Uthai Thani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The experienced Serbian head coach, Miloš Joksić, was given the role at Uthai Thani in August 2024 before being replaced by Gino Lettieri in May 2025, before Joksić returned five months later.

Uthai Thani FC will play in the Thai League 1 in the 2025-26 season.

My visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sisaket

Sisaket FC was a professional football club from the town of the same name in Thailand’s northeastern region of Isan, which was formed in 1999. The club was dissolved in 2022.

The club was formed by the Sports Authority of Thailand to play in the Provincial League, which was the third tier of football at the time. SSKFC went on to become the inaugural champions.

By 2007, ‘The Dangerous Koupreys’; a kouprey being a wild bovine animal of the region, found themselves competing in the second-tier Thai Division 1 League, from where they were relegated to the Regional League. Head coach Chartkla Subsongpol had been appointed the previous year.

The club kept faith with him as he led the side to runners-up place in Group B and promotion back to the second level. Success continued for the fans at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium as Sisaket finished the 2009 season in third place and was promoted to the Thai Premier League with Piroj Anantanarong finishing as the top scorer.

Somchart Yimsiri took over as team boss in what was to prove to be a rather turbulent season. SSKFC finished in the relegation play-off spots, with Freddy Marinho, Kim Kyung-Ju and Wisoot Wichaya all coming and going as head coach. The team came top of their relegation play-off to remain in the top flight, thanks in part to the goals of Piyawat Thongman.

Englishman Dave Booth was appointed to lead the side for the 2011 season, but he was replaced a few weeks in by the Brazilian, Royter Moreira. The club was known on records as Sisaket Muangthai FC, as they finished safely in the twelfth spot, with Wuttichai Tathong and Victor Amaro finishing as joint top scorers.

In 2012, the local Sisaket government decided to back the newly formed club Sisaket United FC in the third-tier Regional League North Eastern Region. Sisaket FC decamped to Ubon Ratchathani and changed their name to Esan United FC.

Moreira was replaced by Phayong Khunnaen and then Paniphon Kerdyam during the season, as the team finished in sixth place with Tana Chanabut banging in the goals after being signed from Police United. However, the joy at such a credible finish was to be short-lived.

It was found that fake documents had been used to legitimise the move to Ubon Ratchathani, along with the name change. The club was suspended for the season and returned to Sisaket and their former title while retaining their Premier League place for the 2014 campaign.

Former Thai international midfielder Chalermwoot Sa-ngapol took charge of the team on their return home. International forward Sarayuth Chaikamdee scored the goals as SSKFC finished in twelfth place.

Ekkapan Jandakorn skippered the team in 2015, in a season which saw Adefolarin Durosinmi lead the scoring charts as the Sisaket finished in thirteenth spot. However, a fine run in the League Cup almost ended in glory.

Pattaya United and Police United were among the sides disposed of as Sisaket reached the final, where they were up against Isaan neighbours Buriram United. SSKFC went down to a solitary goal at Bangkok’s Suphachalasai Stadium.

The 2016 final league position mirrored that of the previous season. Božidar Bandović had started the campaign as head coach before he was replaced by Masahiro Wada, with Anton Zemlianukhin finishing as top scorer.

Former Thai international defender Dusit Chalermsan took control of the team for the commencement of the 2017 campaign in the rebranded Thai League 1, before being replaced by Velizar Popov by March. The Bulgarian’s reign was also short-lived as he had resigned by August.

Former English Premier League forward Leroy Lita spent the season at the club without really producing the goods. Mariano Berriex was the leading scorer, with Chalermwoot Sa-ngapol in charge of the team, as they were relegated to League 2.

Robert Jose da Silva was charged with the task of trying to regain Sisaket’s top-tier status, but he was soon replaced by Somchai Chuayboonchum. The side reached the semi-final of the FA Cup in 2018, where they were defeated by Buriram United at the Boonyachinda Stadium in Bangkok.

The team would have won promotion in 2019 under head coach Worachai Surinsirirat, but the club was deducted twelve points over the ongoing dispute with Esan United and former players Kouen Hyuk-jin and Khaled Farid Kharroubi.

