Songkhla

 

Songkhla FC is a professional football club representing the city of the same name in the southern Thai province of Hat Yai. Their history can be traced back to 1999, when they played in the Thailand Provincial League which was for clubs outside of Bangkok who played in the Thai Premier League.

Tinsulanonda Stadium was used for home matches, continuing with little success and being suspended for the 2005 season. Third place on their comeback in Provincial League 2 in 2006 was backed up by finishing runners-up in the Provincial League 1 in 2007. 

Songkhla were promoted to Thailand League Division Two in which they ended second in 2008, a season of two spent playing at Chiranakhon Stadium in Hat Yai. Witthawat Iamram ended the top scorer in the second tier Division One in 2009 as the side consolidated their position.

Worawet Chanuthai and then Chayene Santos bagged the goals as the club finished in fifth and then fourth position as a season was spent at Na Thawi District Stadium before a return to Tinsulanonda Stadium which saw the club attract huge attendances. However, things changed after just avoiding relegation in 2012.

Back in 2009, Buriram FC had been formed by Karuna Chidchob. They won promotion from Division Two Northeast in 2010 and then lifted the Division One title in 2011. The club was bought by the husband of the president, Newin Chidchob who had already bought out PEA and moved them from Ayutthaya to become PEA Buriram and then Buriram United.

He decided that the rights of Buriram FC should be sold to Songkhla FC to have a southern team at the top level of Thai football and conveniently have two Buriram controlled clubs there at the same time. The relocated club was named Wuachon United FC in 2012 before the original Songkhla FC was dissolved to join the new club and become Songkhla United.

The initial season saw Wuachon attract a crowd of 30,102 for the top-flight clash with Muangthong United as Jadet Meelarp led the team from the bench. Goals from Kirati Keawsombat in 2012 and then Manop Sornkaew in 2013 kept Songkhla United safe.

Franz Schwarzwälder was appointed as coach in July 2013 lasting just a few months, before they went down a level at the end of the 2014 season after Kayne Vincent had put away the chances. The side was managed throughout the season by Phayong Khunnaen and then Jason Withe. 

Somchai Makmool took over team affairs in 2015 as Rufino Sánchez top scored with the team ending in midtable. Willen Mota was a scoring sensation in 2016 for the side coached by Nopporn Eksatra who also reached the semifinals of the League Cup, going out on aggregate to Buriram United.

The following season proved to be United’s last. Giorgi Tsimakuridze scored the goals as the team ended up in a relegation place for Watchara Tochanakan’s team while playing at Na Thawi District Stadium. Not that it mattered because the club failed the criteria for a license and was banned for two seasons.

The reincarnation of Songkhla FC was born in 2018, starting initially in the Thailand Amateur League, playing at Prince of Songkhla University Stadium, finishing third and then as champions twelve months later of the southern zone to win promotion to Thai League 3 South for 2020-21.

The goals of Abdussalam Saman took the Samila Mermaids to the title back at Tinsulanonda Stadium under the stewardship of Akaporn Chalitaporn. The Champions National League playoffs ended in failure before Daiki Higuchi was given the role of head coach.

2021-22 again saw a third-place finish with Natan Oliveira putting away the chances, before the regional title lifted in 2022-23 as Jardel topped the scoring charts for the side led by Sarawut Treephan who finished third in their playoff group.

2023-24 saw a third Thai League 3 South title being delivered, this time under returning Japanese coach Higuchi thanks in part to the efforts of Nigerian forward, Ekene Victor Azike. Once again, the playoffs ended in disappointment.

My visit

Songkhla 1 Kasem Bundit University 0 (Sunday 5th January 2025) Thai League 3 Cup Round of 16 (att: 345) 

The tour of Thailand that I was on provided immense fun travelling with my wife Taew along with her cousin Q and his family. I’d visited football stadiums in cities that I had never visited before and may not have the opportunity to again. However, this fixture made me extremely happy when it was revealed.

Not that I was the biggest fan of the competition which drew some derisory attendances. I mean, who would expect a team from Bangkok to travel to Songkhla, a journey going on for fourteen hours for a third-tier cup game on a Sunday night? It seemed second nature to organise such games in Thailand.

Despite that, Tinsulanonda Stadium was very high on my bucket list, so I agreed that I would be happy to do anything the rest of our group wanted if I was released for football on Sunday lunchtime. With everything in place, I was deposited at Central in Hat Yai to use the bank and grab some food before walking to the bus terminal.

