TOT Sports Club was a professional football club based in the northern Lak Si district of Bangkok in Thailand before being dissolved in 2016 after the club was formed in 1954, originally representing the national Telephone Organisation of Thailand. The club lifted the FA Cup in 1993.
TOT became founder members of the Thai Premier League for the 1996-97 season when they lost in the semi-final of the Championship play-off to Bangkok Bank. Several seasons of mid-table finishes ensued before the club finished in the relegation places in 2002-03. However, the team bounced back at the first attempt after winning the Division 1 League title at the first attempt in 2003-04. Their spell in the top flight lasted just one season before TOT were relegated once again.
This led to a season in the Provincial League; a competition which would eventually merge with the main second tier. TOT spent just one season there before winning promotion back to the Premier League. The club played their matches at Namkaejon Stadium in Nonthaburi from 2007 and 2008 with Phuwadol Suwannachart the goal-scoring hero. 'Hello' finished in mid-table in the top flight, spending the 2009 season at Kleeb Bua Stadium in Kanchanaburi as Suchao Nutnum top scored.
The move to Kanchanaburi didn't pay off, with a local side Muangkan FC being formed, so TOT upped sticks once more to share the then-named Yamaha Stadium with Muangthong United. Crowds were once again poor with TOT fans being regularly outnumbered by visiting supporters. Further problems hit the club by way of an ownership dispute in 2010. Piroj Suwannachavee took over and arranged an agreement with another telecommunication organisation; CAT. The club's name was changed to TOT-CAT FC.
In 2012 and 2013 Prakit Deeporm ended as the leading scorer as the club battled against many better supported clubs in the capital. Takahiro Kawamura and Bas Savage were the star performers in 2014 before Tewesh Kamonsin took over as head coach for the 2015 campaign. The season would prove to be the final one for the club as the team ended bottom of the table. TOT withdrew from the 2016 competition, which would have seen them compete at the second level, owing to financial troubles. My visits Wednesday 27th March 2013 I had a spare day on my cricket tour of Thailand, and with the majority of my team mates not arriving until the following day, I decided to get stuck into my favourite spare time hobby of adventuring and visiting new stadiums. I had already visited the home of Regional League side Kasetsart University when I flagged down a taxi and showed him my print from Google Maps and asked him to take me to Soi 5 Watthana by Lak Si.
My basic Thai and the map did the trick as we travelled along the easy route towards Don Mueng Airport, with the familiar signs of the railway to our left. I had travelled much of the route several times in the past on the way to play cricket at the Harrow International School. Although I'd looked at the street view on Google, I really wasn't sure as to whether I'd get access inside the stadium. I wandered through the gates of TOT smiling at the guards and keeping walking.
It was easy to find the way to the arena with the telltale signs of canvas-covered tables on either side of the main walkway, which no doubt furnished fans on match days. There was some sign of activity on the pitch, with the gates open.
I wandered in to see the Summer Soccer School in full swing, with several parents occupying the stands. I got on with wandering around and taking photos. The Main Stand was three separate raised and covered seated structures occupying one touchline. Opposite was an open seated section, which again ran the full length of the pitch.
The Lak Si end was unoccupied with just a high fence separating the pitch from the covered car and bicycle park. The TOT End was extremely basic, with a small roof covering an area back from the pitch reserved for away supporters.
A few smiles seemed to defuse any suspicion, as it often does in the wonderful country that is Thailand. I went along my way and walked up to the main road before I attempted to hail a taxi to my next destination.
TOT SC 1 Port FC 2 (Saturday 31st October 2015) Thai Premier League (att: 1,580)
My second game of the evening had something to live up to. I had been to the Air Force Central v Police United game in the second tier, and it had been very good. I’d been slightly reluctant to leave it before full time, but Port needed all the support that they could muster.
The last of my pals had gone home after a successful Beer Battered Seadogs cricket and sightseeing holiday. I had taken them along with three ex-pat locals to Port’s home 2-0 defeat to Army United the previous Wednesday. They were awful in all honesty, and this game was about the last chance to start their serious challenge to stay up. TOT were bottom of the table and getting close to the point of requiring a miracle.
My taxi driver from Thupatemee Stadium spoke English and knew the way to the TOT Stadium, which was good news. He was honest enough to admit we’d struggle to make kick off, but I told him that was no problem and just to do his best.
Unbelievably we hit a standstill near Don Muang Airport as we were underneath the tollway. Surely there hadn’t been an accident? My pilot told me that he’d seen on the news that there was some kind of official visit to the airport over the weekend. Perhaps we’d found it?
After nigh on ten minutes of not moving at all we suddenly went back to normal speed. It did look to be some kind of controlled blockage for access further up. Sure enough, my driver did know the way. However, the main gate on Chang Watthana was closed to the TOT. I paid the driver up and set off with blistered feet back along and down Chang Watthana past the stadium. Vendors in the street were selling their wares to fans over the wall inside the ground.
The game was still 0-0 as I approached the away fans' entrance behind the goal. I was turned away and told that I had to buy a ticket. Instead of having a ticket office nearby for away fans I had to go all the way round behind the Main Stand, past the away end and half the far side.
While I loved most things Thai, it had to be said that their organisational skills were rock bottom. A major problem is that they take constructive advice as criticism, so things seldom change.
