Muang Loei United

Muang Loei United FC

Ground: Loei Provincial Stadium 

Capacity: 2,000
Club Founded: 2012 
League: Thai League 3 Northeast (current level)

The positive step when Wang Saphung FC changed its name to Muang Loei United FC heralded a run of divisional titles which ended short of promotion in the playoffs, for a club with potential located in a beautiful part of Thailand.

Early History

Wang Saphung Municipality FC, formed in 2012, competed for attention and support with another club, called Loei City. The team played at the Provincial Stadium in the centre of the city, winning the fourth-tier Thai Division 3 Tournament North Eastern Region in 2016, beating TWD Tanaytum 6-0 in the final.

When the national league structure was reorganised the following year, the club was placed in Thai League 4 Northeast with home games played at Wang Saphung Stadium. They ended the campaign in the playoff positions with Malagasy forward Carlos leading the scoring. Muangkan United ended any dreams of promotion.

League Titles

The change of name when it came in 2018 made sense if the club wanted to attract sponsors and reflect the city that it represented. It brought with it further success. Chawin Thirawatsri's goals helped the Se-Lai Warriors claim the regional title a year later. North Bangkok University ended promotion hopes in the playoff final.

Wittaya Thanawatcharasanti put the goals away in 2019, which also saw Loei finish top of their regional division. This time, Pathumthani University were defeated in the third-place game to see United win promotion under head coach Chumnan Pharkunthud.

Playoff Disappointment

The Thai League once again restructured and turned to the European fixture calendar for 2020-21. Loei were placed in Thai League 3 Northeast with the club moving to play its home games at Loei Provincial Stadium. 

Diarra Junior Aboubacar put away the chances as the side ended as divisional runners-up, with the playoffs being best forgotten about. The following season saw a third regional title being collected by United as Yossagorn Silaket arrived as the new head coach before being later replaced by Teeratada Chamrus. Again, the playoffs proved a step too far.

Stadium Changes

The club had played a season at Blue Dragon Muang Loei Stadium before moving to Ruamjai Stadium, Loei Rajabhat University, at the start of the season. Ibrahim Konaré took over goalscoring responsibilities in 2022-23 after Pradya Sitti had been appointed as head coach. 

Santi Polcha had a brief spell in charge of the team before being succeeded by Pratan Senala for the start of the following campaign. Previous coach Sitti returned for a second spell as the season petered out disappointingly.

Recent Times

Theeraphon Tungdee was brought in as coach at the start of 2024-25 before being replaced by Kistachai Wongsim. The club announced a return to the Loei Provincial Stadium in the city centre for the 2025-26 season as Tana Chanabut came in as head coach, under whom the side reached the playoffs.

My visit

Muang Loei United 1 Surin City 1

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 22nd March 2025 (att: 120)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 120 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

Road Trip

Forever looking for an opportunity to get to a match, especially if it is at a stadium I've yet to visit, I came up with an excellent plan which my wife Taew was in total agreement with. We were scheduled to head to Chiang Khan on the Mekong in Loei province, the day after the game took place. 

It would entail an eight-hour trek, and although we were to stay there for two nights, I wanted to make the most of it, rather than arriving exhausted and limiting what we could see and do. My good lady was happy to head to Loei a day earlier to have a look at that city and then arrive by the river at lunchtime on Sunday. 

You may enjoy the video of our epic road trip on my YouTube Channel with features the match. It also includes our time in beautiful Chiang Khan as well as Uttaradit and its football stadium. There are lots more videos on the channel about Thailand, its cities, culture, festivals and sports. Please feel free to take a look.

Following Loei, we were heading to the annual Sixes Cricket at Chiang Mai, and I wanted us to be able to relax and enjoy it, arriving relatively fresh, rather than it being an ordeal. We set off early and saw places for the first time. After passing Khon Kaen, the 201 road through Phu Pha Man National Park had us bookmark it for a stopover in the future.

Pre Match

We arrived in Loei city in the early afternoon, checking into the excellent Sukjai Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel, chosen by Taew. Her choice was impeccable, not least because it was in easy walking distance from the Rajabhat University Stadium, where the match would be kicking off a few hours later at 6pm.

After a pleasant siesta, I left Taew to relax as I went for a stroll, determined to find a shortcut after crossing the main road and headed along a small road that ran behind the campus. There were numerous little shops and open-fronted restaurants where I should have grabbed the opportunity to sit down for a beer. 

A Look Around

There was a pedestrian gate open to gain access through the wall into the university, saving me a long walk back around. It was still early, so I went for a look around and took some photos before paying my 80 baht admission fee, buying a soft drink and a pot noodle, and sitting inside the stand.

The venue had the usual type of main stand, some open scaffold seating opposite, with a steep banked terrace behind the goal to the left, with nearby buildings giving it an enclosed feel. I’d certainly been to far worse venues. Before kick-off, a gaggle of expats arrived and sat in front of me, carrying beers with them.

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

The Match

Hilariously, despite there not being any rainfall for several weeks, one end of the pitch was close to being waterlogged. The groundsman being distracted when forgetting that the sprinklers were turned on was the only explanation that I could fathom. It certainly added to the entertainment.

The diminutive Kitsana Chitchuea for Loei would impress me all evening, and he went close in the early stages when he had a decent effort saved by visiting custodian Jeerasak Phananut. 

An almighty scramble in the tenth minute almost saw Surin go ahead. It ended with Aphidet Sawaengsuk firing wide. The home side goalie, Panupan Juheang, wasn’t filling me with lots of confidence under the superb floodlights as the crowd gradually grew to what I thought was a higher number than the official declaration. 

Loei went ahead just halfway through the first period. An excellent pass sent Kitsana scurrying down the line before he delivered a beautiful cross to the back post, which was headed home with aplomb by Amporn Chaipong. It took fourteen minutes for Surin to restore parity. 

Expat Advice

A lovely left-footed finish from Jattuphon Nueakaew did the job. At the interval, I had a chat with a couple of the expats outside the stand. They were friendly and knew their stuff, offering me some superb travel advice for the following day regarding attractions as well as a lowdown on Loei and the fortunes of their side.

Into the second half, Kitsana slid in and saw his effort come back off the crossbar, with the rebound being wastefully blasted over. Wanthayawut Nuchkasae then headed down only for Winiton Duangchai to blaze his effort over the bar as the hosts ramped up the pressure.

The crowd were treated to an appearance from the experienced Loei sub, Arthit Sunthornphit. The former Thailand international midfielder from his time at Chonburi was still capable of spraying the ball around without doing too much running.

The game petered out in the closing stages. Despite this, I enjoyed what I thought was quite a decent watch, as neither side had anything to play for and consequently took the shackles off. Surin, particularly, had been a turgid team to watch in the past, which came as a pleasant surprise. 

Saturday Night in Loei

My Grab driver was bang on time, meaning I missed the final minute or so of stoppage time. We collected Taew from the hotel and headed to Walking Street, grabbing some food without being overly captivated.

Just over an hour later, we were back opposite the hotel, sitting outside a bar run by youngsters. They gave us a warm welcome, even if the price they charged me for a small bottle of whisky to take out was on the steep side. 