The Thai League calendar reverted to the European model for the 2020-21 season, as Sisaket appointed Chusak Sriphum as team boss before he was replaced by Preeda Chankra as the side finished in the relegation places. Santi Chaiyaphuak was given the managerial role in Thai League 3 Northeast. His team qualified for the Champions League playoffs but went no further.

The club didn't start the following season after the Thai Administration Court ordered the FA of Thailand to return the license of Sisaket FC to Esan United and pay them 18.5 million baht in compensation. Esan made noises about returning and wanted their Thai League 1 place back, but nothing more was heard from them.

My visit

Sisaket 0 Nakhon Ratchasima 3 (Wednesday 13th June 2018) League Cup Round One (att: 651)

My twelve-day holiday to Thailand had been in the planning stage for a while when I arrived at work for an early shift a couple of weeks before departure. I was like a little lad on Christmas morning as the draw for the Thai League Cup was about to be made.

I’d attended the 2017 final the previous November with Steve Walker, but this was to be different as I would be travelling up country alone to a town I’d never been to before. Dale down in Chonburi had been a help as ever in the build-up.

He started sending me the draw, which he translated as it was made live on Facebook. I kept trying to get a look, but I hadn’t a clue what was going on. Some cynics would say that I had plenty in common with those conducting proceedings.

My plans were to take in cities in Isaan for part of the trip, so I was overjoyed when the draw pitted together two sides from that region. The capacity of the stadium meant that tickets wouldn’t be an issue. It was time to start booking rooms and transport.

Forward to Wednesday 13th. I’d arrived in Bangkok the previous morning in an adventurous mood and spent the day sleeping, at the local snooker hall, eating and even having a game of bingo before a few beers in Minburi with Steve.

There was something about the Sudtong Club where we settled on the main drag. It didn’t have an extensive range of beers or luxurious facilities, but to me, it was proper Thailand. Low prices, reasonable snacks, live music, friendly folk and set by a dual carriageway. I loved the place.

In fact, I loved it a bit too much, staying on after my pal and then awaking a bit the worse for wear at 5.30am. My flight wasn’t until 9am, but traffic could be terrible during the Bangkok morning peak, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

The hold-ups could be worse than ever at the time, as in many places a lane of traffic had disappeared while the sky train extension was in progress. It was some herculean job, but it would surely eventually ease the congestion a little.

I began to perk up after some comfort food. My flight was on time, and I was very excited. As I noted at the time, I could be visiting places where little English was spoken, or indeed written. This merely added to the thrill. My flight was to Ubon Ratchathani, from where I decided to take a taxi to the railway station. 

It was a choice between train or bus, but being a railway worker meant that there could be only one real option. The fare to Sisaket, or Si Sa Ket as it was also listed, was about 30p in sterling. I had around an hour to wait, so I bought a bottle of water and watched the world go by on the platform. I was attracting some attention.

The transport police came over for a chat. One of their colleagues photographed us from across the tracks. They were very friendly and asked what I was doing and heading. When I said Sisaket, they said, “Why?”

I explained I was going to the football, which surprised them. They seemed to have trouble getting their heads around it. I don’t suppose that they’d come across many overweight backpacking fifty-plus-year-old Yorkshiremen going to watch Sisaket play?

As it turns out, I noticed signs on the route and then between Sisaket and Surin the following day, warning of people trafficking. Perhaps the police thought that was my game? The nearest I got to that was organising mini buses to watch Scarborough.

I’d also infamously helped form and lead the Beer Battered Seadogs Cricket Club on three brief tours of Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin, for which I was still receiving counselling, but people trafficking? No thanks? The welcome from everyone had taken me back. A young lady had been most helpful in the ticket hall. 

In fact, my one slight disappointment was that I was all geared up to use some very basic Thai when everyone spoke decent English. The station at Ubon Ratchathani was in itself uplifting, at least to someone involved in the industry back home, where saving money comes above customer service. Here, there was a ticket office, first class lounge, toilets, reasonably priced stalls, lots of staff and police.

