Thai Honda

 

Thai Honda FC was a professional football club based in the Minburi district of the Thai capital of Bangkok when they were dissolved in 2019, after playing at several venues in the farthest east of the city.

The club was formed in 2000 as Thai Honda Ladkrabang FC playing regional football before being accepted into the second-tier Thai Division 1 League for the 2004-05 season.

                                      

A runners-up position gained promotion to the Thai Premier League for 2006, where they finished in eleventh position with Coulibaly Cheick Ismael top scoring. A move to the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi followed for the 2007 campaign.

The goals of Ismail Faday Kamara weren't enough to save 'The Speed Kings' from relegation. Things could have got worse in 2008 when they finished in the League 1 Division relegation spots.

This and the next three images, 700th Anniversary Stadium, Minburi

However, Bangkok Bank withdrew from the competition so all four relegated sides played off to retain their second tier status. Honda defeated Raj Vithi and then Nakhon Sawan to stay up. The goals of Sutin Anukoon led the side to eleventh place in 2009.

The club moved to King Mongkut's Institute of Technology (KMITL) Stadium near to Suvernabhumi Airport for the 2010 season, with the team finishing in eighth place as Nana Yaw Asamoah top scored for the team.

In 2011 Honda were back at Minburi for a disastrous season in which the team finished bottom of the table and were relegated to the third tier Regional League 2 Bangkok Metropolitan Region. 

In 2012 Thai Honda won their divisional title while playing at KMITL Stadium to qualify for the Champions League play-offs where dreams of promotion ended in the group stage. This was followed up with a fifth place in 2013.

2014 saw Honda lift the league title once again. The team won Group B of the Champions League to secure promotion back to the second level as Rodoljub Paunović banged in the goals. Gastón González topped the charts in 2015 as Honda consolidated their status.

Ricardo Jesus fired Thai Honda Ladkrabang to the Division 1 League title in 2016 to send the club back to the top flight while playing back at the 72nd Anniversary Stadium. Thai league football was restructured for the 2017 season, with the top division being called Thai League 1 (T1).

Honda's promotion led to BEC Tero-Sasana looking for a new home. A ruling didn't permit groundsharing between teams in the highest division. Honda secured the stadium to stay in Minburi, while Tero moved to merge with Police United and play in Lak Si.

Ironically, Honda's spell at the top table lasted just one season before they were relegated to Thai League 2, where they finished in twelfth place in 2018 as Tawin Butsombat ended as top scorer. 

Worachai Surinsirirat was the head coach for the 2019 campaign, doing a fine job in leading his side to sixth place as Valdo topped the scoring charts. However, financial problems led to the owners shutting the club down at the season's end.

My visit

KMITL Stadium

Thai Honda 0 Samut Sakon 1 (Sunday 8th April 2012) Thai Regional League Bangkok Area (att: officially 150)

It was the final day of one of my best ever holidays in the Land of Smiles. I had just arrived back from Chiang Mai after a wonderful and joyous International Cricket Sixes Tournament by plane with Steve and Fah who headed back to Minburi.

I was to meet them later that evening for my goodbye mookata meal, but in the meantime I said my goodbyes and headed for my very budget hotel towards Suvarnabhumi Airport, where I was in a quandary as to which game to select, as there were choices of two 4pm kick offs

I wanted to catch the majority of Bangkok United's 6pm game in Ding Daeng close to the city centre. In the end, I plumped for Thai Honda's home game after I was given helpful advice from the guys Thai football experts online via their Twitter accounts.

They confirmed the venue to be the KMITL (Technology) Stadium, which I'd passed on the motorway many times when heading to Pattaya. It was in the nearby Lad Krabang district, and I reasoned that it would be easy to make a quick getaway to get into the city meaning I would miss a minimum of action.

One beauty of Bangkok is that you never have to wait long for a taxi, wherever you are. Whether the driver has a clue where he's going is another matter altogether as I was about to find out! I saw virtually all of the city by taxi within four hours! 

Anyway, even though my hotel was well up a lane away from traffic, a taxi soon appeared. I had planned well in advance and printed out a map of where I wanted to go. The driver still seemed confused until suddenly the penny dropped. 

