50 Baht tickets, which were exceptional value. Within minutes we were enjoying the same excellent hospitality as my previous visit.

The fan zone had really upped its game in this department, and there was a real carnival atmosphere around the place. The staff set us up a table, which was handily placed near a table of locals, where one played old indie and Britpop classics, which set the mood perfectly.

It seemed a shame to have to go into the game, such fun we had, chatting with other Port fans, drinking, and listening to the music. We headed to Zone D as Port unusually kicked towards the east end of the ground in the first half.

The first half was a familiar story to the regulars. Lots of possession, far too many passes and frustration as the opponents packed their defence. Coach Matt Holland had been given the heave-ho after he had replaced Scott Cooper but not much had changed.

The new men at the helm, ideally without the intervention of owner Madame Pang, were Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep, who continued to try and fit all the players in, rather than picking the best formation and upsetting one or two.

Shortly before halftime a shot from the visitors Leon James came back off the post with keeper Somporn Yos motionless. However, the effort had hit the arm of Thiti Thumporn on the way through. After consultation with VAR, referee Warintron Sassadee pointed to the spot, where Alvin Fortes made no mistake. 

After a beer and the usual chunter, we swapped ends, as I managed to get to the back among locals intent on getting behind the team. Port probed and manufactured a great opportunity when Pakorn Prempak got to the byline and crossed only for Bordin Phala to head wide with the goal gaping with fifteen minutes remaining.

Five minutes later, a deep corner was headed down resulting in a scramble. The ball landed at the feet of Hamilton who cleverly put the ball home among the mayhem. The cheers had hardly died down when Port scored what would be the winner.

A quick short corner saw Martin Steuble put in a cross that the unmarked Teerasak Poeiphimai headed in at the near post. The place went berserk, and for the closing minutes the hosts were a different side, Hamilton suddenly becoming unplayable.

The celebrations continued outside. I was asked to join the table where the excellent DJ and his gang shared beers with me as we made friends. I tried speaking my limited Thai, but I was told by the selector of songs that it would be easier if we spoke in English! A video can be enjoyed here.

He had learned his music from working and studying in Oxford, London, and Eastbourne. His lovely wife arrived after a couple of beers. I video-called Taew to let her know I was OK during several of the singsongs that ensued before it was time for a taxi home. 

A fantastic day out, but I knew about it the following day, especially during the long drive to Sisaket.

Port FC 2 BG Pathum United 3 (Saturday 2nd December 2023) Thai League 1 (att: 5,862)

An astonishing match at the PAT Stadium in Khlong Toei, and right up there with anything I’ve ever seen in the Land of Smiles as the third-placed hosts took a 2-0 lead before the second-placed visitors scored three times in the final fifteen minutes to snatch victory.

There was nothing between the sides in the opening exchanges, though if anything BGPU looked the more likely side to break the deadlock with Sarach Yooyen pulling the strings in midfield. Suphanan Bureerat put Port ahead after twenty-seven minutes, cutting in inside the box to beat keeper Kittipong Poothawchuek at his near post with a low drive.

The lead was doubled five minutes later by Pakorn Parmpak whose drive was deflected over the stranded goalie, but not before the home side had a shot handled near the goal line. Surely VAR was ready and waiting to intervene if the later shot hadn’t gone in. 

Charlie Clough at the heart of the Port defence was putting in a real shift, while custodian Samporn Yos pulled off a couple of top stops before the break. After the interval, BGPU intensified their play gradually, while Port relied on sporadic breaks. 

Some home fans blamed the tactics of coach Rangsan Vivatchaichok in his first home game in charge, but his side was up against quality opposition in my opinion. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up in such cases.

I was recording live snippets to be edited for our Podcast and said with twenty minutes to go that either side could win. Eventually, Pathum pulled a goal back through a howitzer from the edge of the box from Freddy Alvarez. The pressure continued to mount. In the end, it was a VAR decision that created the equaliser. 

Nobody had any real idea what it was for, but once again a Thai controller was desperate to make themselves noticed. Teerasil Dangda slotted home the spot kick. The legendary veteran scored the winner when he collected a low cross on the edge of the box. 

The video report for A Thai Football Podcast

He used all his skill, before bending an absolute beauty into the top corner in the fourth of seven minutes additional time. He is still the best player in Thailand, and I never tire of watching him. It also helped that it was a brilliant day surrounding the match. 

My wife accompanied me as we were meeting friends still over from Chiang Mai cricket the previous weekend. Dave, an Aussie who supports AFC Wimbledon and his good lady Michele lives in Hull. We had lunch near Asoke at Suda Restaurant where our guests rated the food more highly than Taew.