I’d been told that my train was cheap as it was a local service, but I’d have smiled if they put me in an open truck. There’s something about Thailand that does that to me. Not everyone speaks English, but they smile. It’s only natural to reciprocate. How are we getting it so wrong in the UK?

Anyway, I digress. People packed all manner of items on board. Vendors went up and down the train. I opted for a bottle of water and a piece of barbecued chicken on a stick. It certainly beats paying £5 for a pastie!

The journey took an hour. It was stifling hot as I arrived in Sisaket, a town seemingly dominated by market stalls, at least on either side of the railway tracks. I walked the ten minutes or so to the Boonsiri Boutique Hotel, my place of rest for the night.

I’d read that taxis were rare in the town, so I inquired at reception as to whether it was possible to book me one to take me to the match, as the stadium was on the outskirts. The young lady said it was no problem and it would be there at 5pm. After a siesta, my room phone rang to tell me that my carriage was awaiting. What excellent service! 

I explained to the driver as well as I could where I wanted to go. He nodded and headed off in the correct direction according to my previous research. It was normal to see scooters with fans wearing team shirts on the way to matches in Thailand. Therefore, I was a little concerned not to encounter any as the stadium floodlights appeared on the horizon.

I needn’t have worried. I was at the right place, and the game was kicking off at 6pm. It was just that I was early. 100 Baht (£2.20) secured me a seat near the centre of the covered stand. There was time to have a look around before that. I managed to gain access to the stand behind the goal to take some photos, where I came across a couple of local ultras taking their banners and drums upstairs. 

Again, broad smiles were the order of the day. It was obvious that the early kick-off time would affect the attendance. Many were still at work. I was slightly shocked that only 20 or so fans had made the journey from Korat to cheer on Nakhon Ratchasima. It was a case of choosing any spot as the teams warmed up.

The Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium was a typical multi-purpose arena as seen around Thailand, with an athletic track around the pitch. Stands formed a horseshoe shape on three sides, with the Main Stand a lone structure with a roof and seats over the centre section. The home side were the underdogs but started well with their Brazilian number 10, Cristiano, looking very talented on the ball. 

Two WAGS of Brazilian appearance came into the stands as the crowd gradually built. Cristiano brought a good save out of Swatcat keeper Todsaporn Sri-reung, who was on loan from Police-Tero in the second minute with a long-range shot. The main noise came from the far side and the few behind the goal as the sun quickly dropped.

The locals sang a song which had a resemblance to Belinda Carlisle’s, Heaven is a Place on Earth. While Cristiano was good with his feet, he missed an easy chance to score with his head midway through the half as he glanced at a perfect cross from Nattaphol Sukchai.


Nakhon Ratchasima put together their first meaningful attack when Phaitoon Nontadee went on an excellent run, beating several players to pull back to Veerapong Korrayok, who contrived to hit the side netting with his shot.

Natthakit Insao also reached the byline for the hosts before teeing up Pongsak Boonthot, whose weak header was easily dealt with just past the half-hour mark. It was a similar story a few minutes later as Igor Luiz fluffed a headed chance from a Wongsaphat Silahirunrath free kick.

The visitors went 1-0 up a couple of minutes before the interval, when Nebojša Marinković went on a fine run that was nodded home by Phaitoon Nontadee to the joy of the gargantuan figure of Ratchasima’s Serbian coach Miloš Joksić. Swatcats continued where they left off, as they were the better side for the first ten minutes after the restart. 

Sisaket looked to get back into the game, with Cristiano missing another sitter with his head.
However, the hosts were offered a lifeline when the referee awarded them what looked like a very soft penalty after sixty-seven minutes. Justice was seemingly done as Cristiano blasted the spot kick at least ten yards over the bar.

The Koupreys had their danger extinguished a few minutes later as they were made to pay for their missed chance. A fine ball saw the defence go missing as Leandro Assumpção waltzed through to double the lead. The Brazilian added another soon after with a fine run and a beautiful chip over home custodian Pornchai Kasikonudompaisan. 