TOT had the nerve to charge 150 Baht (£3) for away fans. While that doesn’t sound much, it is to Thais, especially those who struggle in Khlong Toei. It was the most expensive ticket I’d paid for at a standing ticket in Thailand. They wanted 300 Baht to sit down the side!
At last, I managed to get inside and got myself a place on the back row of the rickety wooden stand. The unused TV gantry in the centre and netting didn’t help the view, the mud at the front was causing dust and mosquitos were biting the hell out of me, but I was loving it.
This was a proper do-or-die relegation battle. My team had a great following and cared passionately. Full families, all in orange and blue, were cheering on Port; from babies to grandparents. The noise from the Khlong Toei Army was incessant, especially from the youths with the drum on the flat standing behind the goal. There must have been around 600 in the away section.
Both teams were giving it everything; despite neither being very good. TOT were more like a Champions League side in a vital home leg than the desperate bunch propping up the league. Port were defending and breaking like lions.
The home players Anucha Taiwong and Dutchman Luciano Dompig were causing problems for the visiting defence, but they held strong. On twenty-one minutes the away end went wild when the ball was fed wide. A great cross from the right came to where an unmarked Wuttichai Tatong headed home.
Despite attacks from the home side, Port looked relatively solid and had plenty of play up the other end. Sadly, just like the previous match, there was far too much procrastination around the box without any end product. TOT were there for the taking, but Port lacked ambition and belief.
At half-time, I was hugged by several Thai Port fans and even asked to be in a couple of photos. I’m not sure who they thought I was? I enjoyed my first beer of the day, with smiles all around. It’s amazing how happy fans can be when their side are winning away from home.
After the break I stood up against the fence to catch the better atmosphere and because I didn’t trust the stands! An expat Englishman had a chat and made me very welcome. There was a small group of three or four others further along.
The bloke and his wife by me at the front had their junior daughter with them. I stepped aside so that she could stand on top of the fence and hang on to the netting. A girl behind was giving the ref some deserved stick, letting him know that she thought he was ‘mao’ (drunk!).
Inevitably Port’s attacks became fewer as TOT threw men forward. The tension was building in the away end. The occasional break wasn’t been capitalised on as the vital final ball was going astray. The home side bought on Bas Savage with twenty-five minutes to go.
I was lucky enough to have met Bas at the end of the previous season with Chonburi fan Dale Farrington as TOT staved off relegation and helped deprive the Sharks of the title. He was a smashing bloke, but I was less than pleased to see him again. His pace, height and strength immediately changed the dynamics of the game. Why manager Tewet Kamonsilp hadn’t started with him was a mystery?
Nobody was massively surprised when TOT equalised with just eight minutes to go. It was Dompig who scored with a low shot. The home fans down the open side were going crazy. Port’s followers began the noise again after a few seconds of stunned silence.
Suddenly it dawned on the Port team and manager Masahiro Wada that a draw was no good. Fortunately, the home side could sense the chance of a winner and were also going for it. The play was end to end and not of great quality.
In the final minute of normal time, a decent pass gave Port’s Hironori Saruta a chance of a shot. His first touch was awful, taking the ball away from the goal, but as he looked to turn he was brought down. Referee Taweechai Supatwan pointed to the spot. The place went mad.
Photo: Thanks to Judy from Klongtoey Army Facebook Page
After what seemed like a long delay as home players kept time wasting and encroaching into the area, David Rochela stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom corner of the net as bedlam broke out all around. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, or what standard; there’s nothing like a last minute winner away from home. After a few minutes of stoppage time and no great alarms, the ref brought a halt to proceedings and further celebration. The home players came to the away section and were given a great ovation. I really love that feature at Thai games.
Photo: Thanks to Judy from Klongtoey Army Facebook Page
An attractive young lady had been taking photos just in front of the away end as well as a video when the winner went in. She tried to grab my attention for a photo amongst the celebrating fans at full time. I eventually found the pictures online six weeks later at the Klongtoey Army Facebook page. I was sent the originals within the hour and told that it was Judy who took the pictures. Thank you very much for such a brilliant service and fantastic photos.
I was away before the Port players came over, with other fish to fry! Within a minute I’d hailed a cab outside and once again the driver knew where I wanted to go. He was pressing the metal to Soi Cowboy. I was in a great mood, especially when he told me Chelsea had lost at home again!
Photo: Thanks to Judy from Klongtoey Army Facebook Page
A tired and emotional Steve was waiting for me at the Queen Victoria, where a newly arrived Chris Lamb and his pal Timmy soon turned up. We went around to watch the Rugby World Cup Final and other assorted entertainment while catching up on Yarrambat and personal matters. The opened chips and battered sausage rounded off the proceedings. It was a great end to a fantastic day!
To see a video with my reflections, including the winning goal and celebrations, click here.
PT Prachuap FC is a professional football club from the Thai seaside city of Prachuap Khiri Khan, whose province is in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula on the west of the Gulf of Thailand, where the club was formed in 2009.
Initially called Prachuap Khiri Khan FC, the side finished tenth in the 2009 season, competing in the third-tier Regional League Division 2 Central & Eastern Region and playing at Sam Ao Stadium.
The club was moved to play in the Southern Region but pulled out before a ball was kicked on the grounds of safety. Allocated a place back in their old section for 2011, the truncated Prachuap FC ended third from the bottom of the table.
