Thonburi United FC is a professional football club formed in 2016, representing the district on the west bank of the Chao Phraya in the Thai capital of Bangkok. The club started out life as Thonburi University FC, playing in the Thailand Amateur League at Thonburi Stadium.
In 2018 the team was crowned as champions of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region to gain promotion to Thai League 4 Bangkok Metropolitan Region. In their 2019 debut season ‘The Thonburi Side Warhorse’ finished fourth.
A change of title to Thonburi United for the 2020-21 season ended with the side playing in League 3 of the same region after restructuring of the Thai League. For the second successive season Piyaphong Phrueksupee finished top scorer as United ended in eighth place.
A
disappointing eleventh spot ensued in 2021-22 despite United attracting the third-highest
average attendance in the division to watch the side coached by Poramin
Chaichalerm. Chatturong Longsriphum top scored for a second successive disappointing
season in 2022-23.
A much improved
fourth spot ensued in 2023-24 as Nigerian striker Bright Friday led the scoring
charts. T3 was realigned geographically for 2024-25 with Thonburi being placed
in the West region as Autsada Traiperm was appointed as head coach.
Thonburi United FC will play in Thai League 3 West in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Thonburi United 1 North Bangkok University 1 (Monday 10th January 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok (att: c200)
Most games in Thai League kick off at 3.30pm, so spotting a rare Monday fixture I was keen to set out on another exploration in my early days as a Bangkok resident. I double checked online to confirm the game, such is the scarcity of Monday football.
My usual track of bus to Bangkapi, followed by boat down the Saen Saep to Asoke saw me change to the MRT to its terminus stop at Bang Khae. My plan from there was to go the rest of the way by bus.
This is where I came slightly unstuck. I got off where I thought I needed at Sakhon Kasem Intersection from where it was my intention to catch a bus along Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road. However, after a short wait I got anxious and hailed down a taxi.
Fortunately, Google maps sorted me out so I could help the driver on a rather convoluted route down some narrow lanes, this after the first driver had declined the fare. I was more than happy to see that there was no admission fee as I headed upstairs into the home fans area of the solitary raised seated grandstand.
The surroundings looked most pleasant on this beautiful afternoon. The toilets were pristine, but the stadium was lacking in catering facilities. The United supporters were friendly, with the louder ultras at the rear drinking beers that they’d brought with them.
The early stages of the game were scrappy, with referee Wisarut Kantawong looking to let plenty go so play had a chance to flow. It did indeed gradually improve as North Bangkok’s Russian forward Sergei Tumasyan missing a good opportunity with a free header.
The refs’ patience finally gave way when he produced the first of what would finally amass to seven yellow cards in the thirty-fourth minute. University’s Passakorn Khumthared had been offending consistently and could have no complaints.
Thonburi’s support wasn’t huge in numbers, but it was loud, proud and passionate. Their side produced a half chance that flew across the face of goal before a poor challenge in the box gave the official no alternative but to award a penalty to the visiting ‘Horsemen’.
Tumasyan stepped forward with a stuttering run as home keeper Thitikorn Wiyawattana was sent the wrong way to put North Bangkok 1-0 up a minute before the half time break. More challenges were flying in before the teams headed up the tunnel for a rest.
While they recovered and received their briefings, I headed for a little walk to the nearby convenience store in the corner of the car park to top up on snacks and refreshments. I was wishing I had advanced local knowledge and had taken some beers.
The match was entertaining an even in the second period. Seven minutes in the hosts restored parity. North Bangkok’s goalkeeper Sanan Amkerd badly scuffed a clearance. United substitute Narathip Kruearanya made no mistake firing into an empty net.
Home forward Taiga Matsunaga seemed a clever footballer and wasn’t shy to demonstrate his tricks on the ball as he tried to find a winner for his side. The away team responded with a fine move which resulted in a low cross which Naphawit Tonyim’s side footed effort hit goalie Wiyawattana.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, the game petered out into a draw, which on reflection was probably about the right result. Now it was time for me to put in some exercise of my own to find the best way home.
I had uploaded the Bolt taxi App onto my phone and decided to give it a go. A cab arrived within fifteen minutes. The driver on this occasion Liverpool FC daft and desperate to try and have a conversation about the glory days John Barnes, Kenny Dalglish and co.
The pleasant fella dropped me at Bang Khae MRT station and on this occasion, I used my improving knowledge to take the train all the way to Lad Phrao station where the number 96 bus took some time to get me all the way home. But time was never going to be an issue.