It received well-deserved applause from all around the stadium. Confidence seemed to drain from the Sisaket players. Fortunately, the visitors realised that their job was done and didn’t inflict any greater damage. There was still time for the hosts to come close twice before full-time.

An awful clearance from the Swatcat keeper saw the ball returned into the area, where Cristiano saw his effort blocked on the line. The same player hit the bar with the last action of the game after a Methanon Sutthasen was nodded into his path. The match was certainly a tale of two Brazilians. Sisaket’s Cristiano could have been the hero. 

Instead, it was Ratchasima’s Leandro who left with the plaudits. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Now it was time to find my way back. I hadn’t risked asking the driver to return in case the match went to extra time. I mean, how was I meant to explain the permutations to him in Thai when he’d dropped me off? With no taxis around and the crowd heading away, it was time to get my daily steps in.

It was still very warm as I walked south before taking the main drag back towards town. I was relieved to come across a 7/11 halfway up Thanon Khu Khan to take on board a toastie and a Gatorade. I’d read that there may have been a lively bar near the bus station, but I didn’t find it if there was. 

Instead, I stopped for a beer in a bar called Stand By, which had an indoor area which seemed to be popular with well-dressed locals. I was tired and needed a shower, so I headed back to my hotel and started watching another England ODI victory over Australia. While this was naturally satisfying, I hadn’t planned weeks in advance to sit in a hotel room when there was exploring to be done.

After a change of clothes, I headed along Ratchakan Rotfai 2, busy with people working on the night market stalls and past the station, where I’d read reviews for a bar called Cuckoo’s Nest. I walked all the way without locating it. Not to worry, as I had a plan B. Hotel Prompiman was said to have a bar, club and snooker hall. It was time that I found out. 

Sure enough, this looked like the place to be in town. I took a seat at a vacant table and was soon enjoying a large bottle of Chang in an open-fronted place with I-Bar, a club across the yard.

The service was excellent, with the waitresses filling the glass as it emptied. On reflection, it may well have been the not-unattractive female staff wearing figure-hugging dresses advertising the popular brew that persuaded me to have another.

I settled my tab and was mulling over a visit to the nightclub when a couple of local fellas beckoned me over. They insisted I drink with them. Being the perfect diplomat and tourist, I concluded that it was the least I could do. It transpired that one of the fellas was in the army as he showed me photos of himself in full uniform and on parade, followed by images of his family.

I was praying that his phone didn’t have too much storage as I made my excuses and went across the way. It had been some time since I’d been clubbing, but my memory told me that the bouncer hadn’t smiled and welcomed me the same way as was in evidence here. Entry was free, and drinks were sensibly priced.

People stood by tables and were served, but they seemed fine with me going straight to the hatch and paying. Again, I was getting smiles from everyone. A very decent local band had the place rocking. It was definitely bedtime a couple of large bottles later.

A local had tried to strike up a conversation when I first tried to order a beer, but the music was too loud, and I wanted to take everything in. The same fella saw me as I was having a look at the food on the busy street stall. He seemed a friendly chap and insisted on giving me a lift back to my hotel, even waiting while I popped into 7/11 for snacks.

Somehow, I couldn’t imagine that happening in the UK. It summed up Sisaket and its wonderful smiling people. It wasn’t the most aesthetic of towns, but the locals more than made up for it. I wouldn’t hesitate to return. Little did I realise that I would, five years later to get married to a local woman and live in the countryside!

Incidentally, I later discovered that I was on the wrong side of the railway for my originally intended place of lubrication, so I would have to wait for a return trip. Maybe for a Sisaket United match? I wouldn’t need to have too many excuses to see so many smiles again!

Port FC post June 2021

Click here for history and visits before 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 appointment 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 appointed the experienced Brazilian manager, Alexandre Gama, in June 2025.

