Siam FC is a semi-professional football club located in the Thai capital of Bangkok, which was originally formed in 2011 as Rangsit FC, who were given a place in the third tier Regional League Division 2 Bangkok Metropolitan Region as an expansion club in 2012.
A debut season eleventh place playing at Leo Stadium, home of Bangkok Glass. A change of name for the following campaign to Thonburi BG United followed, with the team a reserve side for Glass, with home games played at Thonburi University Stadium.
The side ended second from bottom in Central & Western Region prior to a move back to the Bangkok region, where they reverted to the Rangsit name, finishing in midtable while playing at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi Satadium.
A return to Leo Stadium followed in 2015, and with it, a slight improvement on the pitch, with another similar position being achieved a year later. Thai football extended to four tiers for the 2017 season, which saw the club become Bangkok Glass B in the Bangkok region of Thai League 4, where the team ended third.
2018 saw another retitle, as BGC ended in the Champions League playoff positions, where their hopes of promotion ended in defeat to Hua Hin City as Phattharaphon Jansuwan led the scoring. At this point, the club was taken over and renamed Siam FC.
The side played half the 2019 campaign at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, with the other at Nonthaburi Province Stadium, with the side ending in seventh place as Ghanian striker Oscar Plape provided the goals under coach Alireza Hassanalizadeh who was replaced by Philip Adejoh.
A turbulent campaign ended with Boonyanaisakdi Yiamran in charge of the side. The club set up an academy at the same time, to try and nurture its own production line of talent. The 2020-21 season saw Thai professional football revert to three levels, and to adopt the European playing calendar.
Siam finished second from bottom of the table, in which Hassanalizadeh had another spell at the helm, followed by Ruben Fortunato Lopez and then Matu Conde. A vastly improved performance saw a sixth-place finish in 2021-22 after relocation to the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi.
That season saw Sarfo Otis Adjei end as the top scorer for the team led by Kobenan Leon N'Guatta from November 2021, prior to the return of coach Adejoh. Adisorn Kittipornpracha was put in charge of the side at the start of the 2022-23 season.
Adjei also
led the scoring charts in 2022-23 in a season that saw coach Adisorn
Kittipornpracha replaced by Sergio De Mota with a couple of games remaining.
However, the Spaniard could not rescue the team that was relegated.
The club appeared
to fold shortly after with no further updates on their social media page.
My visits
Siam FC 1 Inter Bangkok 0 (Sunday 4th September 2022) Thai League Cup First Qualification Round (att: c150)
My third visit to the 72nd Anniversary Stadium after previously seeing BEC Tero Sasana and Inter Bangkok as home sides there. This encounter would see the two clubs currently sharing the venue do battle in a cup tie.
My friend Gary was down from Buriram eager to tick the venue off his list, as we were going to the match between Police Tero and Port afterwards. On a gloomy Sunday lunchtime, he and his girlfriend headed for lunch with Taew and me.
We met at the decent Phahon View Restaurant on Khum Klao for some nice food, before my good lady headed off to open her bar, while we went over the road and down the lane to the match, where free admission was an obvious bonus.
The 72nd Anniversary Stadium is a venue like many others used in lower-league Thai football. It has a track around the pitch and stands on either side. The ones in Minburi are big, the place is showing signs of age, and it is far too big for any of its uses. A proper white elephant.
That said, the views high up under the roof are excellent. The pitch, like many other hired-out arenas was hard, bumpy, and badly maintained. We saw what turned out to be a reasonable match as both sides tried to play football.
Inter had been taken over by AUU in the close season, and I expected them to be the stronger of the sides, but not for the first time, my prediction was wrong. The teams were separated by a goal from Otis Sarfo Adjei, which was scored nine minutes before halftime.
The facilities for spectators were pretty much nonexistent, with toilets, which were far from pristine, being the only amenity. The chance of refreshments was zero, which was a shame as when I saw Tero playing there it was an excellent set-up.
At full time we sped away as quickly as possible to pick up our mutual mate Steve in the centre of Minburi ready for the evening’s action, which was truncated by a huge storm and the three of us getting drenched.