The advice offered by those at the match was spot on as we enjoyed the Skywalk at Chiang Khan and the other attractions in the pretty riverside town, leaving Loei province with a very favourable impression a few days later.

APD United

APD United FC

Ground: Tameside Stadium

Capacity: 200

Club Founded: 2016

League: Thonburi League (current level)

APD United are a fine example of several amateur clubs around Bangkok connected to football academies, offering youngsters education as well as extending their skills.

Club Background

APD United is an amateur or non-league football club based in the eastern Bangkok suburb of Minburi that was formed in 2016. Since then, the club has mainly competed in local competitions and established a partnership with Triamundomsuksa Suwinthawong School.

By the 2020-21 season, the clubs' first team was members of Division 1 of the Bangkok Premier League, playing games at Nong Chok Stadium, which was the former home of BEC Tero Sasana in the Thai Premier League.

Chasing Promotion

In 2022, APD competed in the Thailand Amateur League, failing to progress from their initial group. In 2023-24, the side went out at the first stage of the Thai FA Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Romklao United, with the game being played at Thupatemi Stadium.

It was around this time that the club moved into the former CK Stadium east of Minburi and renamed it APD Football Arena, with its main pitch and a smaller one behind being ideal for developing players.

Recent Times

United, like many clubs, transferred to the Thonburi League for the 2025 season, where they were placed in Zone D.

My visit

APD United 2 BSL United 2

Thonburi League Zone D - Sunday 26th January 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 c25 🎟️ Free

Pre-Match Planning

Still at our Minburi condo following an extensive tour of Thailand, I wanted some football further down the food chain after attending Port v Ratchaburi on Friday night to start the weekend in fine style.

Ideally, I would find a non-league game and do some filming at it, covering the whole experience. In a perfect world, it would be at a venue I hadn’t previously visited. When APD replied to my message and sent me the location of their ground, my mind was set.

I had done some filming towards the latest video for my YouTube Channel at the Port game, while the Sunday match offered me a chance to go to a place and competition that few others cover. 

I was slightly disappointed that they weren't still playing at the old Nong Chok stadium with its big stand, as I still needed to tick off my ground list. It had previously been used by BEC Tero Sasana, and I had visited it after an AUU Dream Team home game on the pitches next to it.

Getting to ADP United

Setting off from home, I took a songthaew to Minburi Market, bought a selfie stick to help with my filming, found a nice location by the San Seap Canal, had a coffee and then caught the 526 bus towards the ground for the afternoon’s entertainment.

A lady already onboard told me I was on the right service, confused as I was when we went into the market and out again. She spoke good English and told me all about her job working at a hotel in the city, and how she wanted to retire.

We arrived at the stop I required, opposite Ploychompoo Village on Thanon Rat Uthit, on the road to Nong Chok, which required me to cross the footbridge over heavy traffic. I can only put it down to the hot sun and not being able to see my Google Maps screen clearly, which is why I wandered down the wrong lane.

A Kind Local

It would have been around ten to fifteen minutes down the correct road, but this error could mean that making kick-off time at 3pm would be tight. However, a local man driving to go fishing saw my predicament, stopped and told me to get into the back of his car.

He assumed I was looking for the indoor Bangkok Arena at Nong Chok, so he was somewhat surprised when I asked him to stop so I could walk back along Soi 56 to the ground, which was visible a couple of hundred metres up.

Club Location

Flooded Road Mishap

It was complete negligence on my part to make such an error, as I had walked down Soi 56 previously with my mate Steve in the hope of seeing a game in the Bangkok Premier League at the then CK Stadium.

We were within the sound of the players who were warming up and the referee's whistle, but the road was badly flooded. My pal said under no circumstances was he taking his shoes and socks off to wade through, in fear of snakes from the open fields on either side. Some folks have no commitment whatsoever.

Fortunately, that day, Vaughan was also joining us in his car and could drive us elsewhere for our Sunday fix. Back to the present, on a scorching hot afternoon, I was immediately taken by the APD Arena.

Local Demographics

Sure, the pitch seemed extremely narrow, but there was a viewing balcony behind the far goal above the changing rooms, which would be ideal for watching the action from. Team dugouts and a camera gantry were squeezed along the side of the pitch by the road.

Nong Chok’s population is 90% Moslem, so it was no surprise that while the venue had a shop selling snacks and a small kitchen that was knocking out traditional Thai food, it did not sell beer. It ended up being a water and bags of crisps day.

The youngsters of the club, still too young for adult action, had turned up to cheer on ADP. The coach of the visiting side arrived late in a fluster and told his players not to enter the pitch on time, with there being just ten minutes before the appointed start.

He had “coach” emblazoned on his back just so everyone knew how important he was. As it transpired, the game started just a few minutes late. The BSL team had prepared better than their mentor and were in the ascendancy from the start.

The Match

The visitors went ahead after around seventeen minutes when what seemed like a run-of-the-mill free kick was put towards the six-yard box, where young goalie Nattawup came out, misjudged its flight and allowed it to go over his head into an empty net.

It’s as well that the pilots up above had better flight judgment, as a plane every minute or so began to descend above us on its way to landing at Suvarnabhumi. APD defender Suradet dropped a massive clanger, trying to get past visiting forward 24, who dispossessed him before advancing to score.

The young lads who had been enthusiastic and had earlier banged their drum had the wind taken out of their sails before their side regrouped. As the interval approached, they grabbed a goal back in what was becoming an increasingly feisty encounter.

It seemed a bit crazy for players to warm up at the interval in 35-degree temperatures, but that’s what some did, while a couple cooled down by entering the lake behind the far goal to retrieve the footballs put there with stray shots.

APD came back out with real intent, making a couple of notable changes in the form of two African forwards. 27 was big and menacing, suddenly causing the BSL rearguard some real issues. They were tested as much as the referee, who I thought handled proceedings pretty well.

Small pitches and big blokes, naturally, lead to more incidents in my experience. It was tense anyway in the heat, when Suradet and the visiting number 9 were involved in an altercation off the ball, which I didn’t see.

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

The coach was incandescent. He really was having a grumpy day, screaming at the ref to issue a red card and not the yellow, which he probably got right. Neither player looked for revenge, which is often the case if an injustice is served, so it seemed about right to me.

The other APD sub, A Wisdom, was tripped in the box. I thought it was a penalty, but the official waved away the claims, most likely sick of some players, particularly the many non-Tais on show, trying to referee the game themselves. A clear dive from the inappropriately named Wisdom, at least on this showing, was also ignored.

The home side had built up a head of steam and equalised when a free kick wide on the edge of the box was headed in by 19, despite an attempted clearance off the line. The home fans were jubilant, swinging on netting high above the goal.

The game could have gone either way after that, as attempts went in on both goals. Perhaps the best chance was missed by 69 of BSL, who was played in but blazed his shot across the goal. In the end, 2-2 was about the right result.

Returning Home

An ice cream man arrived with perfect timing, offering cool refreshments to eat while walking along the lane, whose memories came flooding back to me, though not literally on this occasion, as I headed back to the main road.

My good lady wanted food to be bought on the way home, so I tried without luck to order a Grab taxi. A ridiculously packed songthaew took me to Minburi, where I jumped out on Ramkhamhaeng Road, spotting Chomran Boat Noodles Restaurant opposite.