Port FC will play in the Thai League 1 in the 2025-26 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 its capacities cut owing to COVID-19. 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 I 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 ascendancy 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 substitute 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 an 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 a greater 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 FC 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 in 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 1st 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 opportunistic 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 visitors’ 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 14th August 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 6,065)

This was more like it, at least pre-match, as the full fan zone had reopened and a full capacity was 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 expectations 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 2nd 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 FC 3 Sukhothai 0 (Wednesday 2nd 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 went 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, 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 FC 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 at 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 a 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, which 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 of 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 hang around and take 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 FC 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1 (Sunday 19th 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 off on the main road, ready to have fun.

A minivan dropped me at the 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 on 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! 

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 sing-alongs 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 of 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 the 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 at 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 prices 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 FC1 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 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.

Port FC 4 Sukhothai 1 (Tuesday 27th August 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 4,076)

The early season optimism, which is often missing in the New Year was still abundant as I arrived at the PAT following a fantastic weekend break in Koh Chang for the annual Beach Cricket Tournament. I travelled by bus, boat, and train to arrive in good time.

A young pair had remarkably ridden by bicycle from Chesterfield to Bangkok for charity, and I had followed their progress online. A few messages connected us, as they were also heading to the game. We managed to hook up before going in to see Port put their hapless visitors to the sword.

Within sixteen minutes goals from Bordin and then Isaac Honny had put the hosts in command. At the interval, I introduced the travellers and their friends to Yow my local DJ friend who did so much to make all my mates so welcome. They thought it was amazing, and we arranged to reconvene after the game.

Teerasak came off the bench to add a third five minutes from time before Sukhothai game their travelling support had something to cheer about with a goal from Matheus Fornazari. Teerasak finished things off in stoppage time.

As ever, I was contemplating the slow journey back to Minburi while getting involved in a rather sociable after-match gathering. Enter Yow and his good lady, who spoke to Taew on the phone and explained the situation and that they were driving me home later.

I was chauffeured back in the huge car as Yow pulled down a screen showing match highlights and gave me a cold beer from the fridge as his good lady sailed up the highway to deliver me to my front door. Incredible kindness and a great way to round off a wonderful few hours.

Port FC 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1 (Sunday 1st December 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 3,350)

Back in the capital after visits by plane north to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Taew and I caught up with friends. I’d invited Mark Wise, an Oxford United, Bangkok teaching friend, along to see how he compared Port to his enjoyable visit to BGPU the previous season.

We met at Bangkapi and took trains down to Khlong Toei before sitting in the fan zone to enjoy refreshments. Yow was late and had enjoyed quite a sociable afternoon by the looks of things as we chatted away with fans gathering outside.

There had been a bit of turmoil at port where the wheels had predictably come off after a fantastic start to the season. Coach Rangsan resigned and then reappeared. His side still played some lovely football without having the killer touch to put away teams as they should have been doing.

On this occasion, they failed to breach the Nongbua backline who defended resolutely with Jorge Fellipe putting in a great shift. The visitors withstood all that was flung in their way before taking the lead with a well-crafted goal which was finished with aplomb by Marcus Haber after seventy-two minutes. It was fair enough on the balance of play.

However, Port got straight back into it a couple of minutes later when Lonsana Doumbouya rose to powerfully head home from a corner. The hosts piled on the pressure, creating a grandstand finish in front of us. With just a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Teerasak scored the winner.

It had been an entertaining game and as ever a top social occasion. I was unable to hang around after the match, so Mark and I eventually managed to get a cab to take us back along Ramkhamhaeng Road where we parted ways.

Mark went home while I went to a superb outdoor Isan restaurant on Panya Indra Road to meet Taew and Thai friends, including the owner. It was well into the early hours when we eventually got home. A top day indeed.

Port FC 1 Khon Kaen United 2 (Wednesday 15th January 2015) Thai League 1 (att: 2,317)

The match and my feelings are summed up in this article.

Port FC 3 Ratchaburi 3 (Friday 24th January 2025) Thai League 1 (att: 3,538)

An astonishing game of football that somehow managed to rack up eighteen minutes of VAR reviews. The away side thought that they'd gone ahead but the goal from Jakkaphan Kaewprom was chalked off for offside by VAR, according to those watching on TV without conclusive evidence.