Siam FC 0 Royal Thai Army 1 (Saturday 19th November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 75)
It was an unexpected return later in the season, as I wanted to stay close to Minburi, as my friends were coming to Brothers and Sisters Bar to celebrate my birthday. I knew Taew was making an effort, so I didn’t want to be worn out or late.
My plan was a Minburi City friendly at 3pm at Kanjanapat Arena, not too far away and handy to get to by bus. Unfortunately, that fell foul of the overnight rain, and I wouldn’t have been too worried about staying in until I received a message from a mate.
Brett Johnston and his daughter Libby were in town and keen to catch up, and they didn’t mind going to football, so they agreed to meet me at Min Residence. From there we took a taxi to the stadium.
It’s fair to say that this would not have been my first pick, especially as Port were at home to Buriram United later, but that was sadly out of bounds. Admission was 80 Baht, and the club looked like they'd found a volunteer to sell tickets, but the atmosphere was negligible.
At least I knew to advise my friends to pop into 7/11 and take refreshments with them. I’d seen the Army side win at Kasem Bundit a few weeks earlier, and their style matched their persona. They were fit and disciplined but not hugely flamboyant.
It was lovely to catch up and try to answer as best I could the questions about the lower leagues of Thai football, and why such a small game was being played in such a huge stadium. I honestly did not know.
The only surprise to me was how long it took the Army outfit to break the deadlock. It might have been the pitch, or some hard work from Siam, who played nothing like the lovely stuff I would see from their Academy team on a couple of occasions.
The goal eventually arrived halfway through the second period, when substitute Wasin Tiammuang thrilled the gaggle of away fans along the main stand. Both sides tried their best, but it was pretty obvious that the goal would be decisive.
We departed a few minutes from full-time, not to beat the traffic, I hasten to add. Sod's law decreed that there were no taxis, so walked along to the main road. I dropped my friends by Minburi Market so that they could have a good mosey while I grabbed an hour on the bed.
They both joined me, Brett, for a very long drink, at my favourite bar where a wonderful night of food and drink ensued. And Port took a beating, so all in all, things probably worked out for the best. Friends are always more important than football.
Thai Royal Army FC, often known as Army FC is a football club based in Bangkok, Thailand who were formed in 2011 as Army Welfare Development FC and played in the Khǒr Royal Cup, a competition for non-league clubs in Thailand.
Thai Army Stadium, Bangkok
The club was formed after Army United began to sign players from outside the army as the professional game in Thailand began to be established, with the team sharing the Thai Army Sports Stadium in the Din Daeng district of Bangkok. The club won the Khǒr Royal Cup in 2014 and was promoted to the third-tier Regional League Division 2 in the Bangkok Area division. In their debut season, the club finished in sixth place.
The Main Entrance, Thai Army Stadium, Bangkok
A fourth-place finish in 2016 saw Army being placed in Thai League 3 (T3) Lower Region following league reconstruction, with Col. Somsakul Vijitraparb in charge of the team for the 2017 season as the team finished in fourth place thanks to the goals of Kraisorn Sriyan.
This was
followed up as Army ended seventh in 2018 with Nattapong Kumnate and Noppadon
Kasaen both weighing in with goals under head coach Lt. Adul Chumsaeng. The
Thai League was reorganised ahead of the 2020-21 season as it reverted to the
European calendar with Army being placed in T3 Bangkok.
BTU Stadium, Thonburi
Chaiwat Nakeiam
was appointed as team boss, as the pandemic affected season saw his side finish
in tenth position as the club played their home games at Nakhon Nayok Stadium.
There would then follow three consecutive campaigns of consistency as Army
finished ninth each time.
A shortage
of goals became a regular feature. Surat Suriyachai with seven in 2022-23 was
the standout under coach Chaiwat who marshalled his troops in a disciplined
fashion to not concede goals either. The 2023-24 season saw the team move to
Bangkok Thonburi University Stadium to play their home games.
The club was
moved to Thai League 3 West for 2024-25 on account of their location and the restructuring
of the third-tier.
