Samut Prakan City FC was a professional football club, which was dissolved in January 2025. It had an interesting story relating to its formation in 2018. The origins of Pattaya United FC, who were based in the Nong Prue suburbs of the Gulf seaside town, can be traced back to 1989.
However, owner Tanet Phanichewa decided to disband the club, but keep their license and move them to the south of Bangkok as Samut Prakan City FC. United’s history along with my visit can be read about here.
The club moved into Samut Prakarn SAT Stadium along with Samut Prakan FC. The arena had previously staged top-flight football as home to Osotspa FC, who changed their title to Super Power Samut Prakan FC in their second season in residence before morphing into Jumpasri United FC and heading off to Mahasarakham.
The vacancy was obviously noticed by Mr Phanichewa before he brought in the new head coach, Surapong Kongthep. Investment was made in the team, and City ended the 2019 season in sixth place with Ibson Melo topping the scoring charts.
A Japanese-Thai connection was introduced to the club as new coach Tetsuya Murayama remodelled the squad. His tenure lasted just a few months before being replaced by Masatada Ishii as ‘Sea Fang’ ended again in sixth in 2020-21.
Barros Tardeli had led the scoring while on a one-season loan from BG Pathum United. The 2021-22 campaign was a far different affair. Crowds dwindled partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and after early enthusiasm waned.
Yasushi Yoshida was appointed as head coach in December 2021 and despite the goals of Chayawat Srinawong and a late upturn in form, City were relegated on the final day of the season. Wholesale changes were announced at the club in the summer of 2022.
The owners sold City, who would become a feeder club to Chonburi FC, as many of that club's players were sent on a season’s loan. Sharks' former assistant coach Jukkapant Punpee was appointed in charge of team affairs at Samut Prakhan.
He was
replaced by Kritsakorn Kerdpol and then Tana Chanabut as a dip in form saw City
in a battle against relegation. The 2023-24 campaign saw a new owner, Samrit
Bunditkitsada, purchase the club. He certainly made an impression, not being
slow to court publicity.
Vantawut
Whangprasert was appointed as head coach, lasting five months before being
replaced by Wanderley Junior. His spell didn’tlast until the
end of the season, with Vantuwut returning to the dugout as City finished
fifteenth with Fernando Viana top scoring.
However, that only tells half the story. Players went
unpaid for long periods, leading to a clear-out before the 2024-25 season. The
club was locked out of Samut Prakan Stadium over non-payment of rent, meaning
that they became tenants of Customs United in Lad Krabang.
Financial issues dogged the club in the first half of the season, with players going unpaid. The FA of Thailand banned them and fined the owners 2 million Baht after players were not registered for the second half of the campaign.
My visits
Samut Prakan City 1 Police Tero 1 (Saturday 22nd January 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 486)
Based in Min Buri directly north of Samut Prakhan, for a couple of months, I decided that with my newfound knowledge of local transport that it was time to venture a little bit further. The SAT Stadium previously looked a bit awkward to get to.
A Saturday teatime kick-off was ideal as was the fixture. It gave me a chance to catch up again with Tero and a few of their fans who are friends with a couple of mine, Sean and Tracey Newby.
Tickets had to be bought online in advance, but that proved no problem. I plumped for the away zone for 200 THB. Buses and their timetable can be unreliable at best in Bangkok, so I gave myself plenty of wriggle room.
In my favour was a previous trip to FC Bangsaotong, not too far west of this venue. Minburi to Bangkapi is always a piece of cake. The 145 from there can be a bit sketchy, but there were no issues on this occasion.
Indeed, it was to be my lucky day as the 133 soon pulled up at my stop at Seacon Square. From there, I was taken adjacent to the stadium. A Tero fan getting onboard during the ride confirmed all was good.
It was only around 4.30pm, an hour before the scheduled kick-off time. I immediately took a liking to the outside of the SAT Stadium while standing on Thepharak Road behind the main stand. I was taken back to the 1980s in an instant.
It reminded me of the hemmed in streetscene surrounding many inner-city lower division and non-league grounds of that era. The TV crew vans added to the congestion along with pop up stalls vending food and drink. All that was missing was the smell of burgers and Bovril.
Getting stuck into the beers, along with a complimentary nip or two of whisky from the friendly away hardcore fans, a little too easily, I decided to introduce myself to a group of ex-pat away fans I’d seen at Tero’s home game the week before.
They were an interesting group. Extremely boisterous, including a couple of Hearts fans who’d seemingly fallen out of a time tunnel from the Wheatfield Stand in the late 70s. They were not shy to offer out their thoughts or insults.
A poor Thai couple came walking down the road wearing Port FC shirts. I quickly worked out that this wasn’t the fellas' favourite club. The kick-off was put back thirty minutes, which added to the session.
We stumbled in as the teams lined up for the King’s Anthem. I was quite impressed with the inside of the venue, too. We were down the side towards the corner flag, with a covered seated section further up and then more open accommodation.
The more vocal City fans were based over in the covered stand, which ran the full length of the far side. To negate poor views caused by the running track, semi-permanent open stands had been erected square to the goal lines.
Evandro Paulista had the first effort of the game for Tero, with his low shot being safely gathered by keeper Patiwat Khammai. A direct curling free kick at the other end struck the top of the frame of Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool’s goal.
Paulista gave his side the lead when he rose like a salmon at the back post to head home a delicious bending cross from Ekkachai Sumrei on seventeen minutes as he climbed above his marker to put the ball in off the post.
Hathairattanakool looked confident in dealing with a couple of threats, but he was caught out lingering with the ball at his feet. Chatri Rattanawondispossesseded him but could not slot the ball into the vacant goal from a wide angle.
Daisuke Sakai then stung the palms of the visiting stopper, who nearly palmed the ball over his own line. A wonderful little reverse pass put in City’s Kevin Ingreso. The shot from the BG Pathum United loanee flew across the face of goal.
At the interval, we popped back out to the stall and then managed to circumnavigate the stadium booze rules by adding a Coke top to disguise the Leos in our pints with permission from the stewards. I guess this camouflage was in case the TV cameras panned around!
In the second half, a combination of ricochets and brave defending somehow denied Ingreso from restoring parity. The hosts’ task was made harder just before the hour mark when Chaiyawat Buran picked up a silly yellow card and was dismissed.
Chayawat Srinawong missed a gilt-edged chance to level things up when fed by a perfect cross from Settawut Wongsai along the carpet, but the substitute scuffed his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.
Seven minutes from time, Samut Prakan got the equaliser that their performance probably merited. A fine cross curling away from the keeper by Suphanan Bureerat allowed Srinawong to make amends as he headed home.
Tero’s fine away support continued to get behind their side, but they must have feared the worst as pressure continued to mount. Hathairattanakool got a poor punch on a cross, the ball was fired back in where an intended goalward deflection from Aris Zarifovic was gratefully pounced on by the custodian.
Referee Sahapop Sriboonlue blew for full time after five minutes of additional time. 1-1 was a fair result. My alcohol content pointed to the fact that a taxi back to Minburi was a good idea. I had an invite to a party at my local bar, which I wasn't going to refuse. A messy evening ensued.