There was time for another beer at Buddy's Bar & Grill, a pleasant enough American-style establishment on the end of Soi 20, before taking a cab to the stadium. Our driver tried taking us to the main entrance, maybe thinking we were VIP but I soon put him right.

Our friends loved every minute of the fans’ experience outside with the many food and drink stalls, all at cheaper than ordinary bar prices. As Michele said, “it’s just like Hull fair without the rides!” It is the best fan zone in the country and Bangkok’s best beer garden on a matchday, again in my opinion. 

I’d contacted my local friend from my previous visit in the morning, and he said a stall owner would queue for our tickets to ensure we didn’t have any inconvenience and were guaranteed to get in. The match was just about sold out. There was a 50 Baht surcharge on each one, but we considered it money well spent.

Inside, totally by chance we were in with those we’d been drinking with. It was as raucous an atmosphere as I had been in at the PAT. Real passion, old school abuse of opponents and officials, with my life smiling wryly at some of the insults being hurled. 

We returned after the game to the fan zone for more music, beer, and snacks, making more friends along the way. Home by 11pm, totally knackered and ready for a good kip before our internal flight back to Isan the following morning.

Port 1 Trat 0 (Saturday 24th February 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 4,118) 

A lovely weekend in the centre of the capital meeting up with a group of mates from Scarborough who were over on a short break as well as catching up with other friends near to our Minburi condo earlier in the week.

The match itself was entertaining enough fare, with the visitors second from bottom and Port in third going into the game. After a slow start, the home side got their act together and put a lot of pressure on the Trat defence. Bordin missed a sitter before Pathompon scored what would turn out to be the only goal after nineteen minutes.

Trat recovered after what looked like it might have to be a case of damage limitation following the goal and put together some good moves of their own, with Lidor Cohen a handful upfront. After the interval, huge gaps appeared at either end on a hot evening. 

Somporn in the home net pulled off a couple of saves, one an amazing one-handed stop while a visiting player missed a sitter and found the outside of the post. The hosts were guilty of over-elaborating on several occasions while there was always a chance of the away side snatching a point. It wasn’t to be. 

Opposite centre backs, Charlie Clough for Port and Jorge Filippe for Trat, both had excellent games with their reading of things and putting to use their huge physical presence.

As ever the match was just part of the experience. Officially a Buddha Day in Thailand with the sale of alcohol strictly prohibited, so my local contact gave us the beer outside in the fans zone as a gift and I transferred him the cash later. Fair to say my guests enjoyed the experience with the food stalls, enjoying brisk trade from some of them. 

I had managed to sort a Grab minibus to the stadium from the hotel which made life immeasurably easier as my wife and perplexed driver sat in the front without a hope of deciphering the chat in the back. I struggled at times to be fair.

The three Scarborough Athletic directors were astonished at the lack of health and safety regulations both inside and outside the stadium when recalling some of the hoops the club had to jump through for a license and meet league regulations. Thank goodness we have no graders here and people act in a way so that they don’t put others at risk. It’s a huge help. 

It’s probably as well that I took them to one of the better venues in the Thai League. Several complained about sore behinds after sitting on metal steps for the match. They must be getting soft on the North Yorkshire Riviera.

No booze in the bars in town so we hung around for ninety minutes to finish off supplies and so that I could finish stuff for the weekly Thai Football Podcast while shirts were swapped between a couple of fans and following a scarf been given to our chief host and DJ. 

Back in town, it was quite amusing to see lots of sober farang cuddling a coke or water while watching the 3pm games from England. It gave Taew and me a good excuse to head off to our hotel, which was not our original booking, but which we were upgraded to owing to issues at our original choice.

Sunday morning, Andy and I did a 10km walk in the city, followed by lunch and beers with my fair lady in The Sportsman and then an excellent meal in TK in Terminal 21 on Sukhumvit. I knew that a big night was ahead so I ate plentifully!

A surprise was in store for Taew after cocktails in a wonderful Salvador Dali inspired wine bar, as we were treated to a couple of bottles of top-quality red wine on the forty-ninth-floor open-air rooftop bar with Andy offering his best wishes on our married life.

As the sun set over the City of Angels, it was as close to perfect as possible, with the DJ knowing exactly what feel-good tunes should be played for that atmosphere. Later we headed for a lively late evening in an entertainment zone while catching up with the others, some on their first visit to the city who fell instantly in love with it.

The eight-hour train journey back to Sisaket on Monday morning was not a thing of beauty. All worth it, and another brilliant weekend with football and great company. I was alerted to our posse being on the live TV coverage at the match and I managed to grab a screenshot on the app when we returned home.