Ubon Eastern FC

Eastern University of Management and Technology, known as Ubon Eastern from July 2025, after previously being known as EUMT FC, is a professional football club from the northeast city of Ubon Ratchathani, whose origins can be traced back to 2019 when Ubon Poly United FC was formed. 

They are based at the EUMT in the city, with the club having an academy and offering vocational courses for players. Poly were seemingly formed as a replacement for Ubon UTM United, carrying ta similar coloured crest, with a phoenix replacing an eagle. 

United had been formed in 2015, with UMT Stadium being built on the grounds of the university after spending their first season at Tung Burapha Stadium. The 'Eagles’ ended in second place in the third-tier Division 2 Northeast in 2015, with Trinidad & Tobago international Darryl Roberts putting away the goals. 

This was backed up with a top spot in the Champions League playoffs with a victory over Satun United, claiming the overall league title. Promotion to Division 1 saw Brazilian front man Victor Cardozo slot away the goals in 2016, with Ubon finishing runners-up under coach Scott Cooper to clinch a second successive promotion, this time to the top level of Thai football.

A tenth place was achieved in 2017, as Bajram Nebihi led the scoring charts. However, 2018 saw Cooper resign and be replaced by Mixu Paatelainen, who in turn was succeeded by Sugao Kambe as United were relegated despite the goals of Apiwat Pengprakon and Somsak Musikaphan.

Ubon endured a shocking 2019 campaign, ending second from bottom in Thai League 2 as Rogerio top scored, but there was much worse to come. The club was initially relegated to the 2020 Thai League 4 by the FA Thailand owing to a failure regarding the club licensing and wage problems. 

United were dissolved, leaving the way for the academy and Ubon Poly to use UTM Stadium. Poly held trials and played many friendly games prior to entering the Thailand Amateur League of 2022, where they ended in third place in Northeast Southern Zone Group C with Aekkayut Thongsai coaching the side.

The team continued to build after this, recruiting players and playing lots of friendly matches as Poly were admitted into the Thai Semi-Pro League of 2022-23, playing in the Northeast Region under head coach Panuwat Sripao, hoping to win promotion to the national league set up.

That same season, Northeastern Polytechnic Vocational College, another side from EUMT, entered the Amateur League, losing their Northeast Southern Zone semi-final to Nakhonratchasima College. 

Ubon Poly United finished sixth in the Semi-Pro League in the 2023-24 campaign, which was led by the appointment of head coach Sarawut Ruksasri. By the time of the 2024-25 season, the club had morphed into EUMT FC and was coached by Khapfa Boonmatoon.

The team ended as runners-up, but were promoted to the Thai League 3 Northeast, which looked to expand, having lost three clubs in a couple of years through their promotion. The pitch at the UMT Stadium was upgraded in readiness, while the club changed its title to something simpler, as Mongkol Thisakrai was appointed as head coach.

Ubon Eastern FC will play in the Thai League 3 Northeast in the 2025-26 season.

My visits

Ubon Poly 4 Ubon Kids City 2 (Sunday 5th March 2023) Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 432)

I was keen to visit UMT Stadium as soon as I saw that it would be back in action and hosting what were decent crowds. It was the weekend before my wedding, so I decided to head to Ubon despite being at the Sisaket United match the previous evening with my soon-to-be family.

My wonderful woman Taew did the honours and dropped me at Kanthararom, where I popped round to the small bus depot to wait for a van for 53 Baht, which took around forty minutes to the large bus terminal of Ubon Ratchathani.

On arrival, services were heading everywhere, but I soon managed to locate the City Bus, which ran to the airport via the main drag. The 10 Baht fare took me to Thung Sri Mueang, a main square and park in the city.

It had historical connotations to a Briton, as the monument was provided by former Prisoners of War from the Death Railway at Kanchanaburi, who were sent to Ubon by the Japanese. The monument was a way of saying thank you to the kind locals who took care of them.

Next, I wandered down to the Mun, the large river that runs through the province to Sisaket. I decided to have pork fried rice for lunch at the friendly and excellent value at Mala Table Set, Branch 15, before wandering into the city in search of transport.

A songthaew looked to have solved that, but I had to disembark as it took a right turn towards the airport, with a taxi being my salvation the rest of the way to the stadium, in time for a beer and a look around inside what was a most impressive venue, as I took advantage of the free admission.

I particularly liked the ends behind each goal with substantial seating blocks, and the corner section between the near end and the main stand. Every bit of space had been used thoughtfully, and I could imagine that quite an atmosphere could be built with a large crowd.