Samut Prakan City 0 Customs United 3 (Sunday 11th September 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 232)
There had been much upheaval at Samut Prakan City FC following their relegation to the second tier, with Chonburi FC taking up ownership and sending several of their players on loan. I was keen to see how it affected things.
Especially as I had been to see local rivals Customs the week before and had left very impressed by their own overhaul during the close season. And best of all, I had sussed out a cheap and easy way to reach the stadium.
Shaking off a bit of a hangover I pressed myself into action. The incessant rain had stopped, it was a lovely afternoon as I headed to the van station at the top end of Minburi Market, from where we were away on a full bus within minutes.
I messaged my Aussie pal Vaughan McClear to tell him my plans, and he got straight back to say he would meet me at the ground. The van sped without any traffic issues to Market Village Suvarnabhumi in Bang Na.
A return trip from Chonburi after an international had opened this route to me a few months earlier and it only cost 30 baht. From there I crossed the bridge over the busy Bang Na-Chonburi expressway to have a quick browse around the interesting Kingkaew Market.
Before long the 132 bus arrived and took me the rest of the way for a further 20 baht. So 50 baht all in when a taxi back last time cost me over 400 baht. I arrived with over an hour and a half before the kick off time but this was all part of my plan.
The area around the stadium had intrigued me on my earlier visits, so I was keen to explore, especially since some of the establishments shown on Google Maps were no longer in business following the COVID pandemic.
Bang Phli Market just south of the arena was bustling, mainly dealing in fresh foods. The streets of the area, along with adjoining alleys, were my perfect way of seeing what I call real Thailand. Communities getting on with their business and chatting away.
The smiles and hellos I received gladdened the heart as I meandered, just generally filling in time, passing a couple of snooker halls, numerous coffee and smoothie shops, and lots of general stores that somehow kept going, which is always a mystery to me as to how they manage.
But manage they do, as Thais are a resilient bunch. I had been a laid down with a 24 hour bug a few days earlier, so I was keeping street food to a minimum. I went for the rather safe but dull option of toasties from 7/11. Incredible to think I virtually lived on such food before my eyes and mind were opened.
Vaughan arrived and parked up as I finished a beer, as I explained to him the story behind the clubs and current form etc. The hosts, who my brother thought David Bowie had written a song about, cam into the game winless, whereas United were unbeated.
Tickets were 80 baht on the Popular Side among the noisy City fans. We grabbed a beer and took up a pew on the back row. While low in numbers, the fans made an absolute din with leaders on megaphones accompanied by drums. It was so loud that it was hard to strike up a conversation.
City came close to taking the lead in the sixth minute when a low shot from Warakorn Thongbai was fumbled by keeper Sumethee Khokpho, with Passakorn Sripudpong somehow managing to spoon the follow-up over the bar.
At the other end Japanese midfielder Daisuke Sakai saw his effort easily saved by Thatpicha Auksornsri. Yotsakorn Burapha saw a low left footed effort go narrowly wide for the hosts before another effort from outside the box just missed at the other side of the goal.
City were in the ascendency but were missing a finisher. I later learned that their main forward was out injured. His presence could have been a game changer, but we will never know. Customs classy David Cuerva stung the hands of Auksornsri as half time approached.
At the break Vaughan and I replenished our cups, and I had a chat with some pleasant expat City fans who seemed a cheerful bunch. We moved a bit further along after the restart, so we were able to have a proper chat.
Customs looked a different side after the break. They saw a shot fumbled wide by Auksornsri before taking the lead on forty-nine minutes. A corner from Sakai was nodded home at the near post by top scorer Phodchara Chainarong, one of five United players on loan from Port FC. Only his marker, Phanthamit Praphanth, could explain what he thought he was doing.
Cuerva had a low bending shot pushed around the post before it became 0-2 after sixty-five minutes. A cross at the second attempt from Chainarong was cleverly turned in at the near post by fellow Port loanee Sittha Boonlha.
A low effort from Rachata Moraksa was powerful enough but was straight at keeper Khokpho. With six minutes remaining United expended their lead in somewhat fortuitous circumstances when a shot from Sakai took a wicked deflection off the head of Nattapong Phephat to leave goalie Auksornsri helpless.
Burapha saw a shot well blocked in the final action of the game. A 0-3 reversal was harsh on City, but they missed their chances and were made to pay. United portrayed the qualities of a good team when winning convincingly, when playing averagely.
Vaughan kindly dropped me back at Market Village, where I caught the van back to Minburi with minutes to spare. The driver had been correct on the way down when telling me I would be OK at 9pm! I spent the remainder of an enjoyable day watching a great England Test match performance. A really good Sunday all round.
Samut Prakan City 1 Rajpracha 0 (Friday 11th November 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 129)
My friend Gary was down from Buriram for a football weekend before meeting up with Ryd, a mutual friend from Scarborough, at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the Sunday morning. This was a natural choice of fixture as he had never visited Samut Prakan Stadium.
Neither had Steve, another friend of us both, so he decided to jump onboard once the pair of us had been for a quick look round Minburi Market. My Google map directions were not the best and led to us taking a long route before we eventually got on the main road which heads towards Chonburi.
We still had plenty of time before kickoff, and it was good to meet up with loyal City fan and Twitter friend Phil Williams and his wife, Tun, as we grabbed a beer before going into the stands. It was only a couple of weeks since my previous visit as the stadium hosted FC Bangsaotong inthe Thai FA Cup.
There had been more in attendance to see a non-league team, which must have worried those in charge of Samut Prakan City. That said, those in attendance really got behind their side, who put in a decent performance in response.
Supawat Yokakul in goal for the hosts was first into the action, having to tip over an overhit cross from under his own bar. A fine break started by Rachata Moraksa saw Nititorn Sripraman being put in. His effort was saved by Pathomtat Sudprasert, with the follow-up by Sho Shimoji hitting his own player on the deck and bouncing over the bar.
Nigerian midfielder Evans Aneni was a quality act in midfield for the hosts in what was a most watchable encounter with the red sky in the distance providing a stunning backdrop. The visitors somehow spurned the opportunity to take the lead three minutes before the interval.
A deep cross was laid back by Pinyo Inpinit to Ronnachai Rangsiyo in the middle of the goal, just two yards out. He managed to hit the feet of the keeper Yokakul. At the break, Phil thought that the ball had crossed the line. Either way, it was a shocking effort.
The goalie didn’t reappear for the second half, and surprisingly nor did Aneni. Five minutes after the restart a lovely slide rule pass from Praphanth put in Shimoji who dinked his effort past the oncoming Sudprasert but past the post.
Atthawit Sukchuai for Rajpracha brought out the best of sub keeper Ratchaphol Namthong. At the other end Yotsakorn Burapha controlled a shot and smashed his effort aginst the crossbar with the goalkeeper rooted to his line.
The winner arrived ten minutes from time, when Kriangkrai Pimrat, who fed fellow substitute Phanthamit Praphanth who banged his left-footed shot away into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.