A cold beer was in order while I finished filming the last bits for my video production before a Grab was finally secured, driven by a nice young chap from Surin. He dropped me off at Five Star Chicken near home, which was apt as he was applying for a job with the company.

A fine day indeed, including passing a snooker cue factory in Minburi which supplies some of the world's stars, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, a good game at a decent venue, and then top food with some EPL action on TV.

VRN Muangnont

VRN Muangnont FC

Ground: Nonthaburi Youth Centre Stadium

Capacity: 6,000

Club Founded: 2012

League: Thai League 3 West (current level)

One way of growing a football club organically is to have an academy system in place, which is the method chosen by VRN Muangnont of Nonthaburi in Bangkok's west.

Kapoon Warrior

VRN Muangnont's timeline can be traced back to 2012 when Singburi Kapoon FC was founded. Kapoon competed in the Central Region of the Thai Division 3 Tournament in 2016, which was in effect the highest competition outside the national league set-up. 

Kapoon won their group before disposing of Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nongkhae, Bang Pa-In School, and Pichaya Kasem Technological College. This set up a final against Vongchavalitkul University, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kapoon winning 4-3 on penalties.

Their reward was promotion to Thai League 4 Bangkok Metropolitan Region for the 2017 season when the league was extended to four tiers. Now competing as Kapoon Warrior, they ended in sixth place as Ludovick Takam scored the goals for the team, which played their home games at Ayutthaya Stadium.

Wittawat Wongnarat top-scored for the seventh-placed side in 2018, who finished a spot lower twelve months later for the club, which was taken over, changing its name to Bankunmae FC. Thailand reverted to three tiers of professional football and the European-based fixture calendar for the 2020-21 season. 

The STK Muangmont Years

The club changed its name again, this time to STK Muangnont, who moved to the Nonthaburi Youth Centre Stadium, formerly the home of BB-CU in the top-flight. The club also started their academy with land over the river in Nonthaburi, called Five Zone Field being acquired. 

Fabricio Peris Carneiro scored regularly for the team coached by Nikorn Anuwa, while Supazin Hnupichai excelled in goal. Ittiphol Pimvong and then Ekalak Thong-Am led the team before Surachai Jarisirichoth was installed as head coach for the 2022-23 campaign, lasting a few months until the appointment of Jakkree Nongnoi.

VRN Muangnont

The club became VRN Muangnont in 2024 as Akarat Naunla-Ong was appointed as coach, later replaced by Wichanchai Hasap, who in turn stood aside for the return of coach Akarat.

Following a geographical reshuffle, VRN were placed in T3 West for the 2024-25 campaign, which saw Parinya Jaruhati take charge of team affairs before being replaced by Atiwan Tosuwanasid.

My visit

STK Muangnont 0 Bangkok FC 0

Thai League 3 Bangkok  - Wednesday 9th November 2022

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 205 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)  

Pre Match Planning

I had enjoyed several Wednesday afternoon fixtures since my move to Bangkok, as it offered me the opportunity to see various places in daylight, and still get back to Minburi to enjoy food and drink at a reasonable hour.

After carrying out the task of booking a nearby hotel for friends heading to my forthcoming birthday and sussing out a van to Pattaya for the following day, I caught a minivan to Chaeng Wattana prior to catching a number 66 bus.

Jumping out at the intersection of Pracha Cheung and Samakki Roads, I wandered along the road through a quickly developing area, with lots of future potential, as it had plenty of eating and drinking establishments for the locals, along with other amenities.

Grabbing some provisions at 7/11, I proceeded to the stadium I’d visited with my pal Steve to see BB-CU on a grand day out that also included horse racing at the RSBC. The venue seemed unaltered since then, making it one of the better third-tier grounds.

The Match

Admission was 80 Baht for home fans, of which I included myself, with an extra 20 Baht in the away section along the same stand. Half chances didn’t quite materialise at either end on a late, humid afternoon for the 4pm start.

Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Moreira caught the eye for the hosts, who were under the control of head coach Jakkree Nongnoi for the first time. His keeper, Siwat Rawangpa, caused a flap trying to play out. Fortunately, for the home side, the effort from Bangkok’s Bruno Suzuki was blocked.

I do like the atmosphere that Thai fans create, often in small numbers, but the drumming and chanting from the Muangnont contingent was awful, being out of tune and time. Meanwhile, I was quickly discovering why Rawangpa was a goalie and not an outside player. He was poor with his feet.

STK’s skipper Jeera Jareansuk put in a good cross to find Naoya Tokai in a good position, but he put his header wide. The visitors put together a fine move, including play from Bunlue Thongkliang, Wichaya Pornprasart, Suzuki, and Padungsak Phothinak.

The ball found its way back to Thongkliang, who saw his shot blocked. Referee Niruch Panjontuk, whom I thought was distinctly average, called a halt halfway through the period for drinks, which stemmed the flow as nothing much else happened until halftime.

At which point I went for a wander to take some photos and have a stretch. Shortly after the restart, an effort from Pornprasart produced a fabulous save from Rawangpa. I had enjoyed the attacking play of Bangkok when I had seen them earlier in the season at Kasem Bundit, when they somehow lost after dominating and being 3-0 ahead at the break.

A weak shot from Sattawas Leela failed to trouble Bangkok goalie Yannasit Sukchareon as dusk descended on the arena, with no signs of the floodlights being turned on. Both sides probed and looked for a breakthrough in what was a decent enough encounter.

Dauda Bortu played a one-two for the visitors with Phootran Gingpan but was denied by Rawangpa. At the other end, a long punt put in substitute Teerapat Watyota, who rounded Sukchareon but put his attempt over the bar.

The lights were eventually pressed into power with just four minutes remaining, as the game flowed from one end to the other. The hosts had an effort blocked while Bortu and Thongkliang set up Gingpan, who blasted over for the Fire Bulls.

The final action in stoppage time saw STK nearly grab all three points as Moreira astutely played in Watyota, who made a brave challenge with the ball falling to Pokpong Chaveesuk, who was denied by Sukchareon. The last fifteen minutes were good entertainment, not hugely helped by some ropey officiating.

Testing Journey

I headed away with what I thought would be a simple enough journey back to Minburi, but we live and learn! Hardly a taxi passed on the main road, and the two that did, didn’t want to know, so it was Plan B time. 

I jumped aboard a songthaew, which I presumed would drop me on a main road, so I was therefore a little jumpy when it pulled off in ridiculously heavy traffic to enter what seemed like a village of housing.

Not to be perturbed, I alighted with the other passengers, wondering what I was doing on it in the first place, before walking down alongside the Prapa canal down to the busier Ngamwongwan Road, from where I knew that I could catch buses heading east.

Sure enough, the 114 soon arrived, which deposited me at Kasetsart University, so it was easy to get a taxi to take me to Minburi, where I wanted to get back to, so that I could make a phone call back to the UK. It was a slightly longer adventure than I anticipated, but an excellent few hours out of the condo.

Sisaket United 2024-25 & 2025-26

Sisaket United FC

Ground: Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium

Capacity: 9,500

Club Founded: 2012

League: Thai League 1 (current level)

Sisaket United, with their passionate fans, have created some memorable memories for me since I moved to the Isan province. Games for the 2024-25 and the following season are covered on this page. 