Possibly, its best feature was that there was ample leg room between each row of seats, something that’s quite often overlooked. The local derby would see the hosts go to the top of the table with a win, so the encounter attracted a decent attendance, including many from over the river supporting the away side. 

Poly’s Thichanon Phimwan fired over a great chance in the early stages, as his veteran strike partner, Rachanon Srinork, threw his considerable weight around and used all his experience of getting into the ear of referee Nakarin Thongkerd, who was not the strongest official I’d ever witnessed. 

There were fouls aplenty as the game woke up, with plenty of local pride at stake, with Tanyapong Saengsawang firing just wide for the visitors on what was a hot and steamy afternoon, necessitating a couple of breaks for drinks in each half. 

Home skipper Noppawit Obma clumsily brought down an opponent in the box, but his blushes were spared when keeper Pattanan Pijittham pushed the penalty away from Theerawat Sirijan in what was becoming an absorbing match which was not lacking in commitment or passion.

The hosts' winger Nattapakun Paingpala looked impressive, while the visiting bench was going spare with the nearside linesman. It began to get a little naughty, and the ref thankfully seemed to get a grip for the safety of the players, entertaining though it was.

It was Paingpala who set up Phimwan with the opening goal ten minutes from the break, before the lead was doubled from the spot by Srinork after a shot from outside the area was deemed to have been handled. The goals noticeably dampened the enthusiasm of the away support.

For the second half, I decided to go behind the goal that Poly were attacking, which turned out to provide me with some cracking views as the sun dropped and day turned to night. It wasn’t long before it was 3-0, as a diving header at the near post from Suphakrit Dongchan from a free kick beat goalie Krissadakorn Suepbun four minutes after the restart.

The Kids were united just before the hour mark when a header from a corner went in off the far post, with the effort being marked down as an own goal by defender Thiraphon Phrinphun, offering hope of a comeback.

The game became disjointed as the players tired, and Poly looked to hang on to what they’d got. I was helping a first timer try and get a ticket for the Port v Muang Thong game via Twitter, while back at UMT, Taweesak Detphon fired across the face of the goal for the home team. 

The frustration got all too much for Kids sub goalie Sarayut Khongcharoen, who was given a red card while on the bench. In the closing stages, Theodkead Siribon, a sub for Poly, was put through but denied by the legs of Suepbun, before he collected the rebound and chipped into the empty net from outside the box.

There was still some action to come as Winai Jarukan saw a free kick well saved as City continued until the end. They were rewarded with the last kick of the game as Suphakon Phumkhong made the final score 4-2. 

I made my escape via the next door, Nong Bua Market, happy that I’d seen a blood and thunder match without any theatrics. Just every player giving their all. I needed the assistance of a Grab taxi for the next part of the evening, as I was deposited at Ubon Tap Taste House Craft Beer & Foods.

What an excellent choice this turned out to be as I had three glasses of extremely hoppy ale at 6.5% percent which quenched the taste buds and was soaked up by a good, if small portion of spaghetti carbonara, and a perfect plate of piping hot chips.

The bar played excellent music at just the right volume and had good staff. It’s one that I would recommend, but just for an occasional treat, as the prices were at the higher end. That said, I received a 10% discount, which was appreciated.

A further taxi was booked, which took me to the station in time for the 8.30pm train, with my fare to Kanthararom costing 7 Baht. At the other end, my regular cab driver, Toy, was waiting as Taew had made the arrangements for me.

I really liked Ubon and enjoyed my first proper visit. I don't know why, perhaps the wide avenues, quiet tree-lined streets, the football stadium design and the craft pub reminded me of a small Dutch or German city.

There was a bit of a surprise awaiting on the lane close to home as a far larger wedding than I imagined was taking place, with a full stage being erected in the garden, with singers, dancers, and a band. It was of the Tawandang Brewery size in Bangkok. We managed to squeeze past the people buying from stalls outside the house.

There was only one way to round the night off, as my good lady and I headed down there to bump into friends and family and have some beers and a dance. It was most certainly the biggest wedding within 100 metres that week. What a great day, though I paid for it the following morning.

Ubon Poly United 0 Udon Banjan United 2 (Sunday 10th March 2024) Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 620)

An hour ride down the 226 road to Ubon Ratchathani, where an excellent display for the visitors put them back on top of the regional division, from which the champions are promoted to T3 and the national set-up.

When the teams lined up for the King’s Anthem, John, my regular attending mate, pointed to the difference in height and build between the two sides, with Poly looking far more adept in being able to deal with the physical demands of the game, and so it proved in the first fifteen minutes or so.