A fine day out was completed with a meal and a few drinks at my new favourite local bar where I resolved a slight misunderstanding on my bill from the previous evening. Everything in the world was good!
Samutsakhon City 1 FC Bangsaotong 0 (Saturday 4th June 2022) Thailand Amateur League Bangkok Perimeter Final (att: c350)
Read here to read about my visit when Thonburi Stadium was used as a neutral venue for a Thailand Amateur League regional final.
North Bangkok University FC is a football club that is based in Pathum Thani to the north of the Thai capital. Upon formation in 2006 the club played at Bangkok University Stadium, competing in local and college competition.
In 2010 ‘The Horsemen’ joined the third tier Bangkok Metropolitan Region of the third tier national Regional League finishing just outside the championship pool places in their inaugural campaign.
Home matches were split between playing at the Infantry Department 11 Royal Guard ground, Thanarom Village Football Field, Bangkok University Stadium and the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi.
North Bangkok went one better the following season as they ended up as runners up in the table having moved into the North Bangkok University Stadium. This led to qualification for the Champions League promotion play-offs, where hopes of going up ended. The 2012 season ended in sixth place, followed by eighth place finishes in 2013 and 2014. In 2015 North Bangkok weighed in with a disappointing eleventh place spot before improving to seventh place in 2016 as Robert Ghansah topped the club scoring chart.
Thai league football was restructured for the 2017 season with the club being placed in the new fourth tier Thai League 4 (T4) Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Sirichai Lamphuttha and Poomipat Kantanet scored the goals as North Bangkok raced to the league title.
The team were defeated by Marines Eureka in the Champions League play-offs to miss out once again on promotion. The club bounced back to secure their second consecutive title in 2018 as Joao Francisco scored the goals.
A second place in the Lower Group led to a further play off which was won 2-1 on aggregate against Muang Loei United to win promotion to the third tier for 2019. A fifth place finish ensued with Piyapong Homkhajohn putting away the goals.
The 2020-21 campaign saw Thai football realign its calendar to correspond with the European season with the competition reverting to three tiers. It was also one affected by the coronavirus pandemic with many games played behind closed doors. NBU didn't let this affect their form as they finished top of Thai League 3 Bangkok Region.
The goals of Chanotaj Pipatmongkonchai did the business but the team only came fifth out of six sides in the Lower Region playoff rounds. University regathered under their boss Damrongsak Boonmuang to end top again in the regular season of 2021-22.
ThitiwaThitinartaen
ended as the top scorer before a dramatic last round of playoff games saw North
Bangkok pipped for promotion in the last few seconds. The 2022-23 season saw
the team finish top of the Bangkok region for the third consecutive season.
Célio and Veeraphong
Aon-pean shared the goals which again saw NBU progress no further through the
Champions League playoffs. In 2023-24 both Phitchanon Chanlung and Pheemphapob
Viriyachanchai also got in on the goalscoring act as the side ended as
runners-up in the regional title but went no further in their attempts to be
promoted.
North Bangkok University FC will play in the Thai League 3 Bangkok Region in the 2022-23 season.
My visits
North Bangkok 1 Chamchuri United 2 (Sunday 6th April 2014) Regional League Bangkok Region (att: approx 200)
My annual Sunday double header on the way back from the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes saw me get an early sighter of the stadium as we flew over it heading to land at Don Muang.
After checking into the Asia Airport Hotel, I went downstairs into the Zeer shopping mall for some desperately needed food after feeling rather under the weather for the previous thirty six hours.
I crossed the pedestrian bridge that straddled the expressway and thankfully found a cab driver who understood my instructions. This was somewhat of a relief as my driver from the airport had seemed determined to take me on a tour of the city before he realised that I wasn’t a first time traveller.
The pleasant drive along the Rangsit Nakhon-Nayak Road took me past the many eateries and markets along the side of the khlong. The route was the same as I’d taken a hundred or so metres further on the previous year to take photos at the Bangkok Glass Leo Stadium.
My driver took me right through the campus and deposited me by the entrance to the Bangkok University Stadium. I paid my 60 Baht admission fee after taking a few photos looking into the stadium from outside.
I found myself in the away section. Ironically, I had a Chamchuri United shirt from my visit in October, but it was with my mate Steve Walker as I’d dispatched unneeded luggage for the remainder of my stay.
The stadium basically consisted of two long low stands down one side with bench seating, which was linked in the centre by an area for press, cameras, and match officials. The players got changed in separate blocks at either end of the stands.