If I'd have asked for the King Mongkut's Institute of Technology rather than the stadium he'd have sussed it a lot quicker, but I didn't realise it was on the campus. We still seemed to go an agonisingly long way round, but the city's traffic system has baffled more experienced tourists than me many times before. 

The main thing was that he knew the way. We were waved through the gates of the Institute and drove round the large campus, which even had its own 7/11 shop; another guaranteed feature in the city along with taxis. He dropped me behind the towering Main Stand.

As at every game I'd attended in Thailand, a small stall had been set up by a vendor selling drinks of all kinds, crisps, noodles and local delicacies that were cooked on a small griddle. I was glad to get some water. 

I was determined to keep my alcohol content down as I'd had enough to sink a battleship over the previous ten days. It was officially the second day of mourning for the late Princess who'd passed away six months earlier. 

Her funeral parade was to be the next day. I happened to see this on live TV as I was awaiting my call to board my plane at the airport. In terms of pageantry, the Thais did it as well as anyone.

I went up to the desk and paid 50 baht for admission to the stand. I was surprised at the absence of any souvenir stand, especially as some home fans were wearing replica kits. I went up the stairs to survey the scene.

The KMITL Stadium was extremely lopsided. The stand I was in was the only proper spectator accommodation. It was an absolute beauty of a cantilever structure raised above the pitch and following the contour of the field, which had a running track around it. The rest of the pitch was surrounded by a prim hedge. 

Fans could stand there and watch for free, although I'm sure that it wasn't encouraged. A large scoreboard stood at the Motorway End but the rest of the area spread out to wide expanses of the Institute's sports facilities.

The crowd was sparse, with more away fans than Honda's and definitely more watching than the official figure. I'd have put it at around 3 to 400. The Samut Sakon supporters wore their eye-catching pink and sky blue striped shirts. 

Both sets of fans who sat at either end of the stand had drums and hooters to try and create an atmosphere. One of the vocal Honda fans offered me a warm smile and welcome. I'd seen them a couple of years previously in their local derby at the team now called Customs United (Suvarnabhumi Customs at the time). 

Maybe he recognised me as I don't suppose they get a lot of farangs (westerners) following them? The teams came out with flag bearers at the front and stood to attention for a minute's silence, which I presumed was for the Princess. 

The royal family are extremely revered in Thailand so it was no surprise that you could have heard a pin drop during the period of reflection. A lady who was sitting in the same block as me was as pretty as any fan I'd ever come across at a match. If she required consoling I would have definitely put my name down to offer my shoulder.

The game itself was pretty poor if truth be told. It was scrappy and lacking pace, which was little surprise as they were playing in at least thirty-degree temperatures. I was having another bottle of water and some interesting sausage meat-type delicacy on a stick, which was seasons with chillies and onion. They were tasty and a great help to my dietary plan for the following twenty-four hours!

I was getting restless. I reckoned I'd chosen the wrong game and my thoughts were on sneaking off at halftime to maybe catch some of R-BEC's game in Lat Phrao on the way to the Thai-Japanese Stadium for my evening fixture. 

Both teams at my current game were struggling to put any real moves together or test out the goalkeepers. Just before half time I decided to make a move. I walked behind the goal to take some photos and went on my way with the game goalless.

I left the Institute by the back entrance and crossed the railway lines and a small canal to try and get a taxi to take me to Lat Phrao. This was not an easy task as most drivers just shook their heads until I walked to the main road at the end of the soi I was on. 

I'm glad I visited a lovely stadium, but had wished for a better game. I later found out that the visitor's solitary goal was enough to take them to the top of the league. I could have found a lot worse activities on a Sunday afternoon!

Click here to see a short home video of the game.

KMITL Stadium (Bangkok)

 

KMITL (King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang) Stadium is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of the educational institute of the same name in the Lad Krabang district of the Thai capital of Bangkok.

The venue has played host to several Thai League clubs over the years. Thai Airways were the first in 2007, followed by Thai Honda in 2010 who also shared the facilities with Kasem Bundit University for a few games the same season.

Thai Honda returned from 2012 to 2014 while Rajpracha were tenants for a couple of campaigns, 2015 and 2016. The stadium has hosted the Lad Krabang Rugby 7s as well as the football games of the host university.

It is a venue that is often asked about by those passing it after leaving the airport and heading past on the motorway towards Pattaya.