However, for all their good play, they failed to lay a glove on the visitors where it mattered. The more slight and quicker Udon side slowly got into things and began to dominate the midfield with their pressing. The tiny right back looked exposed, but he kept his discipline, meaning the fella he was marking would be withdrawn at the interval.

By then, a superb passing move put in Phongphat Pholphut to score smartly past keeper Panupong Pijittham at the back post. The goalie was pressed further into action, making a good stop as the highly impressive home crowd were given a shock. The winners of the game would go top after three games, with Ubon Poly the favourites for the title among many observers, including myself.

We opted for a seat behind the goal after the break, not least to enjoy the stunning sight of the setting sun and temple behind the far end. The pace of the moves being out together by the away side was leaving Ubon all at sea, too predictable and cumbersome at times. Then referee Rutratchapoom Moolpong decided he would get in on the action.

I couldn’t remember the last time I saw a free kick awarded for a deliberate back pass, but that’s what we gave, despite angry protestations from home players and supporters alike. The wall was nowhere near ten yards back, but it wasn’t to deter the plans of the Udon side. 

The ball was laid slightly backwards and square to Sittipat Kreearee, who smashed his effort in the very top corner. It was a brilliant strike, leaving the hosts with a real uphill battle with just over half an hour remaining. Battle they did and forced visiting custodian Wiraphat Chainikhom into making two brilliant stops as well as being rescued by the woodwork. 

The frame of the goal was also rattled at the other end, as Udon undid their hosts at will, and should have really won by a wider margin. Their head coach, Supachchart Manakit, is one to keep an eye on if he could produce sides like Udon Banjan.

A wonderful day out as ever, special for me as it was my wedding anniversary. A lift from my good lady to the pickup point and then quality cuisine and Laos Dark beers at Peppers, which really is worth a visit in Ubon. It was a pleasant surprise to see vendors selling beer outside, which could be taken in, as well as a table where home shirts were for sale for 390 THB (8.50).

No fans of the current T3 side, Ubon Kruanapat were in evidence, but plenty, including a gaggle of expats in old Ubon United colours. A chat with a couple after the game included the predictable but disappointing reasons that one didn’t want to live in York anymore. John kindly dropped me off at home, where my wife had a bottle of Jacobs Creek red waiting with some food. A really good day.

Ubon Eastern 3 Korat City 1 (Saturday 13th September 2025) Thai League 3 Northeast (att:725)

It was the opening day of Thai League 3, and with newly promoted Ubon Eastern playing at home, it made sense to head along to the UMT Stadium. The excellent venue had been maintained well and given a makeover, with a souvenir shop, ticket office, and a stall selling a range of beers and soft drinks.

There were lots of students on hand working for the club to help with stewarding and being generally helpful, which created a nice atmosphere, while the team had less time than many other sides to put a squad together, but judging by the evidence we witnessed, they had recruited well.

Nice for me and my mate John to buy tickets 1 and 2, arriving far too early. We had time to explore the locale, where everyone seemed friendly. Seats in the main stand were double the price of those elsewhere, but offered a good view with ample legroom, which can be a rarity at some venues. 

We were treated to a match full of entertainment on a lush playing surface with standing water in parts after the heavy rains of the last few weeks. It added to the spectacle with sliding tackles, mistakes, poor defending, and skill on display throughout. 10/10 to referee Methas Kumarasit, who used his common sense and let the game flow.

Ubon went 1-0 after seven minutes when Thiraphon Praosaen latched onto a flicked header from Matias Veron. The big Argentinian had a good game, but not as good as fellow foreign star, Kharim Abdul Ayeh. The Ghanian tore the Korat full-back Sunthon Sanitnok this way and that throughout. After twenty minutes, he cut inside after a run and unleashed a thirty-yarder that goalie Khomsan Sanphiphan never smelled.

This was after Korat, who had plenty of moments of their own, had drawn level when Jakkrit Aree scored off the post from the edge of the box. They thought they’d levelled for a second time, but Cedric Mabiala had his classy finish chalked off for offside. 

My video report for A Thai Football Podcast

After the break, the incessant pace gradually slowed in the testing conditions, which didn’t seem to stall Ayeh, who finished with seven minutes remaining when a shot from a teammate had been saved. Every player was worn out at the end, having contributed royally. A great credit to their clubs and the Thai League 3 football. It will be interesting to see how both sides fare as the season continues.