The driver of our minivan would certainly not be getting a gig at the Comedy Store anytime soon. He displayed a Phatthalung FC scarf above him and drove like the clappers. I wasn’t too upset to get out and start my mini tour of Songkhla's old town, arriving far too early if truth be told. 

I visited an art gallery and wandered through the many narrow lanes seeing some lovely old architecture and street art with many others doing the same thing. If it was a coffee shop someone wanted, they were in the right city, with lots of them, many extremely trendy offering refreshments.

The old rice mill by the lake was being put forward as a World Heritage site, while a small bus took tourists around. I visited the Songkhla National Museum and the city wall, with every local I met being extremely friendly and helpful, something I’d experienced a few days earlier when we visited other local places. 

With time to kill, I thought I would head to the stadium and take photos inside in case access was restricted when spectators arrived for the match. The security guard waved me in as I went into the various stands, with the preparations beginning and the home side arrived by coach.

On my way, I walked along Si Suda Alley, which had several bars which would open later as well as Irish Buzz Stop Restaurant and Bar which was already serving a couple of customers. I decided to return there and maybe have a meal. I regretted it instantly. 

One Thai lady was trying to serve a large group of English fellas, maybe in their late twenties or a bit older. They were not causing any problem, but they were loud, obviously enjoying themselves and were ordering food and lots of drinks. It was clear that I would have waited a long time.

After looking at the menu, in which nothing particularly jumped out at me, I decided I’d leave them to their fun and have a drink somewhere a bit quieter. It was unbelievable the names I was called because I hadn’t decided to introduce myself and make friends. It saddened me, but these things happen.

The irony of having a trouble-free tour, including visiting places threatened by terrorism, but then having issues with English was not lost on me. I had a couple of cold beers watching the world go by and trying to cheer myself up at The Corner Bier before heading back to the stadium, again rather early.

Refreshments were confined to a stall once inside the stadium complex before entering the arena. There was no beer for sale. The souvenir stand consisted of a small rack and table which also sold match tickets. It was all extremely low-key and a bit disappointing.

 

I chose a VIP seat for 120 Baht, again feeling disappointed when it turned out to be downstairs in the main stand rather than the upper tier. The stadium PA played very melodic local acoustic tunes as the teams warmed up before they returned for the match.

It had to be asked if it was wise to arrange a 6pm kick-off when Thailand were playing Vietnam in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup final on live TV at 8pm. Surely an earlier start at Songkhla would have attracted more fans who could then get home to watch the national side.

The game was closely fought in the first half. Thomas Chinonso, the Nigerian Kasem Bundit striker was pacy and caused the host defence some problems, breaking away and seeing his shot go narrowly over the bar while Songkhla seemed more methodical but slower in their build-up.

I was surprised to see Jhonatan Bernardo in the lineup for the home side who led their league table. I had watched him for Udon United at the start of the season and it’s fair to say that I was unimpressed. The impression was confirmed after his showing in this match. He was dreadful and must have had a good agent. 

Ridwan Ruangchuai was one of the midfielders who impressed me for Songkhla, but he was lucky to remain on the pitch in my eyes after he was the last man bringing down Chinonso on the edge of the box when through, not attempting to play the ball as half-time neared.

Referee Pissanusak Sriyai decided the challenge only merited a yellow card. The striker received lengthy treatment in what would be the game changing moment. Abdulhafis Nibu, Thiraphong Yangdi, and Anwa A-Leemama also impressed me for the home team. 

It was the latter who was denied just before the interval through a flying save from Chanon Aunjaidee in the student’s net. At the break, I decided to change position and ensure that I could get away easily from an exit to meet my family. The view was far better high up on the open side.

Chinonso wasn’t the same after his injury, hobbling off five minutes into the second half, his assailant staying on having done his job. Ten minutes later the only goal of the game arrived from Anwa and that was pretty much game over. The hosts came close to doubling their lead a couple of times with the threat of KBU extinguished.

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

 

Should the game have gone into extra time, it would have done so without me in attendance. As the final whistle sounded, I was on my way to dinner at Son Kaew Seafood Restaurant. A pleasant meal was enjoyed before Q gave us a nighttime tour of the old town.