The club history and my first home game are covered elsewhere, as are the matches I attended with my thoughts, between January 2023 and April 2024.

My visits post August 2024

2024-25 Season

Sisaket United 1 Pattaya United 1 

Thai League 2 - Saturday 10th August 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,512 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40) 

New Hope for a New Season

Plenty of anticipation awaited as Sisaket embarked on their maiden second-tier campaign in Thai football. What we received was a game that offered plenty of everything and more than enough to keep the spectators entertained before the match, and then when it started at 6.30pm.

New Brazilian signing Abner was fed by compatriot Danilo after just seven minutes to finish in style past keeper Phiyawat Intrapim. All looked good for the hosts in a fast-paced encounter in which visiting forward, another Brazilian, Patrick Cruz, looked a class above all others on show with his neat footwork.

This was aided by the Sisaket coach, predictably going into defence mode and leaving the three imports up front, with the space between them and the rest of the team being large enough to host the Surin elephant Festival. 

Remarkably enough, pressure was gradually built before Pattaya equalised after half an hour when a cross saw Pakornkiat Kaena put through his own goal. At which point, the visiting Dolphins for some reason decided that they would become more defensive-minded and rely on breaks than grab a game by the scruff of the neck that was waiting to be won. 

The third Sisaket Brazilian, Caique, had been played on the left wing, despite being a creative forward pressing midfielder. The one-dimensional tactics had done for him as he was withdrawn just after the hour mark, for which I offered the coach feedback. The game became niggly, passionate, and naughty at times. 

I compared it to watching England play against themselves at the recently finished Euros. The home team coach failed to use most of the talent at his disposal because I’m not sure he knows how to. The away side settled for a draw when a win was on the cards.  

Pattaya's players fell over with alarming regularity, having quickly realised that referee Nasri Tamat was as weak, taking advantage of his general cluelessness. Dolphins coach Theerawekin Seehawong went on the pitch three times to remonstrate before he was eventually shown to the stands. 

The stretcher bearers were overworked before players suddenly and miraculously jumped to their feet. Patrick Cruz and his teammate, Waleed Adel, decided to exchange punches with each other before a combination of Abner and Danilo missed a glorious chance during the additional seven minutes of stoppage time at the back post from a well-delivered free kick.

All in all, a feisty affair, but as ever, it was only part of a good day out. The later kick-off than in previous seasons allowed for a proper drink pre-match, both in Leo’s and Hong Kong Garden, after getting a van from Kanthararom. 

In the first place, Caique was in with a friend having a water. I did warn him about the coach then, and I got the impression that he sort of knew already. My pal John was waiting for a late lunch before we headed to the stadium earlier than usual, and via an off-license. 

Sisaket going up would undoubtedly improve the standard of the matches, but there were most certainly things that didn’t appeal to me, not least because Chang was the only beer available rather than Leo. That was resolved by me taking my own and putting them in a plastic cup to take in acquired from one of the vendors. 

In fairness to the club, they made some kind of effort, with tables and chairs on the main road behind the stand to create some kind of fan zone. Designated seats were required, while the price had nearly doubled from the previous season for a seat in the best position.

Caique’s friend turned out to be another Brazilian, Alberto Gouvea, who had signed for Rasisalai United in T3. He and his girlfriend sat just behind us and were good company. I would get to see him perform a month or so later. He told us both that he would score a lot of goals throughout the season.

At full time, my driver somehow managed to get through the cordon to park near the exit before I had one last drink with my wife, who had better observational ability than the ref by identifying that I had already sampled several beers.

Sisaket United 1 Chiangmai United 1 

Thai League 2 - Sunday 15th September 2024  

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,399 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)

An entertaining game as Sisaket equalised late on. Plenty of endeavour, skill, and dross with controversy of a goal each being chalked off, so standard Thai fare really.

The hosts came into the encounter in the playoff places, the visitors from the north third from bottom, not that anyone would know on this showing. Perhaps both sides were in false positions, with Sisaket punching above their weight following promotion.

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout, with midfielders having a quiet time as the ball fizzed from end to end. I rated the away side's front foreigners, Carlos Neto and Arnold Suew, above the home pairing of Danilo and Caique Ribero. This was especially true in the opening exchanges, with the footwork of Carlos Neto outstanding.

His side went ahead through a long-range swerving free kick from Suew after half an hour of proceedings. I’m not entirely sure keeper Adisak would have been too pleased with his effort in trying to stop it. The visitors wearing light grey shirts with white numbering came close in the very poor effort stakes.

Danilo missed an absolute sitter on the stroke of halftime, heading wide from five yards as his side got back into things with both sides playing some good stuff at high intensity. This continued after the break on what was a slick surface, with the region receiving many heavy downfalls in the days leading up to the match.

Indeed, the ground staff deserved much credit for their endeavours, with it looking in excellent condition and maybe helping to level it out. Just one patch, like a single bloke’s bedsheets, which detracted from its appearance. It certainly encouraged plenty of challenges to go flying in.

Referee Krisda Luangyos certainly had his hands full, dishing out seven yellow cards, as the hosts were being less than hospitable at times. The officials would then make their mark in two big moments. Chiangmai had a goal ruled out for offside. I was right in line with it and called it straight away.

The visiting coach was apoplectic, racing down the touchline to offer feedback to the assistant with the flag. A few minutes later, the hosts were denied, with that decision being clearly wrong when photographic evidence from the live feed was produced. No VAR in T2, at least until the midseason break, so on we went.

The Lamduan eventually drew level, and deservedly so on the balance of play, when exchanges of passes, which I’m not entirely sure were intentional, eventually found Danilo a yard or so out to score with fourteen minutes remaining. After that, the away side blew a great chance to take all three points.

A strange day out. News that the dreaded words of the car needed attention was thankfully a cheap part, while a trip to the stadium to buy my ticket in advance to be sure I was under cover in case of rain proved fruitless, as the office was closed despite the club advertising it would be open.

Nice food and company in Hong Kong Garden, my usual pre-match haunt with a couple of beers to wash it down. John was unavailable, and news that the place might shut down, too, in the not-too-distant future sort of put a dampener on things, along with hearing that a friend back home was unwell.

Again, I took my own supply of beer to the stadium to avoid Chang, as I people-watched and made conversation with the locals.

Sisaket United 1 Kanchanaburi Power 1 

Thai League 2 - Saturday 28th September 2024 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,424 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)

Fair play to both sides. A decent enough game to watch. Both teams hit the woodwork and had half-chances to win it. Kanch, with some powerful exports to match their title, went ahead on the hour, through a header from the big Brazilian defender Jeferson Sousa that went in off the underside of the bar.

Sisaket drew level 10 minutes from time. Abner came off the bench after being missing through injury and made an impact in general, with his low shot from the left-hand side of the box having too much strength for keeper Chinnapong Raksri. Adisak, the goalie at the other end, was erratic with his distribution and on crosses.

There was plenty of feistiness, especially in the closing stages, and as good an atmosphere as I’ve been in the stadium. The locals genuinely care. I also had a walk around the perimeter at the interval. The far side had an abundance of beer and food stalls. I managed to find a vendor selling alternatives to Chang behind the main stand.