Ubon Eastern 1 Roi Et PB United 1 (Sunday 2nd November 2025) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 1,285)

A cracking day out, which is always more important to me than a match. On this occasion, the action on the pitch was pretty good too, in an excellent little stadium which created a good atmosphere and plenty of passion between the two sets of fans without boiling over.

I was in the company of my wife and Oggi, a York City fan who lives in remote Mukdahan by the Mekong River, whom we met through mutual friends back in the UK. My better half relaxed in the hotel while we enjoyed the first game in charge of the visitors for coach ‘Pat’, the former Sisaket United boss, offering me additional interest.

His side gave it a good go, greatly encouraging the vocal and enthusiastic 50 or so away fans, who we joined for the final third of the game. By this point, they had gone behind to a fine shot from Nutthikorn Yaprom, before Jaehyuk Lim levelled things up with a scuffed volley at the back post.

The game ebbed and flowed, while both sets of fans got involved in banter, which thankfully didn’t go any further, despite absolutely no passion missing between the two. At full-time, I managed to create mayhem of my own making, in an incident that beautifully encapsulates why I love Thailand so much.

I’d ordered a Grab taxi and became a bit perturbed when it went straight passed us and parked up, whence a young lady got out. I told her where I wanted her to take us, but she seemed nonplussed and reverted to Google Translate. Her boyfriend then appeared, who had also been at the game before she started taking her shopping out of the back to put it in the boot. It wasn’t our car, but they were still going to take us. Our driver sat bemused yards away, awaiting us.

We returned to the only expat bar in town, where we had earlier started, by now with my wife in tow after picking her up at our first-class hotel for the night, which had a good Isan restaurant next door, where we had enjoyed lunch earlier. The night contained plenty of beers and a visit to four bars in total, one including a meal. 

Sitting outside a local bar listening to ambient house after midnight rounded off just about my perfect stopover anywhere. Another one is already in the planning stages.

Roi-Et PB United

 

Roi-Et PB United FC is a professional football club from the Isan City of Roi Et, located in the northeast of Thailand, whose origins can be traced back to 2008. Formed without the PB initials in their name, the club was placed in the third-tier Regional League Division 2 North Eastern Region for the 2009 season.

Eleventh place in their debut season was backed up with fifth twelve months later. The divisional title was lifted in 2010, but they failed to progress in the Champions League playoffs, with the same story being repeated in 2012.

However, after winning the North Eastern Region title in 2013, the side finished top of Champions League Group A and were promoted to Thai Division 1 League, from which the side was relegated after just one season.

A disappointing fourteenth place followed upon their return to regional football, which was improved on in 2016, before the club left the Roi Et Province Stadium, which had been their home since formation, to move into the out-of-town Pankkee Arena.

The goals of Pakkawat Phunachiang helped the side to tenth place in 2017 in the newly formed Thai League 4 Northeastern Region. The club failed to pay for their license in time for the 2018 campaign and were consequently banned for two seasons.

The club rebranded as Roi Et CF to gain acceptance into the Thailand Regional League in 2018 which ended in another poor showing. COVID-19 put pay to the 2019 and 2020 TA seasons, by which time the club had changed titles once again to Roi Et PB United.

In 2022-23, the team ended their campaign in top place, but there was no promotion owing to the advent of the Thailand Semipro League, which the club transferred to in 2023-24, having gained a license. The side won the Northeast section as Wichit Singloolom put away the goals for the side under head coach Pramoul Thinkatork.

The performance sealed promotion to Thai League 3 for the 2024-25 season for Roi Et, who had since returned to their old stadium. They went on to defeat Padriew City and then Chattrakan City before facing Dome FC in the final. The side played their first few matches of 2024-25 at Mahasarakham Stadium while work was carried out at their traditional home.

Natan Oliveira top-scored for the White Rabbits as the side finished in sixth place on their return to national competition. Former Sisaket United head coach Narongthanaphorn 'Pat' Choeithaisongchodok was appointed at Roi Et in October 2025.

Roi-Et PB United will play in the Thai League 3 Northeast in the 2025-26 season.

My visit

Roi Et PB United 4 Dome FC 1 (Sunday 2nd June 2024) Thai Semipro League Final First Leg (att: c1,200)

With matches becoming scarcer by the week, it was fantastic when my mate John volunteered to drive, getting on for three hours each way to Roi Et, a city in the northeast Isan region of Thailand, where we were treated to a cracking match.

The semipro competition featured six regional groups with the champions of each being promoted to their corresponding section in T3 next season. They were then split into two to play a couple more matches before the winners played off in a final to find the overall national champion.