The following season saw large on-field improvements, which continued with a second place in 2013 under the leadership of ambitious and innovative chairman Mr Songkiat Lim-aroonrak. However, the ’Killer Wasps' fell short in the playoff rounds.
The 2014 season saw Prachuap finish top of the table, in the third level Division 2 South. On this occasion, promotion was sealed as the side ended top of Group A in the Champions League playoff rounds.
Eighth place was a decent return for their first season at a higher status with Nascimento Dos Santos Neto providing the goals. Macedonian Hristijan Kirovski led the charts the following campaign, with Willen Mota the crowd's hero in 2017.
The team ended that season in third place to win promotion to Thai League 1. The club entered a sponsorship deal with a major fuel company to become PT Prachuap for the 2018 season, in which Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, saw his outfit ending in an impressive sixth position.
It was another Brazilian, Jonatan Ferreira Reis who put away the goals before fellow countryman Caion took over the mantle in 2019. This was a groundbreaking season for the club which lifted their first major honour.
In a dramatic League Cup final at Muang Thong, Prachupa defeated Buriram United 8-7 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after extra time after Maurinho had put his side ahead. The 2020-21 season saw the Thai League adopt the European calendar, during a disjointed time owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
Prachuap ended in midtable, as they did in 2021-22 with Willen Mota continuing to enjoy his time up front for the club. He scored the goal that took his team to another League Cup final. However, this time Buriram United gained revenge with a 4-0 win at BG Stadium after Issara Sritaro had taken over the reigns as head coach.
Teerasak Po-on was out in charge in the summer of 2022, before being replaced by Dusit Chalermsan just before the midseason break. Samuel Rosa became the latest Brazilian to thrill the seaside crowds as the side finished eleventh. This was backed up by tenth place in 2023-24.
New head
coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul was replaced by Božidar Bandović a few
months later, before the return of coach Dusit in January 2024. Sasom Pobprasert was
given the job from the start of the 2024-25 season as the club invested to
strengthen their squad.
PT Prachuap FC will play in Thai League 1 in the 2024-25 season.
My visit
PT Prachuap 1 Port FC 1 (Saturday 28th January 2023) Thai League 1 (att: 2,023)
This was a trip that I was really looking forward to, in the company of my lovely girlfriend Taew. We set off nice and early on Saturday morning from our condo in the Bangkok suburbs, with me doing my best to give the correct directions to my partner.
As we were making good time, she suggested we stop off at Don Hoi Lot for food. Well, I’m game for any new place, and what a place she had found. It was a small tourist village south of Samut Songkhram right on the coast.
After a stretch and some photo opportunities, we sat down to a lavish seafood lunch. Both very full, our journey continued past signs for Petchaburi and Hua Hin before we finally turned off near 4pm to head into the small city of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Now, I’m a good walker, but my other half is not so much so. Therefore, it was a shock when we spotted a temple on a mountain, that she said we would park up and walk to the top. It was extremely steep and tiring, but what a view.
The coastline with its features had immediately won me over, and so did the immediately obvious friendliness of the locals. We found our hotel, Prachuap Beach, which had a fantastic room for the 750 Baht that I shelled out. After a shower, we went for a wander.
It was soon time for me to try and work out how to get to the game. The helpful receptionist arranged for me a taxi, which was not what I expected. A happy old chap turned up on his motorcycle with a box attached with two planks on it. A sidecar, but not as I knew it.
Taew waved me off before she decided to use the room to its max. It was just 50 Baht to the Sam Ao Stadium. Some very friendly expats told me where I could buy my ticket for the away fans section, where a table had been set up outside giving away free food to those cheering for Port. Unbelievable.
The beer stalls were around the far side, and again all I saw were happy and nice people. I grabbed one to take upstairs to our seats, which didn’t offer much in the way of a view or legroom way back behind the curve and goal.
Not long into the game, I got chatting to another Port expat. Jamie and his wife Mam, live in Cha Am just up the coast. They had travelled down by train for their first game in three years, and it turned out that they were staying in accommodation near to us.
There were several others from the expat Port support, in a turnout of around 150. Most of the home fans, and particularly the more vocal element, were down the far side, with the main stand a long way from the pitch being sparsely populated.
The game was extremely open and quick in the early encounters, and I thought we could be in for a high-scoring encounter. As bookies around the UK will be quick to tell you, once again I called it wrong.
In the first couple of minutes, a shot from well outside the box from Port’s Sergio Suárez brought keeper Chatchai Bootprom into action with a flying save. Visiting skipper Tanaboon Kesarat looked lively alongside William Weidersjö in midfield as their side made a good start.
The home side were not slow in putting in challenges which fired up away coach Matt Holland and tested referee Mongkolchai Pechsri. The nearest Prachuap came in the first half was when Port tried to be too cute playing their way out of defence. Chakkit Laptrakul pounced but dragged his shot wide.
At the break, I wandered back around and grabbed another Leo for the second half. Plenty of tailgate parties were in evidence among home and away fans throughout my procession. Not all the stadiums are top-class in Thailand, but the experience of a matchday is fantastic.