The rest of the arena had no spectator facilities but was surrounded by wire fencing. The far side had a scoreboard on the halfway line. It had once been home to Bangkok United before they moved to the Thai Japanese Stadium nearer the city centre.
The weather was in the high thirties for a 4pm kick off, so I didn’t expect a fast paced encounter. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the tempo and action on a perfect pitch with Leo Stadium in the background. Amazingly the match kicked off bang on time, which I found to be a bit of a rarity in Thailand.
To see a clip of the emergence of the teams, click here.
On seven minutes North Bangkok had a good opportunity saved as they started off in good form. It was a fairly even encounter with the home side showing more creative prowess. Another decent chance was spurned just before the half hour.
The Horsemen were made to pay for their wastefulness as Chamchuri took the lead a couple of minutes before the interval.Number 19brought down a cross at the back post a fired home to the joy of the fifty or so visiting fans including a little lad who led the chanting on his own!
The joy didn’t last too long as North Bangkok restored parity in stoppage time. They had a free kick charged down by a visiting hand before number 16 fired home the second attempt. At the interval I took a walk to the shop underneath the halls of residence behind the far goal as there was no catering at the ground.
I purchased a key ring from the club shop before taking a seat in the home section for the second half while enjoying a gratefully received bottle of water and an ice cream. The home side continued to press, but Chamchuri looked mightily effective on the break.
The game appeared destined to end level until the visitors broke once more in stoppage time with number 10finishing another counterattack. It was very nearly 3-1 as the ball once more entered the Bangkok net, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
It had been a decent encounter in general. I headed back on foot past the buildings in mid-construction and where a student was working on an old aeroplane fuselage. I walked over the footbridge over the busy road as the sun set over Pathum Thani to take a taxi to Muang Thong United for the north Bangkok derby against Bangkok Glass.
North Bangkok University 0 Nakhonsi United 0 (Saturday 19th March 2022) T3 Champions League Lower Region Playoffs (att: 520)
It was time for a long overdue revisit to the North Bangkok University Stadium, and with the team qualifying for the end of season group stage playoffs for promotion to the second tier I figured there was no better time.
The venue was one of those I considered was going to be awkward to get to while I dreamed of my new location while back in England. However, local knowledge was doing me well along with a couple of apps offering solutions.
I took a bus to Wat Phra Sri Mahathat from Minburi, where I crossed the road to take a 39 service to Future Rangsit mall for food and a look around. A musical band played middle of the road Thai stuff as shoppers milled in increasing numbers.
When it came to time to find my bus along the main road in the direction of Nakhon Nayok I came unstuck. I couldn’t find my way to the bus stop which didn’t seem to correspond with Google Maps. In the end I jumped in a taxi with time getting on towards the 3.30pm start.
It was immediately apparent that the visitors had travelled in great numbers for what was a long distance from the south in minivans. They had a stall set up selling souvenirs outside and some had set up an impromptu bar.
The security on the gate was a bit heavy but that might have to do with an incident in the previous home game where Bangkok FC player Aitsaret Noichaiboon attacked NBU man Supasan Ruangsuphanimit with a Muay Thai-style elbow and all hell had broken loose.
Both sides cancelled each other out in this competitive clash. I viewed from among the superb away support. The German coach of the visitors, Jorg Steinebrunner, was animated at times but he seemed to get his message across
The hosts main tactic consisted of long throws into the box in the general direction of decent striker Sergey Tumasyan, and then falling over quite a lot. Fortunately, referee Thapakorn Thongkon was having none of it.
While I couldn’t condone any attack on a player, I was quickly understanding how opponents could lose their rag against the mob representing the university. They were a piece of work and knew plenty of dark arts.
Both sides had won their first game 3-0 and were determined not to give anything away in this encounter on a poor playing surface. The heat wasn’t helping either, with drinks breaks being called midway through each half.
At the break I walked to the shop at the far end for refreshments and an ice cream before settling back down. Ten minutes into the restart an excellent Nakhonsi move ended with a header going just wide, and that was about all to report on.
Both defences were the winner in an absolute stalemate. The courtesy campus bus gave us on foot a ride back to the main road, and on crossing the bridge a bus was soon with us to take me back to Zeer Rangsit, from where another couple of services delivered me back to Minburi.
If I thought I would see a better game on my return a couple of weeks later, I was to be disappointed. This one really stank the place out. Again, I went in with the away fans and enjoyed the same over the top security measures.