Roi Et province which has a population of over 1.3M so there is potential to support a club if it is run correctly. Dome belongs to Thammasat University to the north of the capital Bangkok. The threatening rain clouds stayed away spare a brief shower as an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed free admission, while shirt sales went tremendously well. 

The home favourites went ahead when a cross was poorly dealt with by a weak defensive header. The ball fell to the lively Rewat Khumbun, who found the corner of the net after ten minutes. Just how the ‘White Squirrels’ failed to add any more goals up to the break only they will know, while Dome gradually got into proceedings. 

Shortly after the interval a tremendous Roi Et move looked destined to end in number two, but the goal bound shot was blocked on the line by an attacking player. It could well have been the turning point as the away side were level after fifty-four minutes.

A tremendous shot that swerved in the air from Thanchot Sonsri beat keeper Chalermkeat Pootoya all ends up and went in off the far post. The strength and composure of the Dome side pointed to them having a real chance of winning, with the physical build of Peerapat Kantha putting in a good shift.

However, Roi Et found a second wind and came back strongly. An excellent finish from Thonohai Ratohai put them back into the lead with just over twenty minutes remaining. The lead was extended when a curling effort from the edge of the box from Sakda Manchart continued out of the reach of the Dome custodian, Atituch Chankar, and into the net.

Both keepers made superb stops, while the hosts continued to miss some real opportunities in the game that was end, to end and became extremely stretched. The icing on the cake as far as the home fans was concerned came in the third minute of stoppage time when Sakda netted at the far post from a low free kick. 

My video report for A Thai Football Podcast

This left Dome with a huge task the following Sunday at the second leg, which was scheduled to be played at the Bangkok University Stadium. We had arrived a couple of hours before kickoff and went up the impressive tower shaped like a traditional Isan circular panpipe for a view from above. The lake underneath had several bars and restaurants around it. 

We headed to Bombay House for a fine Indian meal, which is considered expensive by locals. Our bill came to 1,030 THB, which is about £22 for a starter, main course, rice and naans along with a couple of large bottles of beer.

There were plenty of beer and food options at the stadium, including, incredibly, a good old-fashioned chuck wagon. We got chatting to the western owner who said he’d just purchased it, and he was given his Thai wife a trial on the griddle. They dispensed burgers, hot dogs, and bacon rolls, which were popular among the few Westerners present. 

By coincidence he also supplied meat to Leo’s in Sisaket where we headed after the game, passing an astonishingly large number of bars on one road as we left Roi Et. There was time for a couple of pints of Guinness on our return before my driver Uan, arrived to take me back into the wilderness.

Roi Et PB United 0 Udon United 1 (Sunday 12th October 2025) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 1,159)

By no means a classic in a match played between the hosts who haven’t pushed on as expected since promotion a season and a bit ago, and the league leaders, who immediately looked to be bigger and stronger when the sides lined up for the anthems.

Chances were at a minimum. A Roi Et striker dallied when offered a chance in the second half before they had a goal ruled out. The Udon keeper, Adisak Boonthawi, spilt a cross when he collided with one of his own players, with the loose ball being put in the net. The ref decided a foul had been committed. 

The only goal came three minutes from the end. The home defender failed to close down sub Jhakkarin Sitthichan, who shot from a narrow angle. Goalie Chalermkeat Pootoya pushed the powerful shot inside his near post. Poor keeping and defending. The powerful Finnish forward, Sakari Tukiainen, had a good game for Udon.

As ever, it was much more than just the game. My wife and I drove the three hours to Roi Et, a pretty town dominated by a lake and island, overlooked by a 123m viewing tower. We booked a hotel for the night, and met Dale, who edits A Thai Football Podcast, and his good lady. I’d been put in touch when looking to put a cricket side together for a forthcoming tournament with Oggi, a York City fan who supports Roi Et and lives around three hours away. We arranged to meet up and had a great day. 

It makes a massive difference to have local knowledge, wherever in the world. Oggi directed us to an excellent restaurant called Keaw Shop before the game, serving good Thai and Western food and cheap beer. We dropped the car back at the hotel and walked the twenty minutes to the stadium, traditional style. The ladies said the Thais passing us on motorbikes would have thought we were crazy.

A highlight at the stadium, where, as in most venues, we could take beers into our seats, was meeting a gent called Warong Thiuthas, who stood for election for the Presidency of the Thai FA. He lost the vote 86-2 to the lady known as Madame Pang, who has recently also been made FIFA’s regional development boss. He asked to have a selfie with us, which turned out to be charming company, and a former Port FC and national team player to boot, now with an administrative role with the FA. 