I’m glad the game was enjoyable, as I had such a nice time having food, drink, and watching rugby league on TV from Australia in Hong Kong Garden in good company before the game, that it was a wrench to leave. Back home with my reliable driver in time for the second half of an excellent Arsenal v Leicester City encounter.

Sisaket United 2 Bangkok FC 3 

Thai League 2 - Sunday 20th October 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,258 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40) 

An excellent game of football and a very good few hours of fun as Taew and her great-nephew, Boet, joined me. We headed to Leo’s beforehand for food, which both thoroughly enjoyed, before being met by Clinton, an online Aussie friend who was on a football and cultural tour of the region.

Danilo latched onto a defensive error after fourteen minutes as Sisaket started like a house on fire. Bangkok were the best side that played at Lamduan Stadium the season before and gradually got into this encounter before Wichaya Pornprasart unleashed a thunderbolt from range, leaving keeper Siwat Rawnpa grasping thin air.

A fine move twelve minutes after the restart saw sub Padungsak Phothinak put the visitors ahead with a header. After that, the hosts piled forward, while Bangkok looked likely to score on the break, fluffing several chances. The outstanding Dudu Lima made it 3-1 with thirteen minutes remaining.

Danilo grabbed one back in additional time, but it proved to be a consolation in a game where Seiya Kojima, Simon Dia, and Charyl Chappuis stood out for the away team. We returned to Leo’s and dropped our friend off before Clinton visited us in the country and went for food the following day.

Sisaket United 1 Chonburi 1 

Thai League 2 - Saturday 26th October 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,923 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)  

A game I was really looking forward to, and I wasn’t disappointed. Usual trip through and lunch at Hong Kong Garden. I decided to watch the first half on the open side and the second with the Displaced Supporters behind the goal after the break. Chonburi brought good support, but their promotion favourites were made to wait until the final minute to draw level.

Substitute, Theerapat Kaewphung fired home an equaliser. The clash between Danilo and visiting centre-back Charlie Clough failed to ignite, with the Brazilian latching on to a ball on the edge of the box and advancing to slot past goalie Noppakun Kadtoon after twelve minutes.

The atmosphere was superb throughout and matched the occasion. Sisaket did their utmost to hang on, but they were eventually found out. I was forming the opinion that it might yet turn into a relegation battle, especially if they continued to invite pressure through their tactics when ahead. The defence was not good enough to keep clean sheets.

Sisaket United 1 Chiangrai United 3

Thai League Cup Round of 32 - Wednesday 30th October 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,522 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)

I was hoping for a cup upset with Chiangrai struggling in T1 and fielding a side with many changes from their league lineup. However, coach Narongthanaphorn decided to follow suit. It felt like a very low-key occasion in which Chitchanok Xaysensourinthone put the Beetles ahead after thirteen minutes.

Sisaket drew level within four minutes through Thaweekun Thong-On, but Chiangrai regained the lead just past the midway mark of the first half with a goal from defender Banphakit Phormmanee, as his side looked a constant danger from set pieces.

Chinese forward Guo Tianyu took plenty of lots of stick from the home fans and reacted to both sides of the ground when he was substituted. I offered him feedback in Thai, which, on reflection, might have had more chance of being understood if I’d shouted at him in English.

His side extended their lead through Carlos Iury, who had come off the bench, with nine minutes left on the clock, to progress to the next round.

Siskaet United 1 Trat 0 

Thai League 2 - Friday 8th November 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,301 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80) 

A hard-fought and important win for the Lamduan in a scrappy game, extremely low in quality at times. The number of passes going astray was remarkable at times in near-perfect conditions. The one player to cover himself in glory was Danilo.

It was he who scored, escaping his marker to head home a free kick from a well-flighted free kick two minutes before the interval. In the second half, the lack of game management from his teammates had the big Brazilian going spare. Sisaket would be in a sorry state without him.

Trat looked like a ragbag bunch in physique, with their away kit looking like a Sunday League offering. They offered very little, yet the home side only just got over the line against them. At least the home support, while lacking in numbers for some reason, did their bit and created a decent atmosphere.

A good few hours out, as ever being fed and watered at Hong Kong Garden, where Peter’s choice of tunes was akin to Brian Matthew's Sound of the Sixties on Radio 2 when I used to visit my dad, so that put a smile on my face. Something we all needed after the world events of the week.

Sisaket United 2 Chanthaburi 1

Thai League 2 - Sunday 8th December 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,311 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80) 

A fitting climax to the end of several weeks of festivities, as my wife and I caught up with friends and visited places around the country. A decent game of football as part of a wonderful day out inspired me to pen an article with a tribute to an old friend.

Sisaket United 0 Mahasarakham SBT 0 

Thai League 2 - Wednesday 12th February 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,733 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

Since my previous home match, I had been travelling extensively around Thailand. Returning back I was glad to head back into town and visit Peter at Hong Kong Garden before the game. Changes had seen Phipob On-Mo come in as coach and Charlie Clough arrive on loan. It had been my pleasure to assist him, giving him tips on where to eat and drink. 

We had met at Leo's a week earlier to say hello and have an enlightening chat. We were to meet after the game back at HKG, and I decided that this was an ideal game to make a video for my YouTube channel, focusing on his career and the matchday experience at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium.

The video for my YouTube channel was made at the game.

The game ended in a stalemate, but not without incident. It was also the first time I'd seen the wholly inadequate VAR system in operation in a Thai League 2 game. The scoreboard wasn't equipped to tell fans what was going on, and judging by the handball that they didn't spot in the Mahasarakham box in stoppage time, they quite frankly didn't know what they were doing.

Sisaket United 2 Chainat Hornbill 1

Thai League 2 - Saturday 1st March 2015

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,626 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80) 

A game with plenty to keep the passionate Saturday night crowd entertained. Sisaket deservedly went in 1-0 ahead at the break, through Abner, and played excellent football. A good stop from Phanumek Palawec in the Hornbill net denied English defender Charlie Clough.

Chainat had piled on the pressure before that, desperate to salvage something from the game as they went into it third from bottom, with Sisaket four points off a playoff position. The leveller came with seven minutes to go after Adisak decided to have his usual brainless ten minutes, which caused jitters as Selwan Al Jaberi came off the bench to head home.

From that point, including the eight minutes added on, the game descended into something more akin to basketball as both sides, realising that a point was worthless, went for it, hell for leather. Danilo was denied before Clough, who had converted to the main striker, nearly set up the winner.

My report for A Thai Football Podcast

The goal came in the ninety-eighth minute when Wongsakorn put away a low cross at the back post as bedlam ensued in the home sections. A brilliant way to end an entertaining match.

My mate John was back from a sabbatical, making it even more enjoyable, with a very boozy few hours being added to at Leo’s, where the two-hour beer promotion buffet was attacked with gusto and offered an explanation as to my condition the following day. We were even joined by Charlie Clough, which added to the evening.

2025-26 Season

Sisaket United 2 All Star 3

Friendly - Wednesday 16th July 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 c100 🎟️ Free

Read here for my musings on pre-season friendlies, what supporters learn from them, and a worthwhile day out.