Supawit Romphopak had a chance to level things up, but he shot tamely straight at Namthong as City hung on to probably deserve all three points. We all enjoyed the game, the atmosphere and the venue.
The way back to Minburi was made interesting by poor directional skills, which saw us get jammed by a khlong bridge next to an interesting bar. The girls working there certainly seemed bewildered. We eventually returned for Gary and I, to have beers with my good lady Taew at her Minburi bar.
Samut Prakan City 2 Chiangmai United 1 (Saturday 2nd September 2023) Thai League 2 (att: 494)
Well, I thought I’d seen some stuff over the years, but as I often say in Thailand: never presume. The hosts probably overall deserved the victory gained through a fine early strike from Sangjin Lee and then a header from Fernando Viana. The visitors struck back through Marlon Silva seven minutes after the restart, but that was only half of the story.
The atmosphere had been great despite a small gate, with the locals knowing how to make a din. The game wasn’t the worst either, with the home side near the wrong end of the table up against the away team who were near the playoff zone and looked extremely useful when I saw them win away on the opening day of the season.
City had missed a gilt-edge chance at 2-0 to finish off the game, but on the hour mark, I had Chiang Mai down for at least a draw. Indeed, I was doing “live” reports back to my mate to edit for our Thai Football Podcast, which is out on Wednesday, and I was about to offer my predictions when all hell broke loose.
Prakan scored with a well-taken lob, but the CMU players were most unimpressed, haranguing the linesman, with referee Satchukorn Saenchu heading over. The officials ushered the players away and then had a discussion for a few minutes. VAR is not used in the second tier of Thai football, but they decided to chalk off the goal.
Cue, the management of SPC completely losing the plot with the near side linesman and fourth official before they ordered their players off the pitch and refused to continue. It was a disgrace, embarrassing, and shambolic. I’ve no idea how it was resolved but after a lengthy delay the game resumed.
The final half hour was not good to watch. It turned into a contest of who could con the weak officials the most. My mood wasn’t the best after the incident anyway, so the theatrics didn’t help. CMU had a goal disallowed, for pushing from a set piece, before the whistle eventually went to signal happy celebrations among the home players and fans. It left a bitter taste in my mouth.
It was a shame. City have been taken over by new owners who have given the stadium a facelift and there was a positive vibe about the place. However, they had an incident with officials the previous week, and their opening day win at Pattaya was marred with off field hassle.
Then, the previous week to my visit, the coaches had been embroiled in arguments with the match officials in the away game at Nakhonsi United. The Chaingmai game made it three times in four weeks, and they did seem to be attracting trouble.
My appearance was opportune for the podcast I was co-hosting as I was originally planning to go to Rayong v Nakhonsi, but a friend's plan changed, so my wife and I returned from Bangsaray so I could still get to a match.
My journey to Bang Pli was via Bangkapi and then a ride on the new Yellow Line Monorail before disembarking past Seacon Square and catching the 133 bus. I returned by taxi to the village retail park where a minivan and then taxi took me home. An eventful evening!
Rasisalai United FC is a professional football club that represents a district in the northern part of Sisaket province, which is located towards the eastern edge of Thailand. The club was formed in 2019.
In their inaugural season in the Thailand Amateur League Northeastern Zone, ‘The Monkey King’ lost all three of their matches before the competition took an enforced sabbatical for a couple of years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upon resumption in 2022, Rasisalai stormed to the top of Northeast Southern Group F to progress to the knockout stages, where they dispatched Jfam United and Amnatcharoen City, with both games taking place at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University Stadium.
Roi-Et PB United and Roi-Et 2018 were then both seen off. The run continued as Konkrillas United and Warship United were defeated, before Muang Trang United were overcome 4-1 over two legs to claim the championship and seal promotion to the national competition in style as Polite Mueang Chan banged in the goals.
Promotion meant finding a suitable venue, and a deal was struck with SAT Sisaket and the Sisaket Provincial Sports Association to use their venue in the city, which is sometimes known as Central Island Stadium.
The side consolidated their new status under head coach Tossapon Kanplook, who was succeeded by Preeda Chankra before the mid-season break in front of encouraging home attendances. Chankra was replaced by Chonlathit Janthakham before returning to the position in November 2023.
A change of head coach came in time for the 2024-25 campaign following a ninth-place return. The team was invested in, and kick-off times were pushed back to 5pm for the team led by Arnon Bandasak as the side went on to lift their regional title.
The Monkey King went on to win their playoff group, then defeat Pattani to win promotion before being crowned as national Thai League 3 champions following victory against Songkhla to the delight of the lady chairman, Nuchanart Jaruwongsatian.
Rasisalai United FC will play in the Thai League 2 in the 2025-26 season.
My visits
Rasisalai United 2 Yasothon 2 (Sunday 15th January 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 411)
What a day! One of those you don’t want to end, apart from your body telling you it’s time for bed. I had already had a beautiful walk as the sun came up over the village of Suan Kluai in the Sisaket countryside, as I listened to an archived edition of TalkSport’s My Sporting Life featuring an old Hull City favourite of mine, Steve McClaren.
After a traditional Isan-style breakfast, my beautiful partner Taew kindly drove me to Kanthararom, the nearest town of any size. She wanted food to cook from the market, and we had sussed out the day before that no local transport existed.
She left me to my own devices as I had a walk around and had a nice chat with a young monk at the temple. We bumped into each other at the market once again, before I headed off towards the bus terminus.
It was a bit of a surprise that the lady who oversaw the desk and toilets had to telephone a driver to tell him that he had a pickup. I had no idea what vehicle to expect or what time it was due. I never have quite phrased that question correctly in Google Translate.
It wasn’t long past midday when the minibus arrived, which I presume had set out from Ubon Ratchathani. It cost me 53 Baht for the 18 km journey, depositing me at Sisaket Bus Terminus. Feeling adventurous, I thought I would ask about transport back to my village.
There were plenty of blank looks and shakes of the head. The lady on the information desk hadn’t even heard of it. That would be a no, then! Unperturbed, I set off for a walk, visiting the ageing Sun Haeng Plaza shopping mall for some provisions for home.
Another temple in a state of being refurbished was visited, and I went past the old site of Leo’s, previously a craft beer establishment, which was closed, apparently to move to new premises shortly. However, I had been given a tip off about somewhere else, and it didn’t let me down.
Hong Kong Garden fitted the bill perfectly. Nice hosts in Peter and Amy, and a superb 12-inch pepperoni pizza for 190 Baht, with a large Leo only 75 Baht. Before long, it was time to go, which was a shame as I could have sat there for some time, especially if Peter had played some of the albums, whose covers adorned the wall.
The walk to the game via Google Maps ended at a dead end among the houses of the new village by the bar. Eventually, with the help of friendly locals, I was at the bottom of the road when a large gap led through to the large area surrounding the stadium.
It certainly looked an impressive venue from the outside, that we’d passed previously in the car when we were out in the car. The ticket in was 60 Baht, with friendly youngsters staffing the gates. Inside the main stand was very grand with decent, clean toilets.
The view from the back of the seats also semi-negated the running track around the pitch. There were also some home fans of the far side braving the scorching sun. I had missed the first couple of minutes, but soon settled with a Coke to enjoy a decent game.