Post-match, it was just over ten minutes on foot to Suki Lao Restaurant. An incredible, huge place, some covered, some outdoor, with a live band and large screens showing sport. Another expat, Glen, and his wife joined our group as we chewed the fat, ate and drank and enjoyed each other's company until gone 1am. 

Absolutely perfect, followed by a drive home on Monday with a stop at a brilliant Chinese/Thai restaurant in Yasothon to pick up food to take home. My favourite type of Thai weekend. Discovering somewhere new with my wife, loads of food and drink, great company and a game of football.

Dome FC

 

Dome FC is a football club that was formed in 2014 to represent Thammasat University, which is located in Pathum Thani in Thailand, a town directly north of Bangkok’s northern perimeter.

The club name comes from the Dome, which is the symbolic building of the university, being the original building on Tha Phra Chan campus, by the Chao Phraya River, close to the Royal Palace in the centre of Bangkok.

Thammasat Stadium, home of Dome FC, when a Thai League club from 2015-18

The football club initially competed in the Khǒr Cup, from which they were promoted to the Regional League Division 2 Bangkok Region for the 2015 season. A fourteenth-place finish was backed up with tenth place in 2016.

Following reorganisation of the Thai league system, a fourth tier was added for 2017, with Dome being placed in Thai League 4 Bangkok Region. The goals of Rachanon Srinok helped the team to fifth place under head coach Worraphan Tunton.

RMUTT Stadium in Thanyaburi staged most home games in the 2023-24 season

However, the 2018 campaign saw Dome finish eleventh to be relegated to the Thailand Amateur League. Only two matches were completed in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region 2019 season before it was abandoned owing to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The competition did not take place in 2020 or 2021. In 2022, Dome finished top of the Bangkok Perimeter Group B. They were eliminated in the first knockout stage on penalties by Samutsakhon City, who would in turn go on to win promotion to Thai League 3.

Action in the Semipro Final of 2023-24 at Bangkok University Stadium

The 2023-24 campaign saw Dome enter the Thai Semipro League coached by Prateep Senala who led the side to the Bangkok Perimeter title and a return to national football going all the way to the final of the competition. The season saw home games being played at the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi Stadium as well as Bangkok University Stadium.

Bangkok University Stadium was chosen as the home ground for the 2024-25 season before moving to Thammasat Stadium for the final few games, as Dome returned to Thai League action as a T3 Central club. The grand setting helped the team as they narrowly avoided relegation at the end of the campaign.

However, the club decided to resign from the league owing to the financial costs involved and instead concentrate on playing in University competitions 

Dome FC will play University Football in the 2025-26 season.

My visits

at Thammasat Stadium

Dome 1 BCG 3 (Monday 18th June 2018) Thai League 4 Bangkok Region (att: 109)

Sometimes my adventures while pursuing my hobby don’t work out as I expect when leaving in the morning, and this day out definitely fell into this category.

I was entering into the second half of a tremendous holiday in Bangkok and Isaan. Everything had more or less fallen into place, much to my surprise. Therefore, I could see no warning signs of the cockup that was approaching as I left Steve’s house in Minburi on another lovely morning.

I had my rucksack with me, as the plan was to head straight to Don Muang Airport after the match. The fact was that my intended match was Rangsit University against Port B in the Thai League 4 Bangkok Region.

The website said it was a 4pm kick-off when I had last checked. I took local transport down to Bangkapi to meet Steve for coffee in the Mall, where my mate asked if I’d checked that the match was definitely on?

I laughed at him. “Of course it is”, I replied. We said our goodbyes until the following Saturday, when we’d be enjoying the final few hours of my trip, as I headed to take the Saen Saep Ferry downtown. I alighted from the packed service at Asok before heading to Phetchaburi underground station.

The plan was to make my way as near as I could to Rangsit University by public transport aside from taxis unless absolutely necessary. I should have stuck to my plan of taking a bus from Chatuchak but I thought I’d save time by jumping out at Phahon Yothin.

I’d been past this stop before when heading to watch an Air Force game by bus. What I hadn’t realised was that I was on a different road to the one I required for this present journey. I ended up walking and getting lost several times around the Central Plaza Ladprao.

My spare iPhone gobbled up battery usage quicker than I could use it. I was in a bit of a quandary until I eventually worked out that I needed to cut through the Mall and out of the far side of the Centara Grand Hotel to the main Don Muang road.

Eventually, I managed to find a bus stop and a service going north. The plan was to take it past the airport and then commandeer a taxi the rest of the way as the bus service didn’t appear to service the university.