Not all the Port fans were back in position and missed the highlight of the game, at least as an away fan. A cross to the far side of the box found Bordin Phala who teed up Kevin Deeromram whose delicious bending cross was headed down into the net by Suphanan Bureerat in front of our section.
I was most happy, as I honestly could not see Prachuap scoring. Port were playing very well. Inevitably enough the hosts decided to do something about the goal, and it was not long before away keeper Somporn Yos was forced to pull off a superb point-blank save from a header from Brazilian forward Samuel Rosa.
He was then called into action to push away a shot through a crowded area from Laptrakul. The same two players again saw action with again the goalie stopping an effort on target as the visitors were forced further back by the minute when they could have offered more offensively.
A clever one-two inside the Port box saw Yos smother a cross with his legs that was destined to be tapped in behind him, with Thanaset Sujarit the frustrated player seeing his hard work being denied.
Port were using one or two naughty tactics of their own, which saw them pick up four yellow cards after the interval. The board indicated that there would be five minutes of additional time, but we still felt confident.
Kesarat made a couple of poor efforts to clear, which saw the ball land at the feet of sub, Nattawut Suksum who screwed wide. With a minute left, a deep corner found the head of Samuel home headed down through a crowd to grab a last-gasp equaliser.
No, I was not amused. Still, it’s only a game as the saying goes. We hung around to say thanks to the players who had put in a shift. 1-1 was the right score in the end, but Port should have won it if the right tactics had been employed. In my opinion anyway.
On the final whistle, Mam had phoned the same guy who had taken them in his sidecar to the game, and he arranged for a friend to pick us up from outside the main gate. I telephoned Taew who was waiting by our hotel when we returned ready to go for food and drinks.
Several fans had used the Blue Monkey bar adjacent to where we stayed before the match and were gradually returning. The pair of us headed to the night market set up in front of the Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan District Office.
I was ready for some food, having tried just a couple if sticks of tasty small meatballs in sauce at the stadium, since lunchtime. My trusted partner chose the food, which was tasty and cheap before we returned to the bar for a couple of drinks and a chat.
In no time at all, the chill and a long day decreed that we were ready to crash out. However, that meant that we were up at 7am the following morning to be greeted with the dramatic view up the coast as we enjoyed coffee and pastries in our room.
Taew certainly isn’t one to hand around, perfectly suiting my nature, so we were soon heading north ready for a stop at Sakhon Nakhon where we bought a ton of seafood to take home to enjoy on Sunday evening.
The market is partly built right alongside the railway tracks around Maha Chai station. It is a smaller version of the experience I thoroughly enjoyed a few miles away at Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram on my visit some years previously.
The excitement was far from over, as we headed to Fashion Island, not too far from base after we somehow managed the quickest route. I was in top form, despite doubts from my pilot. We met my lady’s son who was advising me on a new phone.
Back at home I then spent what seemed like an eternity transferring data before he arrived to share the lovely food and then carry out a full transfer in just over half an hour. Well, he does work in IT, and I'd got my wires crossed not realising he was on his way.
A homemade video of the weekend
So, overall, a great weekend. A fair result, even if a late dropping of a couple of points wasn’t ideal. Beautiful places and company, new friends, an excellent hotel stunning food and a few drinks, and a 57-year-old got to play with a new phone. Perfect!
Click here for history and visits prior to the 2021-22 season.
The spell of Sarawut Treephan as team boss was a short one with his replacement being Dusit Chalermsan before Treephan was reinstated by the trigger-happy Madam Pang. Jadet Meelarp returned as interim for a fourth spell in an interim role as Port stuttered to an eighth-place finish.
Scott Cooper was appointed as manager in June 2022 as the playing squad saw big changes. However, the manager was judged to have underperformed as he was sacked and replaced by his assistant Matt Holland, before the appointments of joint head coaches, Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep.
Despite finishing third in the league, Owner Madam Pang decided that another change of coach was required in November 2023 as former Police Tero boss Rangsan Viwatchaichok was installed. He took the side to another third spot as Hamilton and Teerasak Poeiphimnai weighed in with the goals. Further investment in the side saw the arrival of Willen Mota.
Despite a bright start to the 2024-25 season, the side dropped disappointing points as coach Rangsan resigned after a year in charge.
Port FC will play in Thai League 1 in the 2024-25 season.
My visits from 2022
Port FC 1 Bangkok United 1 (Sunday 9th January 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,053)
Port like most clubs had their capacities cut owing to Covid. I had stayed over downtown and saw that the club were asking fans to queue for vouchers from 7am to guarantee a ticket when they went on sale at 10am.
I was too late for that, but quickly made friends with a German Port fan who played a couple of seasons for Bayer Leverkusen in the mid-70s. He kindly got me two tickets as each token allowed four. I also had a plan B. I think someone gets their beer free of charge down there as I was told I could get sorted for 200 THB each. The actual tickets were 120 THB.
My pal Steve joined me for the match as we sat with locals drinking beer and making friends out on the street before the match. The game itself was a midfield battle with the home team going ahead shortly before halftime through Adisak Kraisorn.
A miraculous save from the United keeper Michael Falkesgaard kept his side in it as they took the ascendency after former Port player Heberty came on and was roundly booed following his spell with the club and his previous career at bitter rivals Muang Thong United.