My visits

Thai Honda 0 Samut Sakon 1 (Sunday 8th April 2012) Thai Regional League Bangkok Area (att: 150)

To read all about it, click on the link here.

KMITL 2 Minburi City 4 (Tuesday 20th December 2022) Friendly (att; c20)

I’d given up on any more football until the New Year, with the Thai League having packed up for their festive break, but never say never. I’d noticed this friendly appear on my timeline on social media but didn’t consider I’d be attending.

Having started playing again with a group of Thais introduced to me by Big Suh, a copper who became my mate as fellow customers of my girlfriend, Teaw’s Brothers and Sisters Bar. He said that there was a game, but not for the first time it failed to materialise.

Not to worry, I still had a Plan B and plenty of time to implement it. I caught a songthaew from Minburi Market that turned off halfway down Rom Klao. Not to worry, as these things happen. I was soon aboard a second such vehicle.

I was assured by a student that it was heading to Lad Krabang. Well, it was, sort of, only on the main road it headed right rather than left and towards the city. It’s fair to say that I failed to see the funny side, but soon restored my composure. 

Crossing the road, I was soon heading in the right direction before alighting and walking past Wat Pluk Sattha to find myself adjacent to the eastern rail line towards Pattaya. The walk along Chalong Krung 1 Alley allowed me to grab provisions at a convenience store.

The stretch had quite a good selection of street food, coffee shops, and mini markets, presumably to cater for the needs of the nearby students. Crossing the railway further up I was in familiar territory and heading to sit in the large stand.

There was no admission charge and before long a couple of Minburi officials recognized me and gave me a wave. I tried to get to see them possible, as they had kindly given me a cap, scarf, and facemask at an Amateur League game. I had earlier purchased a couple of shirts from them.

The stand was much further from the dry and bumpy pitch than I remembered with both the playing surface and facilities in need of some TLC. City were in preparation to enter the Semi-Pro League with hopes of winning a place in Thai League 3. Their players wore trackers over their red shirts.

KMITL’s shirts didn’t have any numbers on them. It was certainly a very low-key encounter, but if the players and coaches got something from it, then it was surely a worthwhile exercise. They’re the important ones, not the spectators.

The hosts took the lead before Minburi restored parity with a good low shot. It was hard to keep concentration, with the players being so far away, and joggers going around the track while the game was in progress. 

Overhead planes on their descent to Suvarnabhumi as well as passing trains all added to the spectacle, which was enough to keep anyone with a semblance of an imagination entertained, even if they didn’t like football.

KMITL went back in front as the Minburi defence was opened like a can of beans meaning it was three attackers against a lone rearguard. The chance was well finished, but City again levelled things up just after the break with a good header.

 

It was nip and tuck with many substitutions being made. It wasn’t the greatest of games, so I made a sound decision to walk around and miss the final ten minutes. City scored two late goals, which I missed, not that it would ruin my day.

I was wary of trying to find a way home and being stranded, so I decided to walk along the track to Pra Chom Klao station and catch the final train of the day to Lat Krabang. The ride was only a few minutes and there was no time to purchase a ticket. 

Before long I was on a familiar songthaew heading back to base for a rest, shower, and then some libation in the company of my good lady.

Customs United

 

Customs United FC is a professional football club in Thailand, who are based at Lad Krabang 54 Stadium in the suburb of Lad Kra Bang in Bangkok. 

The club started off life as Customs Department FC in 1954. Their greatest achievement came after the restructuring of the game in Thailand when they won promotion to the Premier League in 2007 by lifting the Division 1 League title.

Unfortunately, their stay was a short one and the side was relegated after just one season. In 2010 the Customs Department changed their name to Suvarnabhumi Customs FC and moved to their new home at Lad Krabang after previously playing at Kaseem Bundit University.

At the start of the 2011 season the club changed their name to Samut Prakan Customs United F.C. At the end of the season they changed again to Customs United FC, as another club in the same division became known as Samut Prakan United FC. 

The season ended in relegation down to the third-tier Regional League under coach Kritsada Piandit. He was replaced by Jakree Nongnoi as the club gradually improved their on the pitch performances.

A creditable fourth place was achieved in 2013 before United won the Thai Division 2 Bangkok Region title in 2015, to qualify for the Champions League in the quest for promotion. A fourth-place finish in Group B resigned the club to another season