Everything worked fine. I got myself some much-needed refreshments at the 7/11 by Don Muang railway station and then hailed a cab. I thought that the hard work had been overcome. How little I knew!

My driver thought I knew exactly where to go; which I thought I did. He was expecting to drop me at a condo. He didn’t understand my exact destination. For the following twenty minutes, we went up and down the main road as we missed turnings and I called it wrong.

Finally, we were on track and I expected the left turning down Thanon Ek Thaksin to be a simple enough ride to the university. The Skytrain was being developed along the route and we saw Lak Hok station ahead nearing readiness for the new service. All seemed good.

However, I had not realised that our required road was a flyover above where we were, with no access. This led to us trying further turn-offs with no success before we took a U-turn and went back south of the station.

After what seemed like ages, and my driver still somehow finding the strength to smile, we turned down a small soi and had to pay a man a toll to cross the khlong before we turned right and got onto Thanon Ek Thaksin.

My pilot was still unconvinced as we went down an interesting road with plenty of facilities for food, drink and relaxation. It had definitely been easier on my previous visit to the venue by taxi, which can be read about here.

Going past the entrance to Muang Ake Golf Club, we soon turned into the grounds of Rangsit University. I alighted close to the small stadium and paid up. I think the driver was glad to be shot of me, even if he had taken a good fare.

Immediately I became aware that my test of endurance was far from over. There was a distinct lack of footballers on the pitch, that I could see through the trees. Perhaps they were in the tunnel ready to come out for the match as it was nearing kick-off time?

The stand was virtually empty, with just three or four students in there with a drum. I knew that fourth-division games were sparsely attended, but surely the under-23 Port side would attract a few more than this?

I tried to convince myself that I was at the right location and time, but in truth, I was struggling. There were no team coaches behind the stand, and no desk to take admission money. I went out to the front to see the scoreboard on the far side displaying a 3-1 score.

The match had already taken place. I eventually discovered that it had been played twenty-four hours previously. This was virtually an exact repeat of my first two visits to Lamphun Warriors. What an idiot!

I was now left with a decision to make. I knew that Dome were playing at home at Thammasat. However, I was close to Don Muang Airport. I could go for food and drink, and get to the airport to hang around. I’d already seen a game in the past at Thammasat.

Within a few minutes, I was in the taxi of an obliging driver and heading further north. With a bit of luck, I’d only miss the first half hour. My man did a cracking job, even if it was a longer journey than I’d envisaged.

We went on what I thought was a long way, but I was in no position to ask questions after my calamitous efforts. I was worried when we hit the countryside, but my driver was bang on the button and he deposited me right outside the entrance to the main stand.

Team buses were outside, so at least I knew the game was on. I thought it a bit unusual as I dashed through an open gate up the steps and into the stand. Usually, someone takes an admission fee. Maybe I was to get a freebie because I was late?

On the contrary, again there were no players on the pitch, but lots of training cones and footballs. The scoreboard had the teams displayed on it. I managed to crank my local phone up to discover it was a 6pm kick-off. I was eighty minutes early!

At least I had the opportunity to charge my phones in the press area and to wander around the deserted stadium and take photos. Dome were up against BGC, the under-23 outfit of neighbours Bangkok Glass, whose first team I’d seen at home the previous evening.

Some omitted players sat and smiled at me wondering what a foreigner in a tight-fitting Port FC shirt was doing at a Division 4 game out of the city. I’d have loved to have been able to explain in Thai, but there again it was nice to leave them in suspense.

The 6pm kick-off meant that I’d only have a chance to see the first half before heading to the airport for my flight to Udon Thani. Around thirty minutes before kick-off, I went back downstairs and paid my 50 Baht (around £1.20) admission fee.

The official attendance fee taken from the official league website was a little on the generous side. We certainly rattled around in a 20,000-capacity stadium, which also staged the home games of top-flight side Bangkok United.

The Glass youngsters had vocal backing from one fan down at the front, who was soon joined by a mate who bellowed out all the supporters’ songs and chants. Fair play to them. 

BCG soon looked the better outfit of the two sides. Supazin Nhupichai made a fine save in the Dome goal before the visitors' Samroeng Hanchiaw saw a deflected shot go wide. Then his teammate Phattaraphon Jansuwan went on a fine driving run but was denied by a good block tackle.

BCG took the lead on seventeen minutes when a corner was half-cleared from where Park Young Jin scored with a spectacular overhead kick on the bounce. The jubilant Glass fans duo tried to get the non-playing squad members to join in; which they did half-heartedly.