Royal Thai Army FC will play in Thai League 3 West in the 2024-25 season. My visit Army FC 1 Buriram United 7 (Sunday 10th April 2016) Thai League Cup Round One (att: approx. 1,800)
The 29th Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes had been a huge success and I arrived back in Bangkok in good form, if a little weary. After checking into the Sukhumvit 23 Suites, it was time to meet up with my good pal Steve Walker for pre-match refreshments.
The waitresses at The Clubhouse were most helpful in writing down directions for the taxi in Thai, so after we’d had a beer and food it was time to head to the stadium. The girls had done well, as the driver recognised our destination immediately.
Around thirty minutes later we were dropped off by the away fans' driveway to the Thai Army Stadium, far earlier than we’d anticipated. It was immediately obvious that the visitors would have a healthy following, as many Buriram natives now lived in the capital.
We wandered around and bought a ticket, which was far cheaper than the advertised price. Perhaps this was because it was a cup match? I believe it was only 60 Baht each (around £1.15). This seemed to be excellent value for an all-top-flight clash?
It is here that I have to own up. As I researched this piece a few weeks after the match I discovered that we were watching Army FC of the Regional League third tier, and not Army United of the Premier League! This explained an awful lot as you read on.
We bought a large beer to share from a grizzled woman under the stand, who one could imagine had hammered more than one army cadet into shape. Steve did everything to try and make her smile, but she was a tough gig.
Our seats for the Army section gave us limited scope. The obligatory band was down at the front, with the drummer seemingly fancying himself as the next Cozy Powell, although he was definitely not the best.
The local in front of us had his iPad showing all the other live scores in the League Cup, so he was able to keep me up to date on my team Port’s progress up the road at Look Tapfah. He also had our match on, as it was being shown on live TV.
Buriram did indeed have an impressive following, with the central open section behind the goal very busy and the crowd continuing round and taking up their allocation of seating. It’s fair to say that several were quite aesthetic.
We anticipated a tight game, which it surely would have been if it hadn’t been the reserve side that was playing! No wonder we thought the home defence and goalkeeper would struggle to keep Army in the TPL! Within four minutes, the aforementioned hapless keeper had made a real mess up as Brazilian striker Weslley made it 1-0.
It was 2-0 when Korean Kim Seung-Yong finished. The referee was obviously feeling sorry for the home side when he turned down a stone wall penalty, which led to the injured striker being stretchered off. Our friend on the iPad confirmed that it was a bad tackle and a penalty.
Further goals from Kaio and Weslley sent Buriram down the tunnel at the break with a 4-0 lead. We had another beer, as our barmaid nearly broke into a grin. We also attempted to get into the away end for a different view but the security wouldn’t have it.
The Army fans had something to cheer on fifty three minutes when Pongsuriyan scored. They gave it their best shot and tried to carry on, but there was a large gulf in class between the two sides. Ten minutes later Kim quelled any thoughts of a comeback to make it 5-1.
‘Ram were determined to see just how much confetti their fans had travelled with, which was thrown around following each goal as a couple of further efforts from Kaio allowed him to complete his hat trick.
With five minutes remaining we headed for the exit and took the footbridge over the Don Muang Expressway to hail down a taxi. It was time for us to meet up with Gavin Shaw and his good friend Anthony for a liberal libation on Soi Cowboy. A good time was had by all as we related the tail of a shocking Army United team. If only we had known, or I had done my research properly!
To read details on my previous visit to the Thai Army Sports Stadium for an Army United game, please click here.
Kasem Bundit University FC is a football club based on the Rom Klao University campus of the same name in the Bangkok district of Minburi. The football club was formed in 2003, playing in university football before joining the newly created third-tier Regional League in 2009.
‘The Intellectual Light’ were placed in the Bangkok Region, one of five geographical leagues at that level, finishing their debut season at Kasem Bundit University Stadium in the runners-up position.
An eighth place finish in 2010, followed by a couple of campaigns at the bottom end of the table. Kasem Bundit spent some time during this period playing their home games at 72nd Anniversary Stadium and KMIT Stadium in nearby Ladkrabang.