Tumasyan was missing from the Uni line up and were consequently even more lacking in forward invention with the strong wind at their backs in the first half. Saraburi opted for a shorter passing game that was more pleasing on the eye.
Both sides fired off speculative efforts in the early exchanges as those from Saraburi made me most welcome as they cheered on their heroes, while one of their defenders put in a last gasp challenge to avert the danger of a North Bangkok attempt.
Aboubacar Kone looked like a class act for the visitors in midfield dealing with the bumpy pitch. United took the ascendency as the half progressed. It said plenty that I enjoyed the performance of ref Kristin Saisombat as much as any player in what was a real contrast of styles.
Saraburi continued to be the better side after the interval, but we still awaited an effort on goal from either side. The visitors skipper went down with what appeared to be a nasty injury but play continued. Fans were hysterical in their screaming before there was a long delay in play.
It fired up both teams with the home sides Piyaphong Homkhajohn taking some real abuse which he wasn’t slow in returning. While NBU were not high on my list of most watchable sides, their skipper Weerayut Jitkuntod was solid and excellent in general.
The closest either side came to goal arrived late on when Saraburi keeper Ritthikiat Yodsamut nearly palmed a long range shot into his own net, but the score remained blank until full time.
At which point I again jumped aboard the free shuttle bus and began my walk along the main road towards the BG Pathum United v Port game, when I was intercepted by a fan who turned out to be the father of an away team player who kindly gave me a lift.
Kasem Bundit University FC is a football club based on the Rom Klao University campus of the same name in the Bangkok district of Minburi. The football club was formed in 2003, playing in university football before joining the newly created third-tier Regional League in 2009.
‘The Intellectual Light’ were placed in the Bangkok Region, one of five geographical leagues at that level, finishing their debut season at Kasem Bundit University Stadium in the runners-up position.
An eighth place finish in 2010, followed by a couple of campaigns at the bottom end of the table. Kasem Bundit spent some time during this period playing their home games at 72nd Anniversary Stadium and KMIT Stadium in nearby Ladkrabang.
After their return to Rom Klao, KBU improved to seventh place in 2013, before another disappointing season followed it. 2015 saw the team end up in fifth place, before a fourth-place finish in the 2016 season while competing in Bangkok & Eastern Region.
The Thai football league system underwent a change for the 2017 season, with a fourth tier being added. Kasem Bundit were placed in the third level, playing in Thai League 3 Lower Region.
Ghanaian striker Victor Painsil finished as top scorer, as KBU finished in eleventh position under the management of Tawit Klaitin, while the American, Diego Barrera netted a hat trick in the game against Rajpracha.
The 2018 campaign saw Kasem Bundit end in eleventh position as the Brazilian Alaan Bruno De Souza E Santos topping the scoring chart. A slight improvement to eighth place with Selwan Al Jaberi knocking in the goals occurred in 2019 under coach Aphirak Sriarun
Brazilian Carlos Damian topped the scoring charts in 2020-21 as Kasem Bundit ended in seventh in Thai League 3 Bangkok Metropolitan Region following a restructuring of the nation's football pyramid.
The 2021-22 campaign saw the team play home games behind closed doors owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Goalkeeper Chitchana Tuksinpila played a significant role as his team finished in fifth position.
The 2022-23 season saw the long-term coach Sriarun being replaced by Krit Singprecha. Prasert Pattiwan ended as the top scorer for the team that ended in sixth place while the university also fielded a side in the Thonburi League and in academic competitions.
2023-24 saw the team improve their finishing league position by one place with Nigerian striker Thomas Chinonso putting away the goals. The whole club had an upgrade with a new logo being introduced along with a stadium refurbishment which saw it being referred to as Estádio Kasem in some circles.
The club was moved to Thai League 3 Central for the 2024-25 campaign following the geographical restructuring of the tier.
Kasem Bundit University FC will play in Thai League 3 Central in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Kasem Bundit University 0 Trang 1 (Sunday 17th June 2018) Thai League 3 Lower Region (att: 150)
My two week holiday to Thailand was nearing the half way mark. For the first time in my many years of visiting the Land of Smiles, I had no cricket commitments. The holiday was all about visiting new places, socialising and watching football.
Everything had run exactly to plan, much to my delight and slight surprise. I took the 9am flight from Buriram, where I’d watched the reigning Thai champions go down to Chainat the night before and took a cab from Don Muang to Minburi.