Sisaket United 3 Ubon Eastern 1

Friendly  - Monday 4th August 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 c300 🎟️ Free

What do friendlies tell you? Well, on this occasion, it offered optimism for home fans, with their overseas players looking decent. Judivan, the 30-year-old Brazilian with 5 caps at the under-20 level, looked strong and clever up front. Vastly experienced veteran wide man Steeven Langil was excellent. 

We passed a comment at the end of the match about just how awful the playing surface was. A decent game to watch. The newly promoted side to T3 from an hour up the road, consisting mainly of trialists, went ahead as Sisaket played with the same competency as England batted at the same time at The Oval.

When the Test was over, it was like a light came on and they looked like a different side, though I'd be astonished if there was any connection between the two. Eastern is based at the excellent UMT Stadium in Ubon Ratchathani, formerly home to Ubon United until they went bust with financial issues.

A leveller before half time through a low free kick from Judivan, followed by another couple of goals, some excellent football, and some good stuff falling apart owing to the dreadful pitch, making lads on trial or those trying to impress, having already signed, look like idiots, which I think is most unfair.

Nice to have a day out without chat about the recent border conflict. In the excellent company of my mate John, we headed to the gym, enjoyed a drive about town, had 9 holes of golf next to the stadium, and then took advantage of the buy 2, get 1 free Guinness to wash down my bangers and mash in Leo's. Beer, as ever, was taken inside the stadium to our seats.

The talk of the region at the time, away from the border dispute, was the government announcing that the land where the Buriram United stadium and the motor racing circuit next door have been built is on land that the owner and ruler of the province doesn't own, but belongs to the State Railway of Thailand.

Sisaket United 0 Khon Kaen United 0 

Thai League 2 - Sunday 31st August 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,147 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40) 

 

Another northeast derby and more excellent entertainment despite ending blank. How it did so was down to the home side missing four glaring chances in the first ten minutes, and then their centre back Pakornkiat, who miraculously cleared two KKU efforts off his own line with ‘keeper Prasit Phadungchok beaten.

A weak ref who seemingly allowed the visitors to foul at will, a poor pitch, and strange tactical decisions from Sisaket coach Somchai Choyboonchum. Some heavy rain added to the fun, which meant the shirt of winger Steeven Langil will need some washing.

Strange really. I went home three times in the last month, filthy and drenched, to a less-than-positive response. A pro gave me his shirt, which was in a hell of a state, and my wife was all smiles and got on with cleaning it immediately. Strange creatures, women.

Good food and beer in Leo’s. We sat in the main stand, where the seating layout is apparently designed with pygmies in mind, especially when it rains, and everyone tries to shelter under the roof. The small Thais under umbrellas diverting the rain onto me made my pals laugh more than I did.

Sisaket United 1 Kasetsart 3

Thai League 2 - Sunday 21st September 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,462 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40) 

Another highly entertaining game involving a Sisaket club, even if it would have caused great angst to those of whom it really matters. The hosts were 3-0 down by half-time thanks to two awful errors by goalkeeper Adisak and a penalty, correctly flagged up by VAR, when a United defender decided it was a good idea to grab an opponent by the legs at a corner.

As a lover of football nostalgia, I enjoyed being taken back to 1975 and Stewart Kennedy’s performance at Wembley. Not sure his coach was as impressed, even though, for reasons only he knows, he seemed to be blaming the ref at the interval. Despite being 3-0 down, a very flat home side still created chances of their own.

After the break, it was one-way traffic, and countless chances were being squandered. I think I would introduce a rule if in a position of authority, which bans Thais from shooting from outside the box. They are generally hopeless. That said, they have endless energy, an accusation that could not be made of Judivan up front for Sisaket.

They got one back through Filippe, the star home player on the night, for whom flying winger Steeven Langil was well marshalled by Kasetsart captain, Chayapol Supma. Their keeper, Prin Goonchon, played the part of pantomime villain, eventually being carded for time-wasting. French attacker, Ismail Sassi, was the best player on the park.

A fun few hours, as again a huge storm avoided my football game. The village back home got the lot for the following twelve hours. Good food and a couple of drinks pre-match, where Leo's were recruiting and interviewing staff for the new sports bar in town, due to open in a week. Most enlightening.

Sisaket United 3 Padriew City 2

Thai FA Cup Qualifying Round - Wednesday 24th September 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 305 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)  

The worst conditions I have ever seen a pro game played in. The pitch was already dreadful before another storm landed, waterlogging it further and putting the kick-off back thirty minutes. The visitors from Chachoengsao had travelled eight hours, which is perhaps why the ref went ahead.

It was slightly better than expected to begin with, at which point Sisaket, fielding many of those without regular first-team action, had raced into a 3-0 lead within half an hour. Two goals came from the spot, one from Kittipong, the other from Phengchaem, on the back of a well-worked goal finished with power by Pansiri.

Then a storm of Biblical proportions, complete with thunder and lightning, deposited more rainfall. It made sense to call it off, but the ref persevered to half-time when the rain stopped. The second half was a complete farce, which the players did their best to handle. All credit to them, along with the officials who had good games. It was bad enough in the grandstand!

Nigerian forward Jeremiah Kegbe was a real handful for the visitors, being big, strong, and talented. Best of all, he gave everything and smiled, enjoying every moment. If only all foreign signings were like him. He scored from the spot, the fifth penalty I’d seen over the two matches, and then beat keeper Adisak, who had a few days to forget, at the near post. Sisaket did enough to hang on.

I would have offered a baht for the thoughts of the groundsman if such a thing existed. Instead, they simply let the pitch dry out and play on it, ruts and all. It is a disgrace to professional football. When it had standing water, two lads tried to remove it using the type of squeegee used on a wet floor. They couldn’t even use those properly, as the surface is so uneven.

Sisaket United 1 Mahasarakham SBT 0

Thai League 2 - Saturday 4th October 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,884 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80) 

Possibly not a game to captivate the neutral or a first timer, as my mate and I took along, but a victory based on proper hard graft for the hosts, who seem to have adopted playing a lone striker and then protecting a lead. Fair play to the club for trying to improve the pitch. Nowhere near perfect, but a lot better than doing nothing.

Filippe Veloso, the Brazilian up front, minus his two foreign teammates, ran his socks off and had a tremendous game against the powerful Korean centre back, Lee Jong Cheon. Everyone in the home orange shirt contributed to a win based on teamwork, with the rub of the green decisions wise. 

The goal came when a free kick came back off the bar and was put away by Kittipong Wongma ten minutes before the interval. By then, Mahasarakham had seen VAR chalk a goal off for an earlier foul, and then one disallowed in stoppage time for offside. 

The visitors had former Sisaket forward Danilo up front, who may as well have come to the pub with us. That said, I shook the hands of the whole home bench when substituted. A nice touch. His strike partner, veteran Leandro Assumpcao, saw a shot come back off the underside of the bar.

It was a wonderful few hours as ever, starting in the excellent Londoner Sports Pub after golf. We watched Thai League 3 football on TV, enjoyed the promotions, played pool, and made new friends. We sat on the open side in the stadium, where the passionate volume was noticeably increased through the additional drinking time, helped by a 7.30pm kick off.