After their return to Rom Klao, KBU improved to seventh place in 2013, before another disappointing season followed it. 2015 saw the team end up in fifth place, before a fourth-place finish in the 2016 season while competing in Bangkok & Eastern Region.
The Thai football league system underwent a change for the 2017 season, with a fourth tier being added. Kasem Bundit were placed in the third level, playing in Thai League 3 Lower Region.
Ghanaian striker Victor Painsil finished as top scorer, as KBU finished in eleventh position under the management of Tawit Klaitin, while the American, Diego Barrera netted a hat trick in the game against Rajpracha.
The 2018 campaign saw Kasem Bundit end in eleventh position as the Brazilian Alaan Bruno De Souza E Santos topping the scoring chart. A slight improvement to eighth place with Selwan Al Jaberi knocking in the goals occurred in 2019 under coach Aphirak Sriarun
Brazilian Carlos Damian topped the scoring charts in 2020-21 as Kasem Bundit ended in seventh in Thai League 3 Bangkok Metropolitan Region following a restructuring of the nation's football pyramid.
The 2021-22 campaign saw the team play home games behind closed doors owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Goalkeeper Chitchana Tuksinpila played a significant role as his team finished in fifth position.
The 2022-23 season saw the long-term coach Sriarun being replaced by Krit Singprecha. Prasert Pattiwan ended as the top scorer for the team that ended in sixth place while the university also fielded a side in the Thonburi League and in academic competitions.
2023-24 saw the team improve their finishing league position by one place with Nigerian striker Thomas Chinonso putting away the goals. The whole club had an upgrade with a new logo being introduced along with a stadium refurbishment which saw it being referred to as Estádio Kasem in some circles.
The club was moved to Thai League 3 Central for the 2024-25 campaign following the geographical restructuring of the tier.
Kasem Bundit University FC will play in Thai League 3 Central in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Kasem Bundit University 0 Trang 1 (Sunday 17th June 2018) Thai League 3 Lower Region (att: 150)
My two week holiday to Thailand was nearing the half way mark. For the first time in my many years of visiting the Land of Smiles, I had no cricket commitments. The holiday was all about visiting new places, socialising and watching football.
Everything had run exactly to plan, much to my delight and slight surprise. I took the 9am flight from Buriram, where I’d watched the reigning Thai champions go down to Chainat the night before and took a cab from Don Muang to Minburi.
After a bite to eat, nap and catch up with Steve and Fah I was ready for an afternoon and evening of football. The match at Kasem Bundit was to be doubled up with the top flight clash in Pathum Thani between Bangkok Glass and Navy.
Sean and Tracy arrived at Steve’s house. It was great to see my friends from Scarborough once again. Sean was going to go to the games with me, with Steve just taking in the local match.
It was another warm and bright day as we walked to hail a taxi on Soi Sam Wa. The journey took only ten minutes. Kasem Bundit were the closest team to the centre of Minburi. Our driver took us right through the campus to the small stadium.
Identical raised covered stands flanked both touchlines, with the entrance side structure having a small VIP section in the centre. Both ends were open and without spectator accommodation. It was a neat and tidy venue and the ideal size.
Admission was 80 Baht (around £1.80) and we took up a position towards the halfway line on the back row of the deep steps that doubled up as seating. The smattering of visiting fans were gathered on the other side of the VIP area further along.
The three of us all had a score prediction. Trang were towards the top of the table before kick-off while the hosts were languishing towards the bottom. My two pals went for an away win, while I thought we’d see a 1-1 draw.
The match started off fairly evenly. The first real action took place after fifteen minutes when a low cross from the visitors was scrambled by Kittin Uttsan in the KBU goal. The ball was skied over the bar from close range.
Just before the half-hour mark, Trang missed a golden opportunity to take the lead as the Brazilian Ricardinho somehow missed an absolute sitter when set up at the back post before he fired in a long range free kick which produced a save from Uttsan.