After a bite to eat, nap and catch up with Steve and Fah I was ready for an afternoon and evening of football. The match at Kasem Bundit was to be doubled up with the top flight clash in Pathum Thani between Bangkok Glass and Navy.
Sean and Tracy arrived at Steve’s house. It was great to see my friends from Scarborough once again. Sean was going to go to the games with me, with Steve just taking in the local match.
It was another warm and bright day as we walked to hail a taxi on Soi Sam Wa. The journey took only ten minutes. Kasem Bundit were the closest team to the centre of Minburi. Our driver took us right through the campus to the small stadium.
Identical raised covered stands flanked both touchlines, with the entrance side structure having a small VIP section in the centre. Both ends were open and without spectator accommodation. It was a neat and tidy venue and the ideal size.
Admission was 80 Baht (around £1.80) and we took up a position towards the halfway line on the back row of the deep steps that doubled up as seating. The smattering of visiting fans were gathered on the other side of the VIP area further along.
The three of us all had a score prediction. Trang were towards the top of the table before kick-off while the hosts were languishing towards the bottom. My two pals went for an away win, while I thought we’d see a 1-1 draw.
The match started off fairly evenly. The first real action took place after fifteen minutes when a low cross from the visitors was scrambled by Kittin Uttsan in the KBU goal. The ball was skied over the bar from close range.
Just before the half-hour mark, Trang missed a golden opportunity to take the lead as the Brazilian Ricardinho somehow missed an absolute sitter when set up at the back post before he fired in a long range free kick which produced a save from Uttsan.
The custodian made rather a lot of the stop as if the Thai Match of the Day cameras were in evidence as the halftime whistle approached. Phumniwa Thuha, his counterpart at the other end received treatment after a slight collision from a set piece.
Trang eventually went ahead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. A free kick wasn’t cleared properly, with the ball falling to Eakartit Somjit who fired home in fine style.
At the break, I went for a walk, in search of refreshments. Unusually there were no street stalls outside the ground, as was the norm at most venues. I was pointed in the direction of a small shop selling a variety of items catering to those staying on campus.
I returned with water for my pals and some crisps to share as the hosts nearly drew level ten minutes after the restart. Substitute Sanou Oumar went on a fantastic run to tee up Bruno, KBU’s Brazilian, who blazed over the bar.
Chances were at a premium. Kasem Bundit were giving it their best, but in truth, the Trang defence was in relative control. They attempted to ply some pressure but were missing the cutting edge.
The visitors came close to doubling their lead, but Tetsuro Inoue headed straight at keeper Uttsan, who pulled off a decent stop. As the game entered its closing stages my mind was concentrating on the issue ahead.
We needed to find a taxi that would take us the twenty miles or so to Leo Stadium in an hour to arrive for the 7pm kick-off. Steve was teasing me as usual, saying I’d no chance or I’d end up getting lost.
We saw the last few minutes of the game near the gate before trying to flag down a cab coming around the back of the stand. However, he was picking someone up. Another driver waved us away.
I must admit to getting a little concerned as no further taxis were coming down the drive. I ushered my pals along who didn’t seem quite as concerned. That or they were winding me up!
When we reached the main road by the entrance the first driver agreed immediately. He even dropped Steve off at the bottom of Soi Sam Wa, not that he deserved it! Sean and I went on to arrive at Glass just in time for kick-off, as a grand day out continued.
Kasem Bundit University 1 Bangkapi FC 1 (Sunday 17th July 2020) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c100)
The second week of the Thonburi League offered an opportunity to return to the venue. It had been closed to spectators during the Thai League season owing to Covid-19, with Kasem Bundit playing home games behind closed doors.
Steve managed to finish duties early enough so we could get to the 3pm kick-off, though not without a slight hitch in communications. I headed to find Family Mart on Sam Wa Road to meet my mate. However, the sign was no longer above the shop.
Consequently, I walked halfway down the road before giving him a call. He’d gone past on his motorbike on the other side and was now ordering some grub in KFC. No matter, as we were soon reunited and heading down Rom Klao Road in a taxi.
As ever Bangkapi had a few supporters in tow. They went to the stand opposite the main side. The pair of us sat in near enough the same position as our previous visit on what was a hot afternoon.
The weather didn’t do anything to stifle the action, as the game was of high intensity from the get-go. Bangkapi played some nice passes, which in the main tried to pick out the pacy forward in the number 29 shirt.