We wanted to be back in Hat Yai for a night of sleep, as the following day would see Taew head off and make our way without our hosts, catching the bus to Krabi to enjoy many further adventures. It was only then she revealed that her cousin’s wife was worried about me going to football alone. If only she knew.

Vichupa Football Field (Bangkok)

 

Vichupa Football Field is a football venue, primarily located on Soi Ram Intra 46/1, which has five full sized pitches, with another smaller pitch for training and age group football. Teams rent the venue to play for a full season in their respective competitions.

It is also booked for singular needs as a neutral venue for other local football, such as the Bangkok Premier League or Thonburi League. Or sometimes for one off recreational football or staging the matches of professional youth sides.

All the pitches have high netting surrounding them to prevent footballs from disappearing into the wilds or adjoining houses. There are changing facilities provided and each pitch has its own set of floodlights. In all, an excellent set of facilities.

My visits

V 5

Minburi City 3 Pivo V Revolution 0 (Wednesday 19th January) Friendly (att: c25)

An account of my first venture can be read here, for a midweek game under the lights down the road on Soi Amon Wiwat.

V 5

SG FC 0 FC Bangsaotong 0 (Sunday 6th March 2022) Bangkok Premier League Division 2 (att: c15)

A return to the same venue came when an unexpected opportunity raised its head and can be read about here.

V 3

Siam FC 3 Kasem Bundit University 0 (Sunday 12^th February 2023) Thonburi League Champions League semi-final (att: c15)

 

My football adventures were less intense in 2023, usually meaning that I headed to one game a week and looked forward to it, rather than packing in some games when on reflection it had sometimes been a box-ticking exercise.

However, I still loved visiting new venues whenever possible. Muang Thong United v Buriram United was undoubtedly the best game in Bangkok all weekend, but a 7pm Sunday kick-off and then the scramble to try and find a taxi deterred me from heading that way.

It was time for me to revisit some local stuff, with a choice of two matches. Linping, formerly AC Tuttocuoio, against Nonthaburi City at Airport Stadium, was one, but the other with jeopardy involved at a venue I’d yet to see a game at won the day, but only just.

I was tired. Life was fantastic and every day was bringing joy, but along with it lots of mind and sometimes leg work. The temperatures were rising, leading to walking being a more exhausting hobby. And I’d had a fantastic Saturday with my beautiful lady looking after two friends from Hull.

 

Another attraction of my selected match was it ignited the excitement of a bus route I’d yet to try and see what I would experience along the way. All was good, apart from the bus didn’t want to appear, meaning that I was close at one stage to reverting to the other game option.

I headed to 7/11 to break a large note, as I realised that I could still go to my first choice, but by taxi. As I came out of the shop, I was greeted with the sight of the lovely air-conditioned bus coming in my direction. There was just enough time to cross the road and frantically wave my arms.

Despite being fifty metres short of the stop, the driver saw my predicament, flashed his lights, and came right up to me. What a good man. The journey was indeed interesting, as we went past a previously undiscovered craft beer bar before I alighted from my 20 Baht ride.

It was a further fifteen minutes amble to the venue, where panic set in on arrival, as no teams were warming up on the show pitch. In the distance, I could see a chap saving shots, and sure enough, the game was being played on V3 pitch, which could well have been the usual home ground of Siam FC.

While not ideal, with spectator facilities not freely available, both covered canopies with seating were being taken up by either side and their close allies. Neutrals weren’t really considered. I sat in the semi-shadow of a floodlight pylon, which worked out perfectly.

It was a sweltering afternoon, the sort you would take shelter from in the shade if watching cricket. Yet, the academy sides of the two professional teams would do battle in temperatures well into the thirties for a place in their league final on a pitch not too long in length. 

The playing surface was immaculate, which allowed for a fast-flowing game, between two sides that I’d enjoyed watching over the previous few months. It was the team of the university that was on top in the early exchanges, as their 23 was clean through but dragged wide from a great position.

At the other end, the Siam 19 showed great footwork to round the Bundit keeper but put wide with the goal gaping. At this point, I should mention the intervention of who I adjudged to be the man of the match.

 

The sound of the bell being rung by a fella on a motorcycle with a small frame attached was music to my ears. I thought that 40 Baht for a tub of ice cream was a little on the expensive side, but it was plentiful, cold, and beautiful. In hindsight, I’d have given him a one hundred Baht.

The weather was too much for the players as well, with the referee sensibly splitting each half into three-thirds to allow for lots of water to be taken onboard. Once refreshed Siam’s 19 was soon back in the thrust of the action. 