The custodian made rather a lot of the stop as if the Thai Match of the Day cameras were in evidence as the halftime whistle approached. Phumniwa Thuha, his counterpart at the other end received treatment after a slight collision from a set piece.
Trang eventually went ahead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. A free kick wasn’t cleared properly, with the ball falling to Eakartit Somjit who fired home in fine style.
At the break, I went for a walk, in search of refreshments. Unusually there were no street stalls outside the ground, as was the norm at most venues. I was pointed in the direction of a small shop selling a variety of items catering to those staying on campus.
I returned with water for my pals and some crisps to share as the hosts nearly drew level ten minutes after the restart. Substitute Sanou Oumar went on a fantastic run to tee up Bruno, KBU’s Brazilian, who blazed over the bar.
Chances were at a premium. Kasem Bundit were giving it their best, but in truth, the Trang defence was in relative control. They attempted to ply some pressure but were missing the cutting edge.
The visitors came close to doubling their lead, but Tetsuro Inoue headed straight at keeper Uttsan, who pulled off a decent stop. As the game entered its closing stages my mind was concentrating on the issue ahead.
We needed to find a taxi that would take us the twenty miles or so to Leo Stadium in an hour to arrive for the 7pm kick-off. Steve was teasing me as usual, saying I’d no chance or I’d end up getting lost.
We saw the last few minutes of the game near the gate before trying to flag down a cab coming around the back of the stand. However, he was picking someone up. Another driver waved us away.
I must admit to getting a little concerned as no further taxis were coming down the drive. I ushered my pals along who didn’t seem quite as concerned. That or they were winding me up!
When we reached the main road by the entrance the first driver agreed immediately. He even dropped Steve off at the bottom of Soi Sam Wa, not that he deserved it! Sean and I went on to arrive at Glass just in time for kick-off, as a grand day out continued.
Kasem Bundit University 1 Bangkapi FC 1 (Sunday 17th July 2020) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c100)
The second week of the Thonburi League offered an opportunity to return to the venue. It had been closed to spectators during the Thai League season owing to Covid-19, with Kasem Bundit playing home games behind closed doors.
Steve managed to finish duties early enough so we could get to the 3pm kick-off, though not without a slight hitch in communications. I headed to find Family Mart on Sam Wa Road to meet my mate. However, the sign was no longer above the shop.
Consequently, I walked halfway down the road before giving him a call. He’d gone past on his motorbike on the other side and was now ordering some grub in KFC. No matter, as we were soon reunited and heading down Rom Klao Road in a taxi.
As ever Bangkapi had a few supporters in tow. They went to the stand opposite the main side. The pair of us sat in near enough the same position as our previous visit on what was a hot afternoon.
The weather didn’t do anything to stifle the action, as the game was of high intensity from the get-go. Bangkapi played some nice passes, which in the main tried to pick out the pacy forward in the number 29 shirt.
He was close to getting on the end of a couple of through balls, that were slightly overhit. However, one delivery on twenty-five minutes saw him push the ball past the keeper before being upended unceremoniously by the custodian.
It was a clear-cut penalty and surely a card of sorts to the offender. We were astonished that the referee decided that the award was punishment enough. The members of the away side bench were not massively impressed either.
The visiting side skipper, wearing the 6 jersey, coolly dispatched to make it 0-1. We thought we’d witness an easy Bangkapi win at this point, as they continued to take the initiative and create problems for the young student side.
KBU’s keeper made a top save to deny the scorer of the earlier penalty when diving to stop a curling free kick. By now the hosts decided to get stuck into their opponents as the ref began to pay the price for not cautioning the home goalie when he should have.
He began to show yellow cards for lesser offences and generally became inconsistent while trying to restore discipline. The tactic seemed to fire up the students as they began to get back into the game.
A fine break could easily have ended in a goal but for a terrible pass missing a free man by a long way. They did equalize when awarded a free kick, which was getting on for thirty yards from goal. Bundit’s skipper, the number 12 put in a fantastic bending effort into the top corner.