The game ended in controversy. The linesman flagged for offside as the Port defence more or less stopped. The ball was crossed and put away by sub, Thitipan Puangohan. On referral to VAR, the goal stood. The home fans, never the slowest in showing their emotions went berserk. It was about the right result but not a nice way for it to come about.
Port FC 2 Suphanburi 0 (Wednesday 9th February 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,681)
A win’s a win but it was a far-from-inspired performance by the hosts who showed an obvious lack of confidence. At least the effort was there. Goals came from Bordin after twenty-eight minutes and substitute Nattawat in stoppage time.
He had replaced hapless Salvadorian striker Nelson Bonilla who would struggle to score in Patpong on his form at the time. It is always sad to see a player struggle, especially when they take up decent positions. It looked like both parties were resigned to it not working out.
I had caught the bus from the end of my complex to the stadium gates where I picked up my pre-paid ticket from the booth, leaving me time for a few drinks from the pop-up bars on the street outside PAT Stadium.
It was also nice to have a quick slurp after the game with some local lads I've befriended before a taxi home. It was also nice to celebrate the opening goal with Madam Pang who was upstairs in her apartment behind the goal in a happy mood.
Port FC 1 Chiangmai United 2 (Sunday 13th February 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,825)
PAT Stadium was still restricted to a 25% capacity because of Covid, but selling out wasn't going to be an issue with performances like this particularly abject offering in places against the bottom of the table away side. United fully deserved the three points.
Their physical Brazilian pairing of forward Bill and centre-back Evson showed how to put in professional performances. Both must have been ruined at full time, after giving everything as well as using their nous in game management and knowing how to see a game out.
Thawin Butsombat scored for Chiang Mai within the first minute. Four minutes after the break Ekanit Panya doubled the lead after the linesman had originally flagged for offside before VAR correctly gave the goal.
Port mounted some pressure and got one back through Kevin Deeromram to set up a grandstand last twenty minutes. Bonilla had been introduced at the break. There was more chance of me scoring.
I had taken the opportunity to sit downstairs down the side where the most passionate locals offer advice to all and sundry as I try to work out where I fancy getting a season pass for next time round.
It reminded me of Morton in Scotland in terms of vitriol and in terms of being able to understand what exactly was being shouted. It was an experience. I had time to kill before the game.
My intention was to rid my Saturday night hangover by heading out early, buying a ticket and then going on to the Bangkok Premier League match at 4pm between Harmonious United and Nonthaburi City before returning to PAT for 7.30.
However, the buses let me down, so I ended up having a lengthy walk and an all-day English breakfast at the excellent Sportsman bar on Sukhumvit Soi 13. Ironically enough a bus turned up from the other side of Khlong Toei Market not long after the game to take me all the way back to Min Buri.
Port 0 Chiangrai United 0 (Wednesday 9th March 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,629)
A bus took me most of the way into town before getting snarled up in rush hour traffic meaning that I required a cab to complete the journey if I wanted a couple of libations from the pop-up stalls.
Port were on an awful run and had two players suspended along with injuries, but they put on an excellent display, full of effort and energy. Well generally anyway. Salvadorian forward Nelson Bonilla really was a waste of space, totally lacking in confidence and commitment.
The hosts had a goal ruled out just before the break for offside after a VAR review. I enjoyed the displays of twenty-one-year-old Swedish/Thai William Weidersjö, in midfield until he ran out of gas and the ever-willing Philip Roller, a Thai with a German father, wide on the right. He was prone to errors but gave his all each match.
There was a good turnout of away fans and the usual PAT Stadium experience where I took a seat at a bar next to a young fella called Jorge, a freelance walking tour guide in Bangkok. We sat in the ground together too. Even better a bus took me all the way back to my local from the far side of Khlong Toei Market so I could enjoy a couple of nightcaps.
Port FC 3 Nongbua Pitchaya 0 (Sunday 1st May 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 2,875)
The previous evening, I had been at the excellent Ratchaburi v Chonburi match before catching a bus back to Bangkok and heading down to buy tickets, as I was to be joined by my pal Steve along with three Aussie mates from the annual cricket in Chiang Mai.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that tickets were being given away free as a thank you from Madam Pang. We all met at Oasis Bar on Soi Cowboy before heading to the match, where we were hit with a huge downpour as we were going in. Fortunately, an opportunist poncho seller came to the rescue.
Port were aided by an early Nongbua red card given by referee Noppadet Mangngam to Iain Ramsay who spat at a home player. The hosts played extremely well and put on a proper display, somehow going in 0-0 at the break after doing everything but score.
They were backed by an excellent raucous atmosphere, which my guests really enjoyed. The visitor’s rearguard was finally breached three minutes after the interval when the unfortunate Yuttapong Srilakon put the ball in his own net.
The ever-excellent Sergio Suárez scored the second which was added to in stoppage time by sub Nurul Sriyankem. We headed away in good form to grab a cab back to Min Buri.
Port FC 0 Lamphun Warriors 0 (Sunday 14th August 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 6,065)
This was more like it, at least pre-match, as the full fan zone had re-opened and a full capacity available. The club had decided to charge just 50 THB a ticket for the first half of the season as well as removing seats in areas where the most vocal fans congregated.
There was no shortage of encouragement for Port, but the performance failed to live up to expectation and had to thank their keeper Worawut Srisupa for making some excellent saves as Warriors nearly took all three points in their first game at the top level of Thai football.