Sisaket United 2 Phrae United 2 

Thai League 2 - Sunday 26th October 2025  (att: 1,330)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,330 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)

A really good performance from the hosts, let down by poor finishing and a lack of concentration at the end, yet again, in a strange atmosphere. Phrae went ahead in additional time at the end of the first half through Herlison Caion. Sisaket mounted non-stop pressure in the second half, resulting in goals from Steeven Langil and Fellipe Veloso.

That should have been that. The visitors who had travelled fourteen hours on a coach looked done and were losing their heads before regathering their composure to score in the eleventh minute of additional time through Taku Ito. The ref had a look at VAR but decided the forward standing next to the goalie wasn’t interfering with play.

If anyone in Sisaket could explain to the footballers that if they kept their heads over the ball when they shot it, it wouldn't continually keep going over the bar. The locals around me learned some very sweary Yorkshire words to amuse them. A weird occasion all told. The crowd was down as a Thai band, Cocktail, played a gig to 20,000 at the stadium up the road. 

Thailand was currently in mourning after the death of the Queen Mother a couple of days earlier. It was slightly surprising that the games and concerts went ahead this weekend, as well as bars being allowed to sell alcohol. The following morning, I wish that they hadn’t. 

Fans were asked to show respect and refrain from certain behaviours. Grumpy gits would have enjoyed it as drums and loud hailers were barred. Interestingly, the Pattaya United fans didn’t consider pulling down the segregation fence to have a go at Rasisalai away support to be off limits over the weekend.

Sisaket United 3 Bangkok FC 1

Thai League 2 - Saturday 8th November 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,236 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40) 

An atmosphere nearly as strange as the home coach’s team selection, as the mourning for the Queen mother continued, but Sisaket got the job done against a team that has the vibe of being too good to go down, yet they may well do so.

The hosts left Judivan in the stands and Steeven Langil on the bench, resembling the total football of the Dutch 1974 team in orange, going ahead after twenty-one minutes, when defender Daehee Kwon finished off a set piece. The team then reverted to fourth division Blackpool of the 80s in similar colours.

It was 1-1 just gone the half-hour mark, as giant forward Marcus Haber towered over his small marker to head home. In the second half, the hosts, for whom Langil had come on a few minutes before the break, played well. The sub, along with forward Fillipe Veloso, created enough havoc as Sakda Koomgun put the ball into his own net.

The match was sealed with a beauty from range, curling away from the generally unconvincing goalie, Natthapong Kajornmalee, and into the top corner. Hard to say what is going on at Sisaket, who are in the playoffs without being particularly convincing. Is a change of coach in the offing?

A tremendous time was had in The Londoner before the game, where a beef and onion baguette soaked up the Belgian 5% Kerel Stout, with chocolate and coffee undertones, topped up with assorted local stuff over the following few hours. I was in a bonny state at the monk ordaining of a family member at a temple early the following morning.

Sisaket United 1 Police Tero 1

Thai League 2 - Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Thai League 2 (att: 1,283)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,283 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

A fabulous night out and a half-decent match between the hosts in fourth place and the visitors from Bangkok in second. As expected, a tight tussle, with Tero going ahead after an hour through Veeraphong Aon-pean, with Sisaket equalising in stoppage time when Fellipe Veloso bravely bundled home.

The atmosphere, as always when fans are fuelled up, was excellent, with Tero bringing around 50 with them, some effort for an eight-hour midweek journey. Sisaket had a lady who made the often-emotional Rasisalai owner look second division, as she screamed, running along the stand following play. She was so entertaining, I bought her a beer.

Excellent company, food, and a beer promotion in Leo’s followed by a look at the Chinese street market, where for some reason we bought a quilt set as you do on the way home from football, with then a strong ale in Craft & Cold with promotional nightcaps in Godang 24.

It was in there that I tried to explain to a lad in the pub wearing an Adisak goalkeeping shirt what a weakness I think the young goalie is for Sisaket is, only to find out he was his elder brother. I think I wriggled out of it, as he wanted me to play snooker with him.

Sisaket United 2 Pattani 0

Thai League 2 - Saturday 6th December 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,212 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

The fixture was reversed to the northeast as Pattani and the southern region continue to be affected by flooding. The visitors were playing on an extended tour, staying in hotels and building rapport and understanding that a touring cricket team might benefit from as plans are played out.

Pattani dominated the first half-hour, looking as good as any T2 side in terms of fitness, physique and teamwork as has been seen during the season. Sisaket coach “Uncle Chuay” made a change in midfield after thirty minutes, which turned the momentum, as his side went ahead when a defender put into his own net from a corner.

The second half was a real “Dogs of War” performance, with the Sisaket players putting their bodies on the line, before a rasping thirty-yard free kick from Steeven Langil in the final minute of stoppage time, sent the home fans wild as the points were sealed.

Golf, superb food with plenty of drinks, and excellent company meant another enjoyable few hours.

Sisaket United 1 Rayong 0

Thai FA Cup Round of 32 - Sunday 21st December 2025  (att: 823)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 823 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

The second-level Fire Lamduan progressed against a team from the top tier in what turned out to be a good cup tie, with every player leaving nothing on the pitch. The celebrations at full-time from both players and fans were heart-warming, taking me back to when the third round of the FA Cup back in England was deemed important.

The only goal came after ten minutes when a fine move ended with Steeven Langil putting in Fillipe Veloso to finish. The Brazilian, as ever, had an excellent game, but was edged out by the skipper and midfielder Kittipong Wongma for the man of the match award.

Although the numbers were down, the crowd played a significant role. They are a passionate bunch who left the referee in no doubt about their opinion of his performance and got behind the team throughout.

I enjoyed a decent game of golf after doing the shopping ahead of a mass family gathering, then onto Leo’s for some Guinness, whisky, and a quality pizza, all while in excellent company. It was also nice to meet a good man who sorted me out a 250 THB (£6) Sisaket Displaced Supporter fan shirt.

Sisaket United 1 Ratchaburi 3

Thai FA Cup Round of 16 - Wednesday 14th January 2026  (att: 969)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 969 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

A very watchable cup tie. Rathaburi, according to the league table were the second-best side in Thailand. They had too much class for the hosts in midfield and up front, despite Sisaket giving it a proper go and creating plenty of chances.

For Ratachaburi, I thought midfielder Jakkaphan Kaewprom, who scored a sublime opener, was superb, with Gleyson García and Kevin Deeromram also standing out. Jaroensak Wonggorn added a second goal before the break, before Chotipat Poomkaew made it 3-0. Wongsakorn Saenruecha pulled one back with twelve minutes remaining.

Excellent golf, fine food and ambience, and some good news from the UK tempered by the sad news of the rail accident in the NE of Thailand and the passing of Peter, the amiable host of Hong Kong Garden, our former pre-match rendezvous of choice.

Great to meet Riza, a Ratchaburi fan, and fellow contributor to A Thai Football Podcast at full time.

Sisaket United 1 Rasisalai United 0 

Thai League 2  - Sunday 18th January 2026 (att: 4,313)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 4,313 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

A wonderful occasion in the football crazy city of Sisaket for the local derby. A big crowd, great atmosphere inside and outside the stadium, and a match of high intensity in which the players gave everything. However, no hospitality was shown on the pitch to Rasi, who were unbeaten in eighteen games.