BCG were by far the better team, but the Dome students gave it their best, putting together a lovely move on twenty-five minutes as Surachai Thongta put in Teachadol Chuvilart, who blazed wide.

The hosts continued to try and draw level but they struggled to find an end product. On thirty-three minutes Apipat Saingthong missed a great opportunity after BCG keeper Fahas Bilanglod miskicked but he placed his shot wide.

A huge storm was heading from the south as the half neared its conclusion. That was all I needed, but it would have been typical of the day! As the whistle sounded I headed out to the front and managed to hail a taxi after a few minutes as the rain began to fall.

I would later discover that Phongsakorn Srevaurai had put BGC further ahead before Polpong Pongsuwan reduced the arrears. A goal from Panut Sakonsathian three minutes from full time resulted in a 3-1 away win.

To add to the drama, the driver was ready to head to Suvarnabhumi until I put him right. I grabbed some food at the airport and then fell asleep right through my flight. It wasn’t until we got out at Udon Thani that I realised just how much I’d sweated. I certainly received a few glances!

It had been a fantastic day despite all the things that I’d got wrong. It concluded once I’d checked into my room, then had a few beers in the brilliant nightlife area before finding a vibrant late-night establishment to watch England defeat Tunisia with a last-minute goal in the World Cup.

I certainly didn’t need any rocking to sleep!

Read about my other visits to Thammasat Stadium here.

Bangkok University Stadium

Dome FC 1 Roi-Et PB United 2 - agg: 2-6 (Sunday 9th June 2024) Thai Semipro League Final Second Leg (att: c750)

With both sides already promoted to T3 for the next season, this was an occasion to see who would become the overall champion and lift the trophy. It obviously meant plenty to the visitors from six hours away as they had at least 80% of the support, though one suspects many were of the Bangkok diaspora.

A tight first thirty minutes, with Dome employing curious tactics. Perhaps they were concerned about getting picked off on the break by an excellent Roi-Et side. Just before the ref signalled for a drinks break, the hosts should have gone ahead as the visitors’ defence was caught napping. Peerapat Kantha, who had a fine first leg, blazed over from ten yards.

This seemed to awaken Roi-Et from their slumbers as they took the initiative. A shot came back off the bar before they went ahead in first-half stoppage time. Keeper Atituch Chankar pushed an effort around the post. 

However, from the resulting corner, Suphakrit Dongohan scored despite the best efforts of a defender on the line who could only head the ball into the roof of his own net. We wandered to the far side for the second half, along with the more vocal of the away support. 

It was interesting to note that only Roi-Et had set up a merchandise stall behind the stand and were selling plenty of shirts. The only refreshments came by way of a vending machine. Twelve minutes after the restart the tie was firmly put to bed. 

Halftime sub Saichon Magmesoog got lucky. His speculative effort was destined for the corner flag but smacked into the side of the head of a Dome defender and flew past the wrong-footed Atituch. It would have been easy for the home side to fall apart, but to their credit, they continued to battle.

They got what would be a mere consolation seven minutes later when Ratchanon Thisawet stabbed home from close range. They continued to huff and puff without troubling the visiting defence too much, with Roi-Et easily seeing the game out to take the spoils.

Bangkok University Stadium was once host to topflight football, as the university side of the time were league champions before morphing into Bangkok United. It has a decent raised stand and low covering, which would never get past the H&S requirements in the UK down the other side. A disused track surrounds the pitch.

My mate, Marco and I had met up after a train ride at Yæk Kor Por Aor, one stop before the terminus on the light green line on the BTS Skytrain. We then took a bus as far as Zeer Rangsit, where we alighted for lunch and some shopping. 

From there, we took another smoke-belching, rickety old bus for 8 Baht to the campus gates. It was a twenty-minute walk through the grounds to the venue. The campus, like most Thai educational establishments, was very impressive, with various cafes and convenience stores along the way.

An additional feature was bumping into a Thai chap who supports Kasetsart and has a jacket full of Thai club badges, like the sort that a German fan might wear, only his was of lighter material than denim. Also, with a cap of pin badges. 

I’m pretty sure he was unique in Thailand, having earlier spotted him at an Amateur League game at Airport Stadium in 2022. The match finished at 6pm, after which we caught a bus directly back to the station to enjoy the delights of Save One Go Market.

 

It opens daily from 4pm until midnight and offers a huge array of street foods and some more substantial offerings which can be taken into the Chang beer garden as we did to round off a top day before the train home.