At the interval, we headed off for water in the excellent onsite store across behind the stand. We marvelled at some of the facilities on offer to the scholars. Certainly, a little different from the schooldays back in Scarborough we earlier reminisced about.
The home team in blue continued to impress upon the restart. It was an excellent advert in general for local amateur football. A fine Bundit move saw a low cross come close to being converted at the near post.
After that, the passion or pace never gave in. nor did the referee issue cards, but neither side caused the keepers any real distress. Efforts on goal were limited to weak shots from the edge of the box that were saved comfortably.
A draw was undoubtedly a fair result. We headed out back down the lane, past even more incredible facilities before boarding a songthaew back to Minburi Market. I grabbed some food and headed home for ODI cricket and the British Open golf on TV.
Kasem Bundit 3 Thaispirit 0 (Sunday 31st July 2022) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c80)
Another opportunity for Steve and me to pop round the corner to the local university and we were happy we did. Before arrival, I most certainly had Spirit down as favourites, but the hosts showed my local football knowledge was not quite as good as I thought.
Bundit showed their intentions from the start with both number 8 and 9 having the chance to advance on the visitor’s goal, but both stopped in their tracks through a lack of pace and looking to set up teammates which came to nothing.
Spirit looked good on the break before the hosts deservedly took the lead on thirty-five minutes when 9 got free out wide. His low cross was volleyed in low at the back post by number 10.
The students continued to impress and were opening up the Spirit defence at will. At the break, we wandered across to the shops before returning to our seats with provisions. The away side nearly drew level shortly after the restart.
A low shot from an indirect free kick hit the foot of the Kasem post. The home side 49 saw a header from the corner that drew a great save from the Spirit keeper. The 23 headed wide and then 9 dragged a shot across goal as the pressure mounted.
The Spirit keeper made a massive error when fumbling a free kick from 12, which was pounced upon by 23 to score. The impressive performance was backed up when the lead was extended as 12 got through to set up 23 to score at the near post.
Bundit were superb throughout and thoroughly merited their victory. Spirit continued to the end and drew a save out of the home goalie who tipped over. During the closing stages, we were treated to an amazing storm building over Minburi.
We were fearing the worst as the clouds and lightning advanced on us. Typically, the heavens began to open right on full-time as we walked back to the main road. Fortunately, a songthaew soon arrived on Rom Klao to take us back towards home.
Kasem Bundit University 5 Bangkok FC 3 (Saturday 8th October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 150)
Occasionally you leave the ground shaking your head with a big smile, and this was one of those days. What a game of football. I was already in a good mood on arrival after a pleasant walk to the ground from home.
After paying my 80 Baht I got a good seat chatting to a local man who could speak a bit of English once we had a sad minute of silence for the poor kids massacred in Nong Bua province earlier in the week.
The pitch was scarred in places through the heavy rainfall in previous weeks and overuse. It was good to see the hosts take the field with a Thai starting eleven. The visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Bruno Suzuki received a slide rule pass and scored off the legs of keeper Chitchana Tuksinpila.
The scorer missed a great chance to double the advantage, slicing wide. KBU responded when Anipong Kijkam made a good stop to keep out a downward header from Attaphon Kannoo, who was to feature throughout the contest.
Bunlue Thongkliang had a stinging shot for Bangkok saved by Tuksinpila before a drinks break was called in the heat by referee Jatupol Kidklang as the pitch was starting to cut up in places, which would add to the ensuing drama.
Just as a large group of away fans arrived their side went 2-0 up on thirty-four minutes through a low shot at the near post from Thongkliang. Poor defending allowed Ronnarid Saichantuek to get an effort away for Kasem which was saved.
The attendance consisted of mainly students. I saw a couple wearing Buriram United E-Sports shirts, a phenomenon I failed to grasp. The host's sloppiness in possession was pounced upon with the last action of the half when Goshi Okubo made it 3-0. That was surely that?
Having seen Bangkok a few weeks earlier I knew that they were a good side but also susceptible at the back. However, I wasn’t ready for what was about to follow. Whatever manager Vallop Suwandee said to the Bundit players at the break I don’t know, but it worked.