A good day for me, as I had been to a decent Thonburi League clash between Thaispirit and FC Bangsaotong with my friend Vaughan and his son Pat before they dropped me in town. The slow but cheap 519 took me back to my local bar after the game.
Port FC 1 Bangkok United 1 (Sunday 2nd October 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 4,199)
I had considered heading to Chamchuri United v Samutsakon City in advance of this fixture, but tiredness ruled it out. Instead, the direct 519 bus dropped me outside the PAT to collect my pre-paid 50 Baht ticket, just as it started tipping down thirty minutes before the 6pm kick off.
Fortunately, a poncho seller was on hand making quick sales. A couple of beers and then inside. Port played pretty well against a decent United side. going ahead five minutes before the break when referee Chaireag Ngam-Som awarded a debatable penalty.
Hamilton stepped to slot the spot kick home past keeper Michael Falkesgaard. The man in the middle had an indifferent game but probably got the big calls about right. After the break Vander Luiz levelled things up after an hour and then antagonised the home fans with his over the top celebrations.
The pattern of the match would change halfway through the second period when after a check of the VAR monitor, home defender Suphanan Bureerat was correctly shown a straight red card after bringing down a United forward on his way to goal.
There followed a fine back to the wall display from Cooper’s side that would have ended in certain defeat before his arrival. Port even strung a few promising attacks of their own together but couldn’t find a way through.
United had the majority of possession but were either wasteful or came up against resilient defending. A draw was the right outcome. At full time I headed through the market and caught the bus back to Minburi in time to catch some Premier League football.
Port 3 Sukhothai 0 (Wednesday 2nd November 2022) Thai FA Cup Round of 64 (att: 2,654)
I arrived at this cup tie with Marco, and Jim who runs the Port FC Sambapit Twitter feed by Grab taxi after we had been to the earlier match at Samut Prakhan Stadium for the match in the same round between FC Bangsaotong and Uthai Thani.
Our driver had worked the oracle and we arrived in time for a beer. The match followed the pattern of a normal Port game. Lots of possession and pretty football, but chances going begging and the lack of someone being able to strike on target from the edge of the box.
Indeed, with the frustration growing I popped down to buy my round for the boys when I heard a cheer from the stands. Teerasak Poeiphimai scored in first-half stoppage time. At the break, I had a lovely chat with an elder Port fan Geoff, who supports Watford back home, with our subject for ten minutes or so being Luther Blissett.
In a good mood anyway, this chat brought a smile to my face as we swapped ends after the break which seemed rather apt after talking about a football legend of yesteryear. There was something of a festival atmosphere among the crowd as Port laid siege to the Sukhothai goal.
The score was doubled after sixty-six minutes when “the Brazilian Andy Carroll” otherwise known as Hamilton scored. Towards the end of the match, I decided to go upstairs down the side for another view and to see what my missed calls were all about.
My good lady Taew had been trying to reach me, as it transpired that a random English bloke had turned up in her bar. I told her to ask him to hold on, and I would get a taxi back rather than the bus, just as Poeiphimai rounded off the scoring.
The fella lived in Phuket but was in the capital when his wife gave birth to their first child prematurely in Nawamin 9 Hospital opposite the bar. He had gone in to try and relax and have a drink and eat. I was enormously proud, but in no way shocked, that Taew had made his experience so happy.
If I had been in a good mood previously, then this put the icing on the cake, as we shared a couple more drinks before he headed back to see his tired lady who would be transferred to a hospital with their child in Nonthaburi the following day
Port 2 Nakhon Ratchasima 0 (Saturday 12th November 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 3,118)
My next visit to the PAT allowed me to partake in one of my favourite pastimes and introduce friends to the experience for the first time. My pal Gary was down from Buriram and had wanted to tick BG Stadium off his list, but their game against Kawasaki Frontale in the J League Asia Challenge was a surprising sellout.
He pondered while we had drinks after the Samut Prakan City v Rajpracha match the previous evening before he agreed to go with me. We met at The Mall Bangkapi before taking the boat down the Saen Saep and had lunch in The Sportsman on Soi 13.
The pub was packed, predominantly with Kiwis as New Zealand were playing England in the final of the women’s Rugby World Cup. Some of the loud cheering was enough after food and I pint so we headed instead to Lek’s Last Stand on Sukhumvit Road.
We were joined by Andy Crossland and his pal Steve from Sunderland, though now a resident in Beverley for a pint before we went to The Clubhouse where Gary was meeting some Port fans he knew, but who weren’t going to the match. From there it was a taxi to the stadium.
My friends really enjoyed the fan zone outside, My pal Marco had done the business purchasing the 50 Baht tickets in advance, and we were sorted with a table and chairs as the staff of one outlet did their best to offer wonderful customer service.
There was additional interest in the clash with former Scarborough goalkeeper Kevin Blackwell in charge of Nakhon Ratchasima. His grey hair must have gone white as his side put in what was a generally hapless display as we stood behind the goal.
After lots of possession and missed opportunities, Port eventually went ahead just past the half-hour mark through Bordin Phala. Visiting defender Charlie Clough was taking plenty of banter from some of the expats in the home end and was giving as good as he got.