He was close to getting on the end of a couple of through balls, that were slightly overhit. However, one delivery on twenty-five minutes saw him push the ball past the keeper before being upended unceremoniously by the custodian.
It was a clear-cut penalty and surely a card of sorts to the offender. We were astonished that the referee decided that the award was punishment enough. The members of the away side bench were not massively impressed either.
The visiting side skipper, wearing the 6 jersey, coolly dispatched to make it 0-1. We thought we’d witness an easy Bangkapi win at this point, as they continued to take the initiative and create problems for the young student side.
KBU’s keeper made a top save to deny the scorer of the earlier penalty when diving to stop a curling free kick. By now the hosts decided to get stuck into their opponents as the ref began to pay the price for not cautioning the home goalie when he should have.
He began to show yellow cards for lesser offences and generally became inconsistent while trying to restore discipline. The tactic seemed to fire up the students as they began to get back into the game.
A fine break could easily have ended in a goal but for a terrible pass missing a free man by a long way. They did equalize when awarded a free kick, which was getting on for thirty yards from goal. Bundit’s skipper, the number 12 put in a fantastic bending effort into the top corner.
At the interval, we headed off for water in the excellent onsite store across behind the stand. We marvelled at some of the facilities on offer to the scholars. Certainly, a little different from the schooldays back in Scarborough we earlier reminisced about.
The home team in blue continued to impress upon the restart. It was an excellent advert in general for local amateur football. A fine Bundit move saw a low cross come close to being converted at the near post.
After that, the passion or pace never gave in. nor did the referee issue cards, but neither side caused the keepers any real distress. Efforts on goal were limited to weak shots from the edge of the box that were saved comfortably.
A draw was undoubtedly a fair result. We headed out back down the lane, past even more incredible facilities before boarding a songthaew back to Minburi Market. I grabbed some food and headed home for ODI cricket and the British Open golf on TV.
Kasem Bundit 3 Thaispirit 0 (Sunday 31st July 2022) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c80)
Another opportunity for Steve and me to pop round the corner to the local university and we were happy we did. Before arrival, I most certainly had Spirit down as favourites, but the hosts showed my local football knowledge was not quite as good as I thought.
Bundit showed their intentions from the start with both number 8 and 9 having the chance to advance on the visitor’s goal, but both stopped in their tracks through a lack of pace and looking to set up teammates which came to nothing.
Spirit looked good on the break before the hosts deservedly took the lead on thirty-five minutes when 9 got free out wide. His low cross was volleyed in low at the back post by number 10.
The students continued to impress and were opening up the Spirit defence at will. At the break, we wandered across to the shops before returning to our seats with provisions. The away side nearly drew level shortly after the restart.
A low shot from an indirect free kick hit the foot of the Kasem post. The home side 49 saw a header from the corner that drew a great save from the Spirit keeper. The 23 headed wide and then 9 dragged a shot across goal as the pressure mounted.
The Spirit keeper made a massive error when fumbling a free kick from 12, which was pounced upon by 23 to score. The impressive performance was backed up when the lead was extended as 12 got through to set up 23 to score at the near post.
Bundit were superb throughout and thoroughly merited their victory. Spirit continued to the end and drew a save out of the home goalie who tipped over. During the closing stages, we were treated to an amazing storm building over Minburi.
We were fearing the worst as the clouds and lightning advanced on us. Typically, the heavens began to open right on full-time as we walked back to the main road. Fortunately, a songthaew soon arrived on Rom Klao to take us back towards home.
Kasem Bundit University 5 Bangkok FC 3 (Saturday 8th October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 150)
Occasionally you leave the ground shaking your head with a big smile, and this was one of those days. What a game of football. I was already in a good mood on arrival after a pleasant walk to the ground from home.
After paying my 80 Baht I got a good seat chatting to a local man who could speak a bit of English once we had a sad minute of silence for the poor kids massacred in Nong Bua province earlier in the week.
The pitch was scarred in places through the heavy rainfall in previous weeks and overuse. It was good to see the hosts take the field with a Thai starting eleven. The visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Bruno Suzuki received a slide rule pass and scored off the legs of keeper Chitchana Tuksinpila.
The scorer missed a great chance to double the advantage, slicing wide. KBU responded when Anipong Kijkam made a good stop to keep out a downward header from Attaphon Kannoo, who was to feature throughout the contest.