Gabriel Mutombo put Ratchaburi ahead after thirty-seven minutes, with the excellent Japanese star Tatsuya Tanaka doubling the advantage. Lonsana Doumbouya pulled one back in additional stoppage time before the break. The two-goal advantage was regained three minutes after the resumption as Tanaka struck again.

The Port defence was a shambles for the second home game in succession, but going forward, they weren’t so bad. Noboru Shimura scored a wonderful header, but VAR again intervened to spoil the celebrations. However, there was nothing the faceless crew in the truck could do to disallow a goal from Chalermsak Aukkee.

The entertainment was nonstop as play went from one end to the other. Port continued throwing caution to the wind. Eventually, their efforts paid off when the ever-petulant Jonathan Khemdee clearly handled a deep cross in the area, though once again it took a lengthy VAR delay to reach the correct decision.

The match is featured as part of my video production

Substitute and new signing Peniel Mlapa stepped up to slot away the resulting penalty. He flattered to deceive throughout his cameo and missed a great chance to grab the winner in the time that had been added on. A real thriller of a match, all told.

A real adventure as I took a new air-conditioned bus to the PAT, trying to engage in conversation in Thai with a man and his wife also heading to the game, who revealed, five minutes from our destination, that they were Chinese. No wonder they didn’t speak much.

A proper drink, as ever, followed by the usual nightmare of getting home. It was well worth it, at least until I awoke on Saturday morning.

Port 3 Ayutthaya United 1 (Sunday 17th August 2025) Thai League 1 (att: 6,250)

I managed to blow away my cobwebs from the previous evening which included Muanthong United v Sukhothai and then a lengthy drink in Minburi, making my way into the city, dropping Taew at out friends' in the taxi and then depositing me at Bangkapi to take the canal boat before the MRT underground to Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, the nearest station to the PAT Stadium.

I went early to buy tickets as I was taking a guest, which, in hindsight, turned out to be an excellent decision, as I was away again in a few minutes. My destination to fill in time was Hua Lamphong Railway Station, the traditional old terminus in the city, now succeeded in terms of long-distance and most other services by Krung Thep Aphiwat, or Bang Sue as it is sometimes known. The two are like comparing old and new Wembley.

Hua Lamphong launched the Thai League season with an occasion shown on TV as the sponsors were introduced along with representatives of every club wearing their home and away kits. I was popping along merely to take some footage to put a YouTube video together for my channel, but I was met with dancing and a live jazz band on the concourse, which was a pleasant surprise, as were the steam trains on the platforms.

Back at the stadium, a free rock concert and stage were being set up, blocking the main gate entrance to the complex. Queues for match tickets were huge. Port has taken on Chang as beer sponsor, meaning no other beer options, which is massively unpopular, not least through its connection to the hugely disliked Buriram United.

I like several others, took a carry-out with me from 7/11, with some expats sticking to water, unthinkable at a Port home game, which is the best beer garden in Bangkok for atmosphere. Port were 3-0 up after half an hour against a team I suspect will finish bottom despite them scoring the goal of the game near the end.

I was joined by Gian, a lovely fella I was meeting for the first time, and a fellow contributor to A Thai Football Podcast, who is a Muangthong fan, traditionally Port's biggest rivals, who accepted my invite but didn’t massively enjoy the experience. It was an impressive display from the hosts in a dangerously packed stadium with no aisles or room to get in or out. It was like going back to the 70s in England, minus the violence.

It was made worse as fans tried to leave at the end, riding motorbikes through the crowds, while others came in the other direction when hearing about the free gig. How there was not a major incident, one only knows, although I did see a woman pummelling hell out of a bloke after a traffic accident outside.

It was the usual nightmare getting back. I have tried most routes now. This time it was an underground train, a monorail, and then a taxi. It took me well over two hours for the twenty-mile journey. Hopefully, the Orange Line from Minburi will sort out such issues soon, with it also having a dedicated stop serving Rajamangala National Stadium.