In the early exchanges, the home forward partnership of Supab Muengchan and Hamzeh Sari looked lively. A free kick from a Yasothon player was easily dealt with by home custodian Banhan Thubthong.
Rasisalai was the better side as the ref called for a break for drinks at the midway point of the half. Nattapon Yongsakool went on a mazy run for the home team, but he couldn’t get his shot away. Seconds later, his side took the lead.
A fine cut back from Jaruphong Wongphithak was put away by Somyot Pongsuwan with three minutes of the first period left on the clock. The goal was greeted by a brief instrumental version of Seven Nation Army. I’m sure the White Stripes would have been chuffed.
The lead was nearly doubled when Sari narrowly headed over a cross put in from Aphisit Nusonsala. At the interval, I walked around the stadium perimeter to grab some photos. I was greeted by friendly fans on the far side, some of whom were enjoying beers.
Yasothon hadn’t just come for the ride, and played very well after the break. They equalised when a curling shot from Panawat Jantasila might have taken a slight nick on the way through, but I thought that home goalie Thubthong should have at least got a hand on it.
Rasisalai retook the lead, in a game that flowed from end to end, when a fine pass allowed Muengchan to beat the offside trap and finish coolly past Ronnachart Phuchum. It looked to me like that goal would be decisive, but the visitors weren’t having any of it.
They levelled once again, eleven minutes from time, when a free kick from Jantasila flew in straight above the hands of Thubthong. It was a good strike, but the host's keeper showed all the reflexes of Peter Shilton in the 1990 penalty shootout against West Germany.
By now, I had other concerns, as Grab taxis were not responding to my request for a cab. I was desperate not to ask Taew as I needed to retain some independence for future occasions. I had considered walking to the bus terminal, where I had seen taxis earlier in the day.
However, I used a solution that has worked for nigh on forty years, as I returned to the bar for a beer. I had remembered Amy asking if I wanted a taxi before I had left, so I decided to take her up on her offer.
She was unsure of exactly where I wanted to go, and my Thai isn’t the best to be able to describe such things. I put her on the phone to my good lady, who explained all, and before long, a car had arrived for me.
Toy turned out to be a terrific man, driving me home. He spoke a bit of English and knew the quickest route offering a comfortable ride, rather than back alleys and bumpy lanes. It was well worth the tip I gave him, as we exchanged numbers for future occasions.
I returned near the end of a mini party, featuring female members of Taew’s family who were delighted to see me, especially the more imbibed of the fraternity. Food and beers were waiting, before we went to a local gathering where villagers prayed for happiness. Amen to that!
What a wonderful day out. I couldn’t have fitted much more in, and I had enjoyed a proper adventure mixing both Thai and Western, with a decent football match to boot!
Rasisalai United 1 Udon United 2 (Saturday 9th September 2023) League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round (att: 250)
Udon United progressed to the next round with a 2-1 win in a tetchy encounter against hosts Rasisalai in an encounter that could be called the Sales show, but what won’t live long in the memory at the SAT Provincial Stadium
João Paulo Sales De Sousa, to give the Brazilian his full name, was at the thick of most things important. At least that was so once compatriot Abner saw a shot ricochet in the direction of Niwat Nonkao, who headed home to put the team that had travelled by bus for six hours ahead in the regional cup tie.
Within a minute, the hosts levelled up when Wichit Kongsinkaew scored an early goal of the season contender with a half volley from the angle of the penalty area that flew into the far top corner. By now, our man Sales was having an enormous influence, putting himself about and being a general nuisance to opponents and officials alike.
His complaining, aided by the other two Samba stars in the Udon lineup up was of impressive levels. Incessant would certainly be one description. He eventually got himself a yellow card for a ridiculous late lunge, and then avoided a second one, which only the imagination of the referee could allow for.
However, while he rolled around, his teammates were going spare, pointing at opponent Jakkapan Phaopan, who was also prostrate on the turf. Palakon Hasuk tried to unravel the mess after a minute or so and then showed a straight red to the Rasisalai defender, causing the club's woman owner to go rushing out of the stand to see what was going on.
Quite how I’m not sure, but the referee was convinced to speak to the fourth official, who could well have been rewinding his Facebook page to look at the live feed, before the red was overturned to a yellow to cue more moaning from the away team.
Udon were turned down what looked like a good shout for a penalty, leading to more complaints, before a Sales header was superbly saved by Banhan Thubthong. After the break, the hosts looked good but quickly ran out of ideas.
The winner came ten minutes from time, when a low cross was missed before falling to Sales to tap into an empty net with ten minutes remaining, and that was that, despite a late flurry to try and force the game into extra time at the other end.
As ever, just part of the day, back up in the countryside. Shopping in Kanthararom was followed by catching a minibus to Sisaket. A look around the ageing mall, an expensive pint in Craft & Cold, and a cheap head shave were followed by lunch at Hong Kong Garden.
The sausage, chips, and gravy, and some Laos Dark beer set me up for the fifteen-minute walk to which included taking my socks and trainers off to wade through a puddle/lake in the car park after heavy rain over the previous few days.
At full time, Taew ordered my taxi, which waited outside an empty Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of Sisaket United. He eventually came for me forty minutes later, but worse things happened at sea. Not least concerning events back home, where we had four cattle, one a recent addition.
A mother gave birth to a ewe a couple of weeks earlier, but stumbled in the barn the previous night and couldn't get up again, having severely damaged a leg. The vet had arrived and administered a sedative to the mum, supported on her belly with bales of straw with the aid of a harness. There's one thing for sure. She wasn't faking injury like some of the footballers I encounter.
Rasisalai United 4 Surin Khong Chee Mool 1 (Saturday 16th September 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: c350)
Sometimes, the first result of a season can be a slightly misleading form guide. Players might not have gelled, or the coach doesn’t have his ideas across fully. The previous week, Surin KCM were dumped out of the League Cup 8-2 at Khon Kaen Mordingdang. On the evidence of this showing, it was no freak scoreline.
How Rasisalai didn’t bag eight themselves was only down to some awful finishing, some of it comical, like the missed penalty at 0-0 that came back off both posts, and the free header into an open net at the back post that was somehow blocked by a teammate. To be fair to the visitors, they plugged away right until the last kick of the game.
You would have thought full-back Surawat Tarnparsert had scored a winner in a cup final, such was his joy in finding the net, after colleagues Phongsuri Etmsakdi hit the post, and then Amonthep Kamchadphai saw his shot come back off the bar, but by now the game had been well and truly put to bed.
Natchanon Yongsakool atoned for his earlier penalty miss by scoring from the spot after twenty-seven minutes. Soon after the interval, Aphisit Nusonsala crossed from wide on the left and saw the ball sail over the head of keeper Kittiphop Panjan and into the net. The home player acclaimed the adulation of the crowd, who surely didn’t think that it was an intended shot.
Two goals with five minutes from Wichit Kongsinkaew must have had Surin hearts sinking, with around twenty minutes remaining, but they somehow managed to put together a threadbare offside trap that the home side couldn’t work out, and they decided to have some fun.