Bunlue Thongkliang had a stinging shot for Bangkok saved by Tuksinpila before a drinks break was called in the heat by referee Jatupol Kidklang as the pitch was starting to cut up in places, which would add to the ensuing drama.
Just as a large group of away fans arrived their side went 2-0 up on thirty-four minutes through a low shot at the near post from Thongkliang. Poor defending allowed Ronnarid Saichantuek to get an effort away for Kasem which was saved.
The attendance consisted of mainly students. I saw a couple wearing Buriram United E-Sports shirts, a phenomenon I failed to grasp. The host's sloppiness in possession was pounced upon with the last action of the half when Goshi Okubo made it 3-0. That was surely that?
Having seen Bangkok a few weeks earlier I knew that they were a good side but also susceptible at the back. However, I wasn’t ready for what was about to follow. Whatever manager Vallop Suwandee said to the Bundit players at the break I don’t know, but it worked.
But only after the away side missed a guilt-edged chance to extend their lead further. Both Thongkliang and the excellent Padungsak Phothinak seemed to be in on goal but somehow the defenders got back to scramble clear. How the Fire Bulls were to pay for the missed opportunity.
Bundit rallied with Prasert Pattawin drawing a save out of Kijkam before they grabbed a goal back on fifty minutes when a low shot from skipper Chaiyasan Homboon was too hard for the custodian to keep out.
The home fans started to see a chink of light and got behind their side. Homboon made it 2-3 eight minutes later with a superb bending free-kick into the top corner. All hell broke loose a minute later when a low cross-shot was put into his own net by Banjong Phadungpattanodom.
3-3 with half an hour to play as the hosts piled forward with Kannoo a real nuisance for the hosts. A couple of times he rattled into Kijkam who in truth didn’t look up for it despite keeping out a header from the forward.
The momentum had swung around completely with home sub, Sundy Wongderree nearly lobbing the out of position Kijkam from deep. The inevitable happened with three minutes of normal time remaining when a cross took a ricochet in the box and landed at the feet of Kannoo who made no mistake to put his team ahead.
Shortly after the warrior was carried off suffering from cramp and nearly dropped from the stretcher by the youngsters carrying him on the muddy surface. In stoppage time Supakrit Petpon found himself unmarked to volley in at the back post to round off an amazing game.
Wandering away for a songthaew back to Minburi an English fella spotted my Hull City shirt. He was from Leominster and was a friend of Jarrod Bowen. What a small world. It was his first Thai game and was on holiday, and certainly bewildered by what he had seen as a Chelsea season ticket holder.
We had a good chat as I put him right on the quickest way back to the city. He had somehow persuaded a motorbike taxi to take him to the game! I bet he won’t forget his experience in a hurry either. A great afternoon.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Royal Thai Army 2 (Saturday 22nd October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c140)
A quick return for Rom Klao but unfortunately it was average fare compared to my previous visit. Army in a camouflage shade of dark green deservedly took the points with an army-style performance full of fitness and discipline.
They went close in the early stages when Narongsak Saekaw saw his shot deflected wide prior to a dipping effort from Tanapon Sintan being required to be tipped over the bar by home custodian Natthawut Tharapon.
Home forward Kannoo wasn’t getting the same joy against Bangkok and was well marshalled. The visitors took the lead with a fine shot from the edge of the box that flew into the roof of the next from the left boot of Surat Suriyachai seven minutes before the interval.
The soldiers carried on with their dominance as attacking midfielder Niphon Kamthong just failed to convert on the stretch before a free kick from Pinijphong Jaengploy hit the side netting of the Bundit goal.
After half time the students came desperately close to an equaliser with veteran defender Chatchai Mokkasem heading a shot from substitute Muhammadtaofik Disa-Eh off the line. Kamthong then came close to doubling the lead at the other end with an effort from outside the box.
The homesters continued pressing for parity but were failing to create many clear-cut chances. Tharapon made a terrific fingertip save pushing a allow shot from Atikan Kaokaew around the post to keep his team in the game.
However, he was powerless six minutes from time to prevent Sattra Pokhom from smashing home after tremendous work in the corner from Apirak Dawrueng who beat his man before pulling a pinpoint pass into the box.
A highlight for me was the extravagant signalling and awarding of yellow cards by referee Kittipong Choolerd. He was completely over the top and not particularly brilliant. In the final action, Pattawin forced a save out of Army goalie Kittitat Jeennok, after which I headed home to watch England defeat Bangladesh in the World Cup T20 cricket.