He had an effort saved by the feet of the Kasem keeper after he beat the offside trap, although I wasn’t so sure myself. One thing I was sure of, was I wasn’t going to volunteer to run the line. Any mistakes by the far-side linesman were totally acceptable.

19 was at it again, once again springing the trap, but this time firing over. However, he was not to be denied as he scored from close range just past the half-hour mark after 20 rolled square to him. The scorer looked too embarrassed to celebrate, acknowledging his earlier misses. 

He would go on to complete his hattrick before the interval, with two more predatory finishes before both sides earned a fully deserved few minutes to recover. I could have done with some water myself, though I was fortunate that the shadows were growing.

After the interval, the students in bright orange came out with the bit between their teeth and threatened to force a comeback. 23 saw an effort scrambled off the line, and then the player wearing 88 in the Siam goal saved a shot from the same Bundit attacker.

The pressure continued as 10 saw his effort go narrowly over the bar. There was more intensity in the second period, with the university side getting stuck in, leading to several feisty exchanges, which I’m not totally convinced the referee handled too well.

Siam defended resolutely and then began to look dangerous on the break. The Bundit keeper pulled off a fine double save in the closing stages, and I decided to walk around ready to make my escape after seeing my app indicate that my bus had departed Minburi.

 

My Yorkshire upbringing was about to kick in and I was immensely proud of myself. The 197 bus route has some new air-conditioned vehicles and cost passengers 20 Baht a ride, like the one I caught to go to the match.

Old ones, with wooden floors, are 8 Baht with the windows down to create cool air. On this occasion, the posh one arrived one minute ahead of the other. I saved myself 12 Baht. Why spend more, has always been my motto and I wasn’t going to change now. 

The thriftiness continued as I used a discount KFC voucher for our tea, some of which we gave to a neighbour, which is one of the reasons I love Thailand. Like England of old with a community spirit.

A wonderful day when all said and done, after I’d earlier shown my lovely lady how to make spaghetti Bolognese, and we relaxed for the evening over a few drinks while I watched a few classic Only Fools and Horses and the Leeds United v Manchester United game. A Super Sunday indeed.

Samut Prakan

Samut Prakan FC is a professional football club representing the city of the same name to the Thai capital of Bangkok. Formed in 2007, they should not be confused with Samut Prakan City FC who also share Samut Prakarn SAT Stadium.

‘The Fortress’ started out life playing at the Royal Thai Naval Academy Football Field in Thailand League Division 2, finishing fifth. A move to Sit Chaiyasam Football Field followed, with the team again ending fifth in Group A after the division was split after expansion.

 

Further Thai League growth saw the club placed in Division 2 Central & Eastern Region in 2009, which was one of five third tier regional divisions. Playing the season at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University Stadium and 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Bang Mod, the team ended top of the table.

Samut Prakan qualified for the Champions League promotion play-offs. Missing out on promotion by one point in the round robin group. A runners-up berth in 2010 also led to play-off football but once again the team failed to go up a notch.

The season had seen home games played at Customs Department Stadium before a move to what would become their permanent base at Samut Prakarn SAT Stadium prior to a return to the renamed Lad Krabang 54 Stadium.

The lack of stability wasn’t helping on the pitch performance as Samut Prakan finished in the lower reaches of the Central-East section of the third level for four years on the bounce, with their best effort being ninth in 2011 and 2014.

 

The period saw a further nomadic existence as the club became tenants at the remote venues of the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Min Buri and Samut Prakarn Province Stadium. The theme of being away from the population continued in the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the club being based at Lam Fah Pha Subdistrict Municipality Stadium.

At least the team in blue and white improved their performance with a third-placed finish in 2015. The division became called Eastern Region twelve months later, with Prakan ending in seventh spot as the club moved into Samut Prakarn SAT Stadium.

Further club expansion saw a restructuring for the 2017 campaign as the club was placed in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region of Thai League 4. The goals of Phakpoom Malirungruang and Gabriel Mintah propelled Fortress to second in the table. JL Chiangmai United ended any hopes of promotion in the play-offs.

Dennis Borketey topped the scoring charts in 2018 with his side ending mid-table. It was a similar outcome the following season as Josué Pereira Da Silva Filho banged in the goals. The division retained its name but became the third tier for 2020-21. Samut Prakan finished twelfth. 