But only after the away side missed a guilt-edged chance to extend their lead further. Both Thongkliang and the excellent Padungsak Phothinak seemed to be in on goal but somehow the defenders got back to scramble clear. How the Fire Bulls were to pay for the missed opportunity.
Bundit rallied with Prasert Pattawin drawing a save out of Kijkam before they grabbed a goal back on fifty minutes when a low shot from skipper Chaiyasan Homboon was too hard for the custodian to keep out.
The home fans started to see a chink of light and got behind their side. Homboon made it 2-3 eight minutes later with a superb bending free-kick into the top corner. All hell broke loose a minute later when a low cross-shot was put into his own net by Banjong Phadungpattanodom.
3-3 with half an hour to play as the hosts piled forward with Kannoo a real nuisance for the hosts. A couple of times he rattled into Kijkam who in truth didn’t look up for it despite keeping out a header from the forward.
The momentum had swung around completely with home sub, Sundy Wongderree nearly lobbing the out of position Kijkam from deep. The inevitable happened with three minutes of normal time remaining when a cross took a ricochet in the box and landed at the feet of Kannoo who made no mistake to put his team ahead.
Shortly after the warrior was carried off suffering from cramp and nearly dropped from the stretcher by the youngsters carrying him on the muddy surface. In stoppage time Supakrit Petpon found himself unmarked to volley in at the back post to round off an amazing game.
Wandering away for a songthaew back to Minburi an English fella spotted my Hull City shirt. He was from Leominster and was a friend of Jarrod Bowen. What a small world. It was his first Thai game and was on holiday, and certainly bewildered by what he had seen as a Chelsea season ticket holder.
We had a good chat as I put him right on the quickest way back to the city. He had somehow persuaded a motorbike taxi to take him to the game! I bet he won’t forget his experience in a hurry either. A great afternoon.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Royal Thai Army 2 (Saturday 22nd October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c140)
A quick return for Rom Klao but unfortunately it was average fare compared to my previous visit. Army in a camouflage shade of dark green deservedly took the points with an army-style performance full of fitness and discipline.
They went close in the early stages when Narongsak Saekaw saw his shot deflected wide prior to a dipping effort from Tanapon Sintan being required to be tipped over the bar by home custodian Natthawut Tharapon.
Home forward Kannoo wasn’t getting the same joy against Bangkok and was well marshalled. The visitors took the lead with a fine shot from the edge of the box that flew into the roof of the next from the left boot of Surat Suriyachai seven minutes before the interval.
The soldiers carried on with their dominance as attacking midfielder Niphon Kamthong just failed to convert on the stretch before a free kick from Pinijphong Jaengploy hit the side netting of the Bundit goal.
After half time the students came desperately close to an equaliser with veteran defender Chatchai Mokkasem heading a shot from substitute Muhammadtaofik Disa-Eh off the line. Kamthong then came close to doubling the lead at the other end with an effort from outside the box.
The homesters continued pressing for parity but were failing to create many clear-cut chances. Tharapon made a terrific fingertip save pushing a allow shot from Atikan Kaokaew around the post to keep his team in the game.
However, he was powerless six minutes from time to prevent Sattra Pokhom from smashing home after tremendous work in the corner from Apirak Dawrueng who beat his man before pulling a pinpoint pass into the box.
A highlight for me was the extravagant signalling and awarding of yellow cards by referee Kittipong Choolerd. He was completely over the top and not particularly brilliant. In the final action, Pattawin forced a save out of Army goalie Kittitat Jeennok, after which I headed home to watch England defeat Bangladesh in the World Cup T20 cricket.
Kasem Bundit University 0 North Bangkok University 0 (Wednesday 30th November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Permiter (att: 150)
I’m not sure what it is about North Bangkok University, but I couldn’t get a decent game out of them. This was the third consecutive 0-0 draw I had seen them part of. Their defensive coach should be a proud man.
A Wednesday afternoon fixture was a bit of a bonus, and again gave me the opportunity of some exercise, while I sat in my usual place in the stand. I could write about the nice surroundings and the effort that both sides put in.