Kasem Bundit University 0 North Bangkok University 0 (Wednesday 30th November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Permiter (att: 150)
I’m not sure what it is about North Bangkok University, but I couldn’t get a decent game out of them. This was the third consecutive 0-0 draw I had seen them part of. Their defensive coach should be a proud man.
A Wednesday afternoon fixture was a bit of a bonus, and again gave me the opportunity of some exercise, while I sat in my usual place in the stand. I could write about the nice surroundings and the effort that both sides put in.
But in truth, this was a really hard game to watch as nothing really happened. Defences remained on top, with chances at a premium. The one highlight, was a straight red card shown to Teerapong Malai of the visitors in the ninety-fifth minute.
Perhaps he fancied getting to the showers first? That said, I’m glad I made the effort as it was still a far better option than staying indoors.
Kasem Bundit University 3 Samut Prakan 2 (Sunday 8th January 2023) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c250)
Now this was much more like it. Steve accompanied me via taxi to the match. My pal was shocked to have to pay 80 Baht, as matches at the stadium in the Thonburi League were free admission, but he soon noticed the difference in quality.
We were treated to a cracking encounter that was fast-paced from the off. Both sides looked to play football on what in recent matches had become an increasingly worn and difficult playing surface in patches.
The hosts were excellent going forward in the first half, yet despite this, the sides went down the tunnel at halftime with the scores blank. We didn’t have to wait long for the goals to start, with Bundit going ahead three minutes after the restart through Sundy Wongderree.
Rattasak Wiang-In doubled the advantage just past the hour mark, at which point it looked a case of how many the students would win by. However, with ten minutes remaining Prakan pulled one back through Jirayu Niamthaisong.
Kasem went straight up the other end and restored their two-goal advantage when defender Sontaya Thotam netted. Niamthaisong dragged his side back into it with a tremendous direct free kick into the top corner in the second of three additional added-on minutes.
The home team saw out the game, while we wandered out onto Rom Klao and discovered a new electronic bus service heading back to Minburi, where we visited the market before I headed to my new abode on Hathai Rat for tea.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Thammasat University 5 (Thursday 31st August 2023) University Freshy Cup (att: c250)
A comprehensive win for the team north of Bangkok in a competition being played by eight universities from around the capital over the course of a month. Both the neatly smarted up and retitled Estadio Kasem with a wonderful playing surface and Bangkok University Stadium staging all the matches.
Freshy would seem to be sponsors, rather than what I perceived to be the Thai derivation of Freshers. Pre-match I’d have made the hosts favourites, purely as they have a team in the third tier of Thai football as well as a top-flight women’s side. My knowledge was obviously not up to scratch, as many UK bookies will testify over the years.
Kasem were always likely to struggle. Their keeper was much smaller than everyone on the pitch. It would be decisive. The away team went ahead just before the half-hour mark when Narawit Phet Prakob finished off a fine passing move.
A low shot from outside the box from Nithikon Limpanawas saw the short arms of the goalie not getting anywhere close to the ball. In stoppage time Panuwit Kumarasit broke through, was too strong, and finished neatly.
At the interval, I managed to swap sides of the pitch for the first time. It added a new view and enabled me to see the excellent work that has been done to the middle area where the press and dignitaries sit, albeit from 50m. A project for art scholars perhaps?
After an hour a cross saw the tiny keeper have second thoughts when he saw the size of Thammasat’s Shinawatra Prachuabmon whose half-hearted scoop went over the custodian and just over the line. A low curling shot seventeen minutes from time from the same player rounded off the scoring.
The referee was very keen to show multiple yellow cards before turning down the most nailed-on penalty I have seen for a long time as his performance then went downhill, something the local youngsters weren’t slow in mentioning. One of them surely has a future career in stand-up, the way he harangued the official as everyone roared with laughter.
Thammasat changed keepers, as the one who stood there for most of the game might as well have been revising for exams, so little did he have to do. The new lad fumbled a free kick with his first touch, but the defender who tapped in the rebound was adjudged to be offside. Their number 8 then saw the keeper make a fine low save.
Enjoyable as ever, I took the forty-minute walk from Minburi Market, which included a stop by the Saen Saen Canal as I knew that testing was in operation for the hopefully soon to be opened MRT Pink Line monorail. I managed to put a short video together.
Home via a songthaew and bus, including me trying to use the Google translate camera on the front of vehicles to see their destinations with most written in the local language. It took me half an hour longer before arriving for my tea. All part of the fun of learning in a foreign land!