The match was won thanks to a fine header from the Korean defender Daehee Kwon in the fifty-third minute. A fine team performance saw the game out in relative comfort. Despite the loss, Rasi remained at the top by five points, with Sisaket just outside the automatic promotion places, eleven points behind their neighbours and six behind second-placed Police Tero.

Best and most important of all, a fantastic day out as friends travelled from far and wide to join us. All of whom had a great time at the match and in Leo’s with lots of food and drink, followed by some of us ending up in a late-opening music bar. The following day was testing.

Sisaket United 2 Chiangmai United 0

Thai League 2 - Saturday 31st January 2026

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,413 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

A new hero was anointed in Sisaket as Adolph Koudakpo, the Aussie striker on loan from Kanchanaburi Power, had a second half to dream of, as he headed home from a corner, went through and rounded the keeper, and saw a shot nearly snap the crossbar. All this after being more than unconvincing.

Confidence makes a huge difference, and with the passionate home support willing him on, the big man found his mojo. Chiangmai looked like a decent side, but they were simply worn down. Once Sisaket takes the lead ahead at home, there’s usually only one outcome.

Since losing 3-1 in late September, they were now unbeaten on their home patch in nine games, having only conceded four goals, with the most miserly defence in the division, remaining in third place after this win. Would it be the playoffs or automatic promotion a few months further down the line?

The Sisaket side is the sort I have always enjoyed watching. They work like crazy, show obvious signs of team spirit, and get stuck in while playing as a unit. They rarely give opponents a second on the ball, particularly when playing at home.

The crowd was slightly disappointing, but a few factors may have had an effect on it. The week-long Sisaket Games for under-18 athletes was coming to a close, the city was hosting its annual music festival, and it was the weekend for those who wish to vote postally or cannot get to a polling station next weekend to make their mark in the general election.

I had a good slurp and feed beforehand in Leo's with John and Luke, and took my whisky hip flask to add flavour to a couple of Cokes after playing a round of golf like an extremely arthritic Stevie Wonder. A top day out in excellent company.

Sisaket United 3 Trat 1 

Thai League 2 - Tuesday 10th February 2026 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,301 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

A cracking few hours of entertainment, including my wife and I meeting John and Da for food and drink in Leo's before heading on to watch Sisaket complete a simple enough victory against bang average visitors.

Yet despite this, Trat equalised an early goal from Steeven Langil before Kittipong restored order. Oodles of chances went begging on either side of Fellipe Veloso, adding the third. If the Brazilian could finish as well as he tries to get opponents into trouble, he’d be playing at a far higher level.

The usual passionate crowd at the ageing Sri Lamduan Stadium, with many no doubt keeping a close eye on the match between Police Tero and Rasisalai United the following evening, as Sisaket continued to push for automatic promotion.

Sisaket United 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1

Thai League 2 - Wednesday 18th February 2026

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,264 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

A great occasion, with both teams giving everything, played out in front of a passionate crowd, including many youngsters not included in the official crowd figure. Home skipper, Kittipong, was the hero, with a superb performance, scoring both goals, including a last-minute winner. 

This was after Nongbua sub, Caio, had levelled things up with eighteen minutes remaining. Neither of the young keepers will look back with much fondness at the way the ball got past them.

A huge game in the chase for automatic promotion with two going straight up, and the next four entering the playoffs, as before kick-off, Sisaket stood in third place, with the visitors in fourth, both just a point behind Police Tero in second, who lost at home, adding to the celebrations.

Another excellent ref, who only gave a free kick when necessary. It cut down on play-acting and made the match all the better for it. Japanese midfielder Kento Nagasaki was sublime for NP, a beautiful footballer, while Cameroonian substitute Alex Mermoz was small, tough, talented, and gave the home fans plenty back. I thought he was marvellous.

As per usual, 9 holes of golf in the heat made me hungry and thirsty, so we headed to Leo's and then continued the fun at the stadium. The video offers a brief look at the atmosphere behind the stand and when the winning goal went in.

Sisaket United 1 Chainat Hornbill 1 

Thai League 2 - Saturday 28th February 2026 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,327 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

Another non-stop encounter with controversy around some decent football from both sides. Sisaket were reduced to 10 men for a late challenge that looked fair enough on replay after VAR intervened, and then went ahead through Fillipe Veloso.

A fine-headed goal from Jota levelled things up before he was shown a red card for throwing over a player while waiting for a corner. A slightly harsh decision, but silly on his part. Hornbill were reduced to 9 men before Sisaket had a late goal ruled out for offside. Again, I erred on the side of the officials.

A fair result, with top of the table Rasisalai going behind twice before levelling in the eleventh minute of stoppage time in Trat, adding to the tension. For a couple of minutes, Sisaket were four points behind them with a game in hand. It was that kind of division. Certainly, never dull.

Sisaket United 1 Chanthaburi 0

Thai League 2 - Saturday 14th March 2026 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 2,491 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

An attritional and tense affair as the hosts took another step nearer their hopes of automatic promotion. Fellipe Veloso, who tried to get opponents sent off with his theatrics weekly, was shown a red for Sisaket on the stroke of half-time by putting his head against that of an opponent. Why such pointless bravado?

The goal came with twenty minutes remaining. Chanthaburi keeper Suppawat Srinothai spilt a header from Daehee Kwon, and Adolf Koudakpo was on hand to put home the rebound. The big man had something about him that a decent specialist forward coach could unveil, and he tried, no matter how badly he was playing.

Sisaket defended like their collective lives were at stake and reduced Chanthaburi, who had the better of the chances when it was 11 v 11, to hope rather than any real chances being created. 

A top day. A decent game of golf with a couple of locals joining us, good food and a drink promotion, and then fun and games trying to locate my relatives. They included three youngsters who went home having broadened both their Thai and English vocabulary, though I’m not sure the words should be used in school.

Sisaket United 5 Songkhla 1

Thai League 2 - Saturday 25th April 2026

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 7,110 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80) 

Sisaket United were promoted to the Thai League 1 to face many tougher tests than this. I was expecting a nervy affair, but an early goal and a couple of decisions helped allay any worries.

Fillipe Veloso tapped in at the back post after five minutes, before Songkhla, who performed gamely throughout, were reduced to ten men. The ref was advised to take a look at the dreaded VAR before deciding Sittichok Paso deserved to be sent to the dressing rooms.

To add to the drama, the ref then awarded the away team a penalty and sent off the offending defender before again being advised to check his screen. He decided Fillipe was fouled when dispossessed at the start of the move and annulled the sending off and disallowed the penalty.

Player of the year, Kittipong, made it 2-0 before the break, before poacher Fillipe extended the lead shortly after the restart. Kittipong and then Suphaphon Sutthisak added to the tally. It was a sign of the hosts' domination that the huge crowd started doing Mexican Waves, and then IPL-type light shows on their mobiles. 

Something that was certainly not in evidence when I started watching the team. As well, as if it had, I might have been turned off. Songkhla got a consolation when Isariya Marom headed into his own net before the celebrations. 

Great to attend such an occasion with friends and family, if not easy logistically. We ended up in the metal corner section, which is not normally open. There would surely be more of the same when the big names arrived in town the following season. 

A happy day which included lots of food and drinks in different establishments and at the ground, followed by a whopping Sunday hangover. Great to see so many kids at the match. Hopefully, a few fell in love and continued their support for the club.