But in truth, this was a really hard game to watch as nothing really happened. Defences remained on top, with chances at a premium. The one highlight, was a straight red card shown to Teerapong Malai of the visitors in the ninety-fifth minute.
Perhaps he fancied getting to the showers first? That said, I’m glad I made the effort as it was still a far better option than staying indoors.
Kasem Bundit University 3 Samut Prakan 2 (Sunday 8th January 2023) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c250)
Now this was much more like it. Steve accompanied me via taxi to the match. My pal was shocked to have to pay 80 Baht, as matches at the stadium in the Thonburi League were free admission, but he soon noticed the difference in quality.
We were treated to a cracking encounter that was fast-paced from the off. Both sides looked to play football on what in recent matches had become an increasingly worn and difficult playing surface in patches.
The hosts were excellent going forward in the first half, yet despite this, the sides went down the tunnel at halftime with the scores blank. We didn’t have to wait long for the goals to start, with Bundit going ahead three minutes after the restart through Sundy Wongderree.
Rattasak Wiang-In doubled the advantage just past the hour mark, at which point it looked a case of how many the students would win by. However, with ten minutes remaining Prakan pulled one back through Jirayu Niamthaisong.
Kasem went straight up the other end and restored their two-goal advantage when defender Sontaya Thotam netted. Niamthaisong dragged his side back into it with a tremendous direct free kick into the top corner in the second of three additional added-on minutes.
The home team saw out the game, while we wandered out onto Rom Klao and discovered a new electronic bus service heading back to Minburi, where we visited the market before I headed to my new abode on Hathai Rat for tea.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Thammasat University 5 (Thursday 31st August 2023) University Freshy Cup (att: c250)
A comprehensive win for the team north of Bangkok in a competition being played by eight universities from around the capital over the course of a month. Both the neatly smarted up and retitled Estadio Kasem with a wonderful playing surface and Bangkok University Stadium staging all the matches.
Freshy would seem to be sponsors, rather than what I perceived to be the Thai derivation of Freshers. Pre-match I’d have made the hosts favourites, purely as they have a team in the third tier of Thai football as well as a top-flight women’s side. My knowledge was obviously not up to scratch, as many UK bookies will testify over the years.
Kasem were always likely to struggle. Their keeper was much smaller than everyone on the pitch. It would be decisive. The away team went ahead just before the half-hour mark when Narawit Phet Prakob finished off a fine passing move.
A low shot from outside the box from Nithikon Limpanawas saw the short arms of the goalie not getting anywhere close to the ball. In stoppage time Panuwit Kumarasit broke through, was too strong, and finished neatly.
At the interval, I managed to swap sides of the pitch for the first time. It added a new view and enabled me to see the excellent work that has been done to the middle area where the press and dignitaries sit, albeit from 50m. A project for art scholars perhaps?
After an hour a cross saw the tiny keeper have second thoughts when he saw the size of Thammasat’s Shinawatra Prachuabmon whose half-hearted scoop went over the custodian and just over the line. A low curling shot seventeen minutes from time from the same player rounded off the scoring.
The referee was very keen to show multiple yellow cards before turning down the most nailed-on penalty I have seen for a long time as his performance then went downhill, something the local youngsters weren’t slow in mentioning. One of them surely has a future career in stand-up, the way he harangued the official as everyone roared with laughter.
Thammasat changed keepers, as the one who stood there for most of the game might as well have been revising for exams, so little did he have to do. The new lad fumbled a free kick with his first touch, but the defender who tapped in the rebound was adjudged to be offside. Their number 8 then saw the keeper make a fine low save.
Enjoyable as ever, I took the forty-minute walk from Minburi Market, which included a stop by the Saen Saen Canal as I knew that testing was in operation for the hopefully soon to be opened MRT Pink Line monorail. I managed to put a short video together.
Home via a songthaew and bus, including me trying to use the Google translate camera on the front of vehicles to see their destinations with most written in the local language. It took me half an hour longer before arriving for my tea. All part of the fun of learning in a foreign land!
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