In fairness, they tried to play the right way throughout. It’s just that they weren’t particularly good at it. Neither side with an overseas player, which always gladdens my heart as a pragmatist, as it’s surely unsustainable paying out the wages, plus it’s great to see local players getting a go in professional football.
A special mention to referee Tharanon Naowapan. There had been some huge rainfalls over the past few weeks in Sisaket province, and the pitch was difficult. He used his common sense and kept dishing out cards to a minimum, also allowing for a lack of malicious intent from the away side, with their poor challenges on occasions.
A lovely day out as ever. Dropped off in Kanthararom by my wife, Train ride to Sisaket and then got a cab to Hong Kong Garden for lunch. Homemade meat pie, chips, and gravy washed down by a cider and a couple of bottles of Laos Dark and a chat, forming the perfect Saturday with football.
My earlier driver collected me after the game from the SAT Sisaket Stadium and took me home. He knew the route as he lived in the nearby countryside. And he put the metre on, which revealed the previous week’s pilot had enjoyed a couple of beers out of me. Food, beers, and some live Thai League and EPL action before bed.
Rasisalai United 1 Khon Kaen Mordingdang 1 (Sunday 5th November 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 172)
The lady owner of the hosts rang the changes during the week before the match as Preeda Chankra, who led league debutants Rasisalai to third place the previous term, returned to the dugout.
United tend to play lovely football at times, without delivering an end product, and can be guilty of missing a lot of chances. And so, it proved once again, as they played with vigour without putting the ball in the net in the first half. They were made to pay as Tanapol Srithong put KKM 1-0 up five minutes before the break.
The second half was of a similar pattern and equal. A fantastic move led to an equaliser from Natchanon Yongsakool seven minutes after the restart. The midfielder always seemed to be in the thick of the action and gave his all whenever I watched. Chukwuma was at the back, a steady presence as ever.
In the gloom in stoppage time of the 3.30pm kickoff, the visitors nearly snatched a last-gasp winner, but for a superb point-blank stop from home goalie Banhan Thubthong. Why they hadn’t switched the lights on was beyond me and my mate.
A lovely few hours in town, as ever in the good company of my new companion John Thornback, with a fine baguette and plentiful refreshments at Hong Kong Garden, a few minutes by car from Sisaket Provincial Stadium. A special shout-out to my Grab driver, who has become my regular pilot.
Our car was having repairs, so I needed a taxi both ways. Grab doesn’t connect with drivers in the deepest countryside, but he gave my Taew, my wife, his number and told her to ring in advance whenever I need a ride.
He drove down to us, and then I made the connection on the app. The fella is full of laughter. They call him Uan, which is translated to “fatty”, and he has one leg, which we discovered when opening his boot to put the shopping in at Makro a few days earlier. I make sure he gets a good tip.
Rasisalai United 5 Nakhon Ratchasima United 3 (Saturday 11th November 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 175)
A highly entertaining encounter as the improving hosts faced a better-than-expected challenge against the side second from bottom in the thirteen-team division.
A brace from the consistently impressive Natchanon from midfield, along with a penalty from Tangrit, put Rasisalai in command as expected with fifty-one minutes on the clock. The away side had been horrible to watch at Sisaket a few weeks earlier, with niggly tactics and an immobile goalie who was on the bench for this encounter.
They had a different attitude this time out, with Thanwa giving them a lifeline just before the hour mark. Tanagrit added another penalty before Nadtakorn reduced the arrears once again. By now, the game was stretched, and my mate and I both thought anything could have happened if Ratchasima scored next.
However, it wasn’t to be. Supab made it 5-3 before Nadtachorn scored his second in additional time, meaning his side still only had one point after nine games. The hapless bottom of the table side, Surin Khongcheemool, still had to register a point.
When I got home, my good lady registered a point of her own. That I was drunk and had been stupid walking several miles in flip-flops, and now had blistered feet. Guilty as charged. I was in one of those moods where I wanted a good drink.
Pre-match, as ever, in the excellent Hong Kong Garden for homemade pie, chips, and gravy, along with a range of beers and a cider. I continued at the stadium and post-match, found myself without an available Grab driver. I’d been given a recommendation of a restaurant bar that later turned into the place to be a few weeks earlier.
I thought it was a good idea to take the fifteen-minute walk, have a beer, and see if I had more luck getting a taxi. After one agreed and then turned me down, saying the fare Grab was telling him to charge wasn’t expensive enough, a kind member of staff spoke to my better half on the phone so she explained where we lived, and so that they could call me a taxi.
The following day, I was feeling sheepish, with sore feet making walking a few yards painful, and a hangover from hell.
Rasisalai United 0 Sisaket United 1 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium (Saturday 16th December 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 536)
A hard-fought victory for the league leaders in the local derby. The only goal from Argentinian star man Panigazzi came five minutes after the break, with Danilo, the Brazilian forward, putting in a much improved shift as Sisaket maintained their position at the top of the table.
The first half showed signs of imitating the first encounter between the sides, which ended 0-0. Sisaket keeper Adisak Lambelsah turned over a long-range effort in the only real offering on goal from either side. Referee Chlaermpon Thongsri did his best to liven things up with some bizarre decisions, mainly against Rasisalai.
The boss of the club, a lady not known for holding back her emotions, offered some forceful feedback, hanging over the railings of the stand as the officials headed down the tunnel at the interval. Whatever Sisaket coach Narongthanaphorn told his troops at halftime seemed to have a desired effect as they came out with more attacking intent.
Danilo, who can be lacklustre at times, showed some real quality featuring in much link-up play using his strength and vision as well as a yard of pace most thought had long left him. Panigazzi, as ever, despite carrying an injury, was the driving force in midfield. His brave header from a floated cross made the difference between the teams. Sisaket had another couple of gilt-edged chances that went to waste, and they were nearly made to pay.
Finally, Rasisalai coach Preeda Chankra brought on the energetic Natchanon Yongsakool from off the bench. In the earlier fixture, he missed a late penalty and was then dismissed for a second yellow card, but he is always in the thick of the action. He and the introduction of defender Gideon Chuckwuma made a big difference as the pace and intent intensified.
A couple of crosses flashed across the box, until in the second of five additional minutes, a shot smashed back off the underside of the Sisaket bar, and danger was somehow averted from the rebound before a very enjoyable second half came to an end.
This was a local derby with a difference. Rasisalai’s usual stadium was out of commission for a marching band competition, so they forfeited their home advantage and hired the government-owned Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, the usual home of their opponents.
This meant that Sisaket fans were predominantly in the away supporters’ section of their own stadium. Rasisalai put out a message on Facebook saying anyone in Sisaket colours could not use their usual home sections. One German fella, a regular, hadn’t read the info, came in his usual orange shirt but was seen after half time with another shirt covering it. Daft, really, as a few of us go to watch both sides.
Probably my one and only visit. The small bottle of Cha La Wan IPA from Full Moon Brewery in Phuket was good, but the price matched that of an English city. The challenge of trying to find out bus information to Khon Kaen for a future trip at the bus station where no English is spoken was a success, or at least I think so.
I continued past bewildered Thais seeing someone walking in the heat, to Hong Kong Garden, my usual pre-match haunt for a late lunch and a couple of better-priced bottles before heading to the game with my mate John. A good few hours out and home at a sensible hour.
Rasisalai United 4 Muang Loei United 0 (Wednesday 7th February 2024) Thai League Northeast (att: 69)
The fixture planners, if there is such a thing, at the Thai League decided not to have any football in Sisaket for two consecutive weekends, could be compensated by putting both T3 clubs at home on the same midweek afternoon.
John messaged me and said it makes sense to meet at Hong Kong Garden and head to the first half at the first game before then heading on to the later full match. I was up for that so I went by train and met a lovely old Italian fella on the way who told be had lived in Kanthararom for fifty-five years.
A shocking attendance at the match, but little wonder really. Even the customary food and drink vendors didn’t bother turning up. The official crowd figure was certainly exaggerated. However, those who did bother saw a tremendously entertaining encounter. Well, until halftime, as that’s when we, along with another couple of carloads, headed to the second match.
Loei had been good at Sisaket eleven days previously and certainly had the same attacking flair. Apidet once again stood out with his skilful footwork and footballing brain, while the front two of Omogba Esoh and Kamonchai Somsuk looked dangerous, carving out chances.
It wasn’t their day in front of goal in this game between two sides with only pride to play for, as Rasisalai made hay taking advantage of some awful defending, with Supab Muengchan grabbing a hat-trick in the first thirty minutes.
The first was so bad it was brilliant to watch, as he was put clean through but made an awful first touch. Keeper Thanarat Neao-Olo could have come and collected but stayed on his line, and then let the shot, which was straight at him, through his grasp.
When it’s your day, it’s time to capitalise. The scorer finished off a fine move for the second and then, once again, was given the freedom of Isan to bag his third. The score could easily have been 5-3 when we called it a day just before the break.
Rasisalai United 5 Udon United 1 (Sunday 13th October 2024) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 459)
My mate John was back in town for the week, so I
arranged to meet him, with the pair of us looking forward to the game in eager
anticipation, with Rasisalai having won their opening four games of the season convincingly.
Visitors, Udon promised to provide decent opposition.
What we witnessed was an incredible performance. I
would say as good as I had ever seen at that level of Thai football. The pace
and guile of the hosts were simply too much for Udon to cope with, which saw
their keeper Adisak Boonthawi replaced at half-time by coach Surachai Jirasirichoth.
By then, they were 4-0 down after an amazing first
thirty-five minutes. Alberto Gouvea, whom we had previously met at a Sisaket
United match, simply blew away his fullback for pace before scoring after just
three minutes. His Brazilian strike partner, Gilberto Macena, then got into the
action.
He was played in on the left of the box, delivering a
delicious cross for Supab Muengchan to volley in at the back post. That was
after eighteen minutes before Gouvea made it 3-0 just before the half-hour
mark. The ever-excellent midfielder Natchanon Yongsakool added to the score
with a glorious curling shot from outside the box.
Udon, to their credit, never stopped trying and looked like a decent side, but they were up against something special. Not least the figure
of Rasisalai centre-back Ramon Mesquita, who was superb throughout. The away
team grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot, scored by the impressive
Jhonatan Bernardo, with around twenty minutes left to play.
For a short while, after that, they looked like they might
grab another, which would have certainly made things interesting. However,
Supab made it five to settle matters eight minutes from time. We headed to Leo’s for food, drink, and chat to round
off a fantastic few hours, which had begun in Hong Kong Garden, which was also
most enjoyable.
Rasisalai United
6 Roi Et PB United 1 (Sunday 3rd November 2024) Thai League 3 Northeast (att:
559)
It was a similar
story regarding pre- and post-match libation and food, with both places being
very much up to scratch. This time, Gary was joining me after his match the
previous day in Ubon. We were treated to another exhibition of lethal
finishing.
The
visitors, who more than played their part in a great game to watch, must have
wondered what they did wrong. The answer is not a lot. They were simply blown
away by a quicker and more decisive side, while Roi Et keeper Chalermkeat
Pootoyo didn’tcover himself in glory.
He could have done better with a low shot from Nattapon
Yongsakool that crept in after eleven minutes. The game then became fractious
with plenty of feeling. It was obvious there was a lot of pride among the six
Brazilians shared between the teams, as referee Chinnawat Kaiyasi lost control
at times
The visitors piled on the pressure, and Rasasalai handled
it before Alberto Gouvea broke clear to double the lead. It remained 2-0 at the
break, with all up for grabs. Roi Et continued to press and look for a way back, which was found when Natan scored a penalty.
However, a clumsy foul at the other end allowed
Gilberto Maceda to make it 3-1 from the spot with twenty minutes remaining. Roi
Et, cheered on by a good following, never said die and continued to pile
forward, making the match highly entertaining. Noppawit Petch-om extended the
lead ten minutes later.
It became 5-1 thanks to Somyot Pongsuwan in stoppage
time as the away team finally subsided when Gouvea had pace to burn and go past
his full-back before seeing his shot ricochet off the post before falling to
the sub.
The icing on the cake came when Teerayut Ngamlamai
fired into an empty net from over thirty yards after Chalermkeat rushed to the
edge of his box to try and thwart an attack with the ball running loose to the
scorer.
A great victory that took Rasisalai twelve points
clear at the top of the Northeast region, while it was great to see all the
overseas players and their families come to Leo’s together and enjoy a meal.
Rasisalai
United 2 Suranaree Black Cat 3 (Sunday 23rd February 2025) Thai League
3 Northeast (att: 570)
An incredible
game of football as the unbeaten hosts were toppled by a side second from
bottom, desperately trying to avoid relegation. Everything
pointed to more of the same as the Roi Et match, but what we got was a huge shock and great
entertainment with some quality thrown into the usual error-stacked third-level
fare.
I’m not sure
if both defences had been to the pub at lunchtime or just decided to have fun,
but they were awful at both ends in the first twenty minutes. Black Cat went
one up after five minutes, Rasi drew level within three minutes through Winai
Aimoat, before a brilliant goal just before the half-hour mark regained the
lead for the visitors.
The scorer of both their goals, Thammakai Jaidee, was
listed as a defender. He certainly found his true vocation on this occasion. The visiting
woodwork was having a fine game while keeper Chanasorn Kaewyos was making some
amazing saves despite never catching anything. There was a point when I
suspected he was wearing oven rather than goalkeeping gloves. Somehow, the score
was 1-2 at the interval.
Suranaree
tightened things up after the break, while Rasi gave the impression that they
would score whenever they fancied it. I suspect it would be complacency that
was their undoing in the end. They continued to plough forward and were badly
exposed on the break as a three-on-one counter saw Kittisak Roekyamdee finish with
twelve minutes left on the clock.
The rest of
the game was so much like watching a repeat of England v Poland at Wembley in
1973 that I expected Kevin Hector to be introduced as a sub. The turbo-charged Alberto
Gouvea grabbed a lifeline with three
minutes left. The board went up, indicating that there would be seven additional
minutes, adding to the drama.
The
excellent ref had earlier stopped the game and told the highly emotional Rasisalai
lady owner to remove herself from the touchline, then awarded what I thought was
a soft penalty in stoppage time. Chanasorn was the hero as he saved the weak
spot kick, which was quickly followed by the full-time whistle. Incredible
stuff.
Rasisalai United 2 Surin City 0 (Sunday 9th March 2025) Thai League 3 (att: 759)
Rasisalai became the first third-tier club to qualify for the playoffs with an away win at Roi Et PB United the previous week. They clinched the regional title with this win, going into the convoluted system to try and go in a couple of months. Only 3 of 69 clubs do so.
It's not a game to linger too long in the memory, I suspect, with a goal on either side of halftime through Alberto Gouvea and Supab Muengchan doing the trick. The club provided free transport from Rasisalai with free admission to the open side of the arena. 60 Baht (€1.65 for us posh folks in the main stand).
A fine afternoon out as ever in sweltering conditions in the late 30s for the 5pm start, with an impromptu invitation to a wedding reception with food, beer, and karaoke on the way home. Yes, please!
Rasisalai United 2 Fleet FC 1 (Sunday 27th April 2025) Thai League 3 Champions League Playoffs Group B (att: 759)
This playoff game exemplified all that is good about Thai football. Both sides gave everything on a sweltering evening, playing exciting end-to-end football in front of a vibrant atmosphere. Alongkorn Khonwai's refereeing performance was good.
In the company of my mate John, after a heavy couple of days of socialising and lunch at Hong Kong Garden, we watched as Fleet, with former Sisaket United veteran Neto in their line-up, looked the better of the two sides for the first twenty minutes.
The hosts then stepped up a gear, with Gilberto Macena and Alberto Gouvea playing a one-two, which the former slotted away a couple of minutes before the interval. It was 2-0 when the Brazilian added his second, as he flicked home a header from a corner at the near post.
It looked like a routine win was on the cards, but Rasisalai defender Ramon Mesquita had
hobbled off. Fleet grabbed a goal back from a good header from their Uruguayan substitute, Pedro Manzi, with ten minutes remaining on the clock.
The closing stages were scrappy as the home team hung on to widen the gap in their playoff
group with an away game at Navy to follow.
Rasisalai United 1 Navy 0 (Sunday 18th May 2025) Thai League 3 Champions League Playoffs Group B (att: 979)
An absorbing contest with the only goal being scored after two minutes by Natchanon Yongsakool, who starred as ever in midfield with his twin brother Nattapon, as Rasisalai progressed to the semifinals of the playoffs, where three of the four teams would be promoted to the second tier.
A big crowd, far larger than the official figure, including a decent following all the way from Sattahip, with free admission in the cheap seats, and lots of junior groups in attendance. You could estimate its size as they had run out of tickets and were using up last season's stock.
A really good early evening, rounding off a great weekend for football. Navy gave it
their all, with former Sisaket United favourite Mattius Panigazzi having an
excellent game and being very unlucky to see a fine effort come back off the post.
Rasisalai showed that they knew how to dig deep as well as play the attractive football that saw them romp away with their divisional title. A special shout-out to referee Kriangkrai Thipanunjarukorn, who handled things excellently.
Rasisalai United 2 Khon Kaen 2 (Saturday 24th May 2025) Thai League 3 Champions League Playoffs Group B(att: 429)
What turned out to be an entertaining game, in a dead rubber after the previous group results left the visitors with no hope of going any further, while Rasisalai progressed to a semifinal tie the following week against Pattani, who faced a long journey north.
We were welcomed into the stadium by the lady chairperson, and settled down to see the
T-Rex visitors go ahead before the half-hour mark through Thanaphat Phutnok, as the hosts gave a few players from their regular starting line-up a rest.
Supab Muengchan restored parity with just over an hour on the clock before Gilberto Macena came off the bench to put Rasisalai ahead. Another substitute, Ratthaphon Phoopharot, a defender for the away side, equalised when a free kick was badly misjudged by the deputy home goalie, Saravut Konglap.
A top day out, and indeed weekend, despite golf being abandoned because of a Saturday
morning storm. Dale was across from the UK and drove with his wife, Nui, enjoying Friday evening with us, with plenty of food and drink, before we headed into town.
I played tourist guide in Sisaket, before an enjoyable pub lunch at Hong Kong Garden, a
match, excellent bars with plentiful food and drink in excellent company, with Leo’s, Craft & Cold, and Godang24 all being visited before we retired to the Vijit Nakorn Hotel. The adventure was covered on Episode 95 of A Thai Football Podcast.
Rasisalai United 5 Pattani 3 (Sunday 1st June 2025) Thai League 3 Playoffs Semifinal 1st Leg (att: 3,195)
A wonderful advert for the third tier of Thai football, as two committed sides provided the huge crowd with a classic encounter in their attempts to win promotion through a ridiculously convoluted system.
Rasisalai once again played wonderfully entertaining football. Fortunately, for the crowd, so did Pattani. It was 2-0 at halftime once the deadlock had been broken in the thirty-eighth minute, after the sides had sussed each other’s styles out. A third goal, soon after the restart, for the hosts looked like it could prove to be an insurmountable lead.
It took me back to the days when southerners would head to the northeast and head home with a stick of rock and a box of fish as consolation. That was the 70s and Scarborough. The weather in Sisaket is very different, and we’re nowhere near the sea.
Similar passion though, as the home coach and lady owner did their pieces at the officials, and police presence was required to calm things down at one point. Pattani would have had a round road trip of approaching forty-five hours, so they arrived by plane, having a ninety-minute drive at either end, while having to change in Bangkok.
A crazy league system, and worth remembering when teams in England moan about away games of a couple of hours. Right. Back to the match. Pattani got one back without a Rasisalai player touching the ball before grabbing a lifeline from the penalty spot.
The home side then extended their lead from a near-post flicked header from a corner before the arrears were reduced once again in identical fashion. The fifth goal, when it came, we thought, would probably be needed on this showing. A top day, as always.
Craft beer to start, a couple of Guinness in Leo's with excellent food, beers at the ground, then Hong Kong Garden for a quick pint before my driver arrived to take me back to the countryside. All enjoyed while in excellent company.
Rasisalai United 1 Songkhla 0 (Sunday 15th June 2025) Thai League 3 Final 1st Leg (att: 3,789)
A grand occasion at the Sisaket SAT Stadium, as the winners of the semis faced off in the first leg to decide the national third-tier champions. What might seem like a meaningless game to many football fans elsewhere is taken extremely seriously in Thailand. This is despite being over 1,000km in distance between the two clubs.
A game befitting two top sides, who played out an encounter full of skill in humid conditions. Rasi went ahead after forcing things in the first half stoppage time through veteran Brazilian, Gilberto Macena, after a colleague missed an earlier sitter. Songkhla were the better side for the final twenty minutes but couldn’t force an equaliser.
Free travel was provided from Rasisalai to the game, with the club playing 40km from home, with free admission, and a stunning afternoon and early evening brought the crowds out to the 5 pm kick-off. Another excellent day in the company of John and Gary.