At the interval, we returned to our table that was waiting and reserved for us, with our drinks arriving quicker than for those who were queuing over the fence. We ensured that a tip was left for our helpful assistant.
The second half was typical Port. On top but slowly defending deeper and inviting pressure. I would have had a decent bet on them conceding, but a woeful Korat team could not take advantage. Hamilton put the game to bed with four minutes remaining.
The couple staying in town suggested we hung around and took advantage of such a welcome as we sat down once again for a couple more beers before we waved farewell while Gary and I headed back to Minburi by taxi.
Port 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1 (Sunday 19th February 2019) Thai League 1 (att: 4,451)
My life was moving on at full pace, with it being likely that this would be my last chance of a home game for some time, with so much future time to be spent in the northeast of Thailand. I was determined to make the most of it.
The ideal day after a lie in commenced with an early lunch chim chum at one of our favourite alfresco restaurants in Lam Lu Ka, with Taew’s sister and family. The food was top class as ever before I was dropped on the main road ready to have fun.
A minivan dropped me at Khu Khot BTS station from where travel was still free as far as Mo Chit. I took full advantage by taking it all the way to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao where I swapped to the MRT a short walk away at Phahon Yothin where the subway took me to Phra Ram 9.
I needed some electrical equipment, and I had read that Fortune Town was the place to go. I got one item and met with Port pal, Marco before returning to the train to get out at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
We were early enough, so we wandered past Khlong Toei Market to visit Big C before wandering to PAT Stadium to grab our 50 Baht tickets, which were exceptional value. Within minutes we were enjoying the same excellent hospitality as my previous visit.
The fan zone had really upped its game in this department, and there was a real carnival atmosphere around the place. The staff set us up a table, which was handily placed near a table of locals, where one played old indie and Britpop classics, which set the mood perfectly.
It seemed a shame to have to go into the game, such fun we had, chatting with other Port fans, drinking, and listening to the music. We headed to Zone D as Port unusually kicked towards the east end of the ground in the first half.
The first half was a familiar story to the regulars. Lots of possession, far too many passes and frustration as the opponents packed their defence. Coach Matt Holland had been given the heave-ho after he had replaced Scott Cooper but not much had changed.
The new men at the helm, ideally without the intervention of owner Madame Pang, were Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep, who continued to try and fit all the players in, rather than picking the best formation and upsetting one or two.
Shortly before halftime a shot from the visitors Leon James came back off the post with keeper Somporn Yos motionless. However, the effort had hit the arm of Thiti Thumporn on the way through. After consultation with VAR, referee Warintron Sassadee pointed to the spot, where Alvin Fortes made no mistake.
After a beer and the usual chunter, we swapped ends, as I managed to get to the back among locals intent on getting behind the team. Port probed and manufactured a great opportunity when Pakorn Prempak got to the byline and crossed only for Bordin Phala to head wide with the goal gaping with fifteen minutes remaining.
Five minutes later, a deep corner was headed down resulting in a scramble. The ball landed at the feet of Hamilton who cleverly put the ball home among the mayhem. The cheers had hardly died down when Port scored what would be the winner.
A quick short corner saw Martin Steuble put in a cross that the unmarked Teerasak Poeiphimai headed in at the near post. The place went berserk, and for the closing minutes the hosts were a different side, Hamilton suddenly becoming unplayable.
The celebrations continued outside. I was asked to join the table where the excellent DJ and his gang shared beers with me as we made friends. I tried speaking my limited Thai, but I was told by the selector of songs that it would be easier if we spoke in English! A video can be enjoyed here.
He had learned his music from working and studying in Oxford, London, and Eastbourne. His lovely wife arrived after a couple of beers. I video-called Taew to let her know I was OK during several of the singsongs that ensued before it was time for a taxi home.
A fantastic day out, but I knew about it the following day, especially during the long drive to Sisaket.
Port FC 2 BG Pathum United 3 (Saturday 2nd December 2023) Thai League 1 (att: 5,862)
An astonishing match at the PAT Stadium in Khlong Toei, and right up there with anything I’ve ever seen in the Land of Smiles as the third-placed hosts took a 2-0 lead before the second-placed visitors scored three times in the final fifteen minutes to snatch victory.
There was nothing between the sides in the opening exchanges, though if anything BGPU looked the more likely side to break the deadlock with Sarach Yooyen pulling the strings in midfield. Suphanan Bureerat put Port ahead after twenty-seven minutes, cutting in inside the box to beat keeper Kittipong Poothawchuek at his near post with a low drive.
The lead was doubled five minutes later by Pakorn Parmpak whose drive was deflected over the stranded goalie, but not before the home side had a shot handled near the goal line. Surely VAR was ready and waiting to intervene if the later shot hadn’t gone in.
Charlie Clough at the heart of the Port defence was putting in a real shift, while custodian Samporn Yos pulled off a couple of top stops before the break. After the interval, BGPU intensified their play gradually, while Port relied on sporadic breaks.
Some home fans blamed the tactics of coach Rangsan Vivatchaichok in his first home game in charge, but his side was up against quality opposition in my opinion. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up in such cases.
I was recording live snippets to be edited for our Podcast and said with twenty minutes to go that either side could win. Eventually, Pathum pulled a goal back through a howitzer from the edge of the box from Freddy Alvarez. The pressure continued to mount. In the end, it was a VAR decision that created the equaliser.