The 2021-22 season saw the team come perilously close to being relegated, staying up by a better goal difference than Grakcu Sai Mai United. The goals of Kazuo Honma and Nicolás Gabriel Vidal were a key factor for the side led by head coach Kornphop Sapsin after he had earlier replaced Hiroki Ono.

A link-up with BG Pathum United in 2022-23 saw Danny Invincible cut his teeth as a head coach with players being loaned, leading to a seventh-place finish being achieved as Pakkapol Maimard scored regularly. Jirawat Lainananukul was out in charge of team affairs at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Luan Borges top scored as the side finished just above the relegation place. This led to the appointment of a new head coach Nontaporn Yongant after the club had been moved into Thai League 3 East for 2024-25.

Samut Prakan FC will play in Thai League 3 East in the 2024-25 season.

My visit

Samut Prakan 1 Kasem Bundit University 1 (Sunday 23rd January 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok (att: 150) 

A case of déjà vu after heading south to the same stadium the previous evening for the 1-1 draw between Samut Prakan City and Police Tero. I woke with a massive hangover after going home at daft o’clock from my local bar but determined nevertheless to head out.

Despite imaginary men pulling barbed wire through my head between the ears I summoned up the energy to go by the same route as the day before. Namely, three buses joining together; the 27, 145 and 133.

It was a pleasant day for football watching as I arrived at a more sensible time on this occasion. Going into the home section was also pleasant, not that the facilities were too different aside from a roof to shelter me from the sun in the main stand.

Initially, I was struggling to work out where to pay my 80 Baht admission fee and enter, such were the number of stewards and confused spectators hanging around. Thailand and its citizens were still being extremely cautious as it gradually recovered from the coronavirus pandemic.

With a low crowd it was possible to bag an excellent vantage point, a few rows up from where a fan appeared to be a one-man souvenir shop, knocking out Samut Prakan shirts. The locals seemed a pleasant enough bunch.

I guess they were a durable bunch, having had Osatspa and then the former Pattaya United dumped on their patch and sweeping up possible fans. But at the end of the day, they were the genuine item representing the city. 

In the opening exchanges, the Brazilian Ranieri Luiz Barbosa for the visitors from Rom Klao went on a fine run and was only denied by home goalie Chanakiat Nimma. However, five minutes in the university side went 1-0 ahead through the same forward with a powerful shot.

Nimma did his best to keep out the effort, but the power was too much for him to handle. Barbosa looked the standout player on the pitch and his superb ball put in Pitsanu Punriboon to score after he ran from deep to beat the offside trap and get a clear run through on goal.

Home skipper Jirawat Boonmak was doing his best but often failing to keep Barbosa quiet. Another fantastic piece of skill from the visitor saw him drag the ball back to Sivakorn Majitt who fired over when well placed.

The Fortress were being cheered on by a special Brigade of fans over the far side stood on ladders and raised platforms to gain free viewing. Their heroes halved the deficit four minutes from the break when a shot from Tilawas Thanomnaew was helped in by Nipat Ruaisanthia despite the best efforts of Kasem keeper Chitchana Tuksinpila.

During the interval, I decided to have a walk around the back of the goal to get a better photo of the main stand. I was spotted by the Brigade who offered me a warm welcome and some of their whisky. I was too rough to accept.

On the restart, Boonmak saw his half-volley punched away by Tuksinpila. The gent in front of me was doing a good trade with his shirt selling. The club seemed to have a proper love and community feel to it. 

The battle between Boonmak and Tuksinpila continued, as the custodian tipped over his long-range free kick. The Kasembundit defence was putting in a proper shift, with diligence and bravery as they threw their bodies on the line.

The pressure mounted as the home side looked to grab an equaliser and a valuable point in their fight against relegation. The introduction of skillful substitute Natthapat Wongsensuk along with Yushi Kawaguchi helped their cause.

 

Wongsensuk set up fellow sub Apisit Pangsuk who brought out the best in Tuksinpila. Bundit continued to weather the storm as the pressure gradually abated. The hosts deserved a point for their fightback, but it was not to be.

At full time I had a stroll as my condition continued to improve. Wandering up to Sukjai Park @ Bang Sao Thong I caught the first bus back to repeat my outward journey. It was an early night for me when I returned to Minburi to recover after a decent couple of games within a few hours in Samut Prakan.