It included 9 holes of golf, food and drink, and watching some Aussie NRL in Hong Kong Garden before the game, followed afterwards by Guinness in Leo's, before I departed into the long grass of rural peace until the next time. The second leg would have to be watched online!
An
incredible experience for which I ran out of superlatives long before the end
of filming clips for my video. To have two sides from my adopted province put
on such a display was a pleasure to witness on an occasion that will live long
in the memory.
Unprecedented
queues of traffic waiting to access the complex from the main road, the full
car park and chaotic parking thereafter, the size of the crowd, the happy
vibes, the vendors doing roaring trades, fans mixing freely and having fun, the
weather holding off after days of heavy rain, and then, of course, the football.
Rasi on top
before the speedy Steeven Langil broke and finished brilliantly for Sisaket,
who doubled their lead when the Frenchman set up Sarawut Thorarit after half an
hour. The hosts were somehow kept at bay by the post and bar in an attacking
move near the break.
Coach Arnon
weaved his magic at the interval, as he often does, with his troops reducing
the arrears within seven minutes through a header from the ever-impressive Natchanon
Yongsakool. How he and his twin, Nattapon have not been picked up by a T1 club is
incredible, though it probably says much about the spirit at Rasisalai, where
many players have been there several seasons.
Langil broke
through again midway through the second period to finish with aplomb, and that
in normal circumstances would have been that, with an away win following.
However, Rasi never fails to create chances. Alberto Gouvea reduced the arrears soon
after with a header after fine work from fellow Brazilian Gilberto Macena.
The noise
around us was deafening, not least from the racket being made by the partner of
Gouvea and the wife and son of defender Ramon behind us. Sisaket were tiring,
notably defender Pakornkiat Kaena, who had been outstanding earlier. Perhaps
the bulk he had put on was slowing him down.
The game was
levelled in the most unlikely of ways. A hopeful ball towards the edge of the
Sisaket box was somehow volleyed into his own net by the substitute, Tiwa Piswai, severely
piswaiing off many in the busy away section. It was perhaps fitting that such
an entertaining game was levelled up so comically. It was certainly well worth
the 60 THB ticket.
There was
still drama in stoppage time as Fellipe Veloso was denied on the line, and then
keeper Sakkongpop Sukprasert pounced on another effort. Seconds later, the inconsistent
ref, Kanoksak Khiaodaeng, who added to it all, blew the full-time whistle, as players
fell to the ground, and we gradually made our way out of the stadium and went
slowly back to the main road. Incredible.
Rasisalai
United 3 Chanthaburi 0 (Sunday 14th September 2025) Thai League
2 (att: 1,164)
What turned
out to be quite a regulation victory as unbeaten Rasi defeated a limited but
well set up visiting team, who defended deep and in depth. The first half was
quite dull as Chanthaburi denied the home team much space to get in behind,
which they are adept at exploiting.
Not too much
to talk about until ten minutes into the second half. Gilberto Macena was adamant
that a defender had handled in the box, but play continued until the ref got a message
from VAR to look at the screen. He pointed to the spot, and Macena slotted
home.
We were hoping
that Chanthaburi would change tack. They made a couple of subs, but they hardly
mustered any shots, despite Rodrigo Maranhão doing a lot of hard work. Much of
them being kept at bay was thanks to defender Ramon Mesquita, who had an
excellent game, which was probably as well. Rasi had their second-choice goalie,
Phumeworapol Wannabutr, between the sticks.
If ever a more butterfingered custodian
has been let loose in professional football, I’d be astonished. He appeared to
be frightened to death and consequently flapped at everything. A second
penalty for handball was awarded, wrongly in my book by the ref, who, it would
seem, knows the laws but not the game, like so many of his modern peers. Macena
put it away. Ramon finished things off with an unmarked bullet header from a
corner six minutes from time.
An excellent
day out, starting with 9 holes of golf on a semi-waterlogged course. Guinness
and pizza, and then the match. Eclectic and entertaining company, including a
professor of science, a former Netherlands softball Olympic team manager, a
couple of Sisaket United’s overseas stars, plus Rasisalai WAGS and the son of
Ramon.
Great fun, and
the promise of another double header the following week. My trainers might be dry by
then for more golf.
Rasisalai United 2 Police Tero 1 (Saturday 27th September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,246)
A fantastic game of football between two good teams. A 92nd-minute winner sends Rasi three points ahead at the top of the table. Could top-tier football be heading to Sisaket? It will take a good team, or injuries and suspensions to their star players, to stop them.
Both sides went for it toe to toe for the opening half hour, with a few shots being fired at either goal, before the prolific Alberto Gouvea finally got the better of his marker Pitchitchai Sienkrthok to fire excellently into the top corner past Anipong Kijkam, who, as the game went on, looked less than confident.
Me and my old Tero mate, Shiro
After a VAR check for offside, the goal was given, while those at the desk looked at two potential penalties without summoning the excellent referee, Kriangkrai Thiphanunjarukorn. Refs and VAR teams have recently been sent on a course and have been quicker and more decisive since.
It was all square just before the break when central defender Ramon tried to clear from near the line, cannoning the ball against a teammate, which fell at the feet of Veeraphong Aon-pean. He made no mistake from a few yards out, much to the joy of the 30 or so from Bangkok in the away section behind the goal.
Both sides played excellent football at times in the second half. Twins Natchanon and Nattapon Yongsakool were as excellent as ever in midfield, while veteran forward Gilberto Macena was as clever as ever, closely marked by the excellent Isaac Honny. Macena must have been some player when younger.
It looked like it would end level, and that would have been about fair enough, but successful teams often dig deep to find something extra. A cross was cleverly volleyed home at the near post by Nattapon. Tero threw everything forward, but Rasi held out.
Stars on TV
A really good vibe as ever, inside and outside the stadium, aided by being in excellent company in the best seats, after a pre-match in The Londoner sports pub watching an earlier T3 game, enjoying happy hour Guinness with a soundtrack to the 80s/90s/00s on in the background.
Rasisalai
United 3 Pattani 2 (Sunday 19th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,249)
Another
extremely entertaining game between the sides who served up a classic in the
playoffs a few months earlier, as Rasisalai continued their incredible run to
maintain their place at the top of the table.
They went
3-0 up, playing quality attacking football with Nattapon outstanding in
midfield, scoring two and setting up the other goal for Alberto Gouvea. Yet, it
wouldn’t be a Rasi game without them conceding. Pattani are lamentable at the
back but always look to attack. They grabbed goals back through Ekkachai Samre
and Chukid Wanpraphao, leading to a nervy final eight minutes.
Special
mention to both goalies who made some excellent saves but also let in a goal
apiece they’d probably rather forget. Only suspension and injury will stop Rasi
in my view. Regular goalie Sakkongpop was on the bench for some reason for this
encounter. He must play.
The day was enhanced
as ever by beers, snacks, great company, and being able to watch sports action
in the Londoner before trying to navigate the flood that hasn’t been repaired
for months outside the Sisaket SAT Stadium.