Nobody had any real idea what it was for, but once again a Thai controller was desperate to make themselves noticed. Teerasil Dangda slotted home the spot kick. The legendary veteran scored the winner when he collected a low cross on the edge of the box.
He used all his skill, before bending an absolute beauty into the top corner in the fourth of seven minutes additional time. He is still the best player in Thailand, and I never tire of watching him. It also helped that it was a brilliant day surrounding the match.
My wife accompanied me as we were meeting friends still over from Chiang Mai cricket the previous weekend. Dave, an Aussie who supports AFC Wimbledon and his good lady Michele lives in Hull. We had lunch near Asoke at Suda Restaurant where our guests rated the food more highly than Taew.
There was time for another beer at Buddy's Bar & Grill, a pleasant enough American-style establishment on the end of Soi 20, before taking a cab to the stadium. Our driver tried taking us to the main entrance, maybe thinking we were VIP but I soon put him right.
Our friends loved every minute of the fans’ experience outside with the many food and drink stalls, all at cheaper than ordinary bar prices. As Michele said, “it’s just like Hull fair without the rides!” It is the best fan zone in the country and Bangkok’s best beer garden on a matchday, again in my opinion.
I’d contacted my local friend from my previous visit in the morning, and he said a stall owner would queue for our tickets to ensure we didn’t have any inconvenience and were guaranteed to get in. The match was just about sold out. There was a 50 Baht surcharge on each one, but we considered it money well spent.
Inside, totally by chance we were in with those we’d been drinking with. It was as raucous an atmosphere as I had been in at the PAT. Real passion, old school abuse of opponents and officials, with my life smiling wryly at some of the insults being hurled.
We returned after the game to the fan zone for more music, beer, and snacks, making more friends along the way. Home by 11pm, totally knackered and ready for a good kip before our internal flight back to Isan the following morning.
Port 1 Trat 0 (Saturday 24th February 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 4,118)
A lovely weekend in the centre of the capital meeting up with a group of mates from Scarborough who were over on a short break as well as catching up with other friends near to our Minburi condo earlier in the week.
The match itself was entertaining enough fare, with the visitors second from bottom and Port in third going into the game. After a slow start, the home side got their act together and put a lot of pressure on the Trat defence. Bordin missed a sitter before Pathompon scored what would turn out to be the only goal after nineteen minutes.
Trat recovered after what looked like it might have to be a case of damage limitation following the goal and put together some good moves of their own, with Lidor Cohen a handful upfront. After the interval, huge gaps appeared at either end on a hot evening.
Somporn in the home net pulled off a couple of saves, one an amazing one-handed stop while a visiting player missed a sitter and found the outside of the post. The hosts were guilty of over-elaborating on several occasions while there was always a chance of the away side snatching a point. It wasn’t to be.
Opposite centre backs, Charlie Clough for Port and Jorge Filippe for Trat, both had excellent games with their reading of things and putting to use their huge physical presence.
As ever the match was just part of the experience. Officially a Buddha Day in Thailand with the sale of alcohol strictly prohibited, so my local contact gave us the beer outside in the fans zone as a gift and I transferred him the cash later. Fair to say my guests enjoyed the experience with the food stalls, enjoying brisk trade from some of them.
I had managed to sort a Grab minibus to the stadium from the hotel which made life immeasurably easier as my wife and perplexed driver sat in the front without a hope of deciphering the chat in the back. I struggled at times to be fair.
The three Scarborough Athletic directors were astonished at the lack of health and safety regulations both inside and outside the stadium when recalling some of the hoops the club had to jump through for a license and meet league regulations. Thank goodness we have no graders here and people act in a way so that they don’t put others at risk. It’s a huge help.
It’s probably as well that I took them to one of the better venues in the Thai League. Several complained about sore behinds after sitting on metal steps for the match. They must be getting soft on the North Yorkshire Riviera.
No booze in the bars in town so we hung around for ninety minutes to finish off supplies and so that I could finish stuff for the weekly Thai Football Podcast while shirts were swapped between a couple of fans and following a scarf been given to our chief host and DJ.
Back in town, it was quite amusing to see lots of sober farang cuddling a coke or water while watching the 3pm games from England. It gave Taew and me a good excuse to head off to our hotel, which was not our original booking, but which we were upgraded to owing to issues at our original choice.
Sunday morning, Andy and I did a 10km walk in the city, followed by lunch and beers with my fair lady in The Sportsman and then an excellent meal in TK in Terminal 21 on Sukhumvit. I knew that a big night was ahead so I ate plentifully!
A surprise was in store for Taew after cocktails in a wonderful Salvador Dali inspired wine bar, as we were treated to a couple of bottles of top-quality red wine on the forty-ninth-floor open-air rooftop bar with Andy offering his best wishes on our married life.
As the sun set over the City of Angels, it was as close to perfect as possible, with the DJ knowing exactly what feel-good tunes should be played for that atmosphere. Later we headed for a lively late evening in an entertainment zone while catching up with the others, some on their first visit to the city who fell instantly in love with it.
The eight-hour train journey back to Sisaket on Monday morning was not a thing of beauty. All worth it, and another brilliant weekend with football and great company. I was alerted to our posse being on the live TV coverage at the match and I managed to grab a screenshot on the app when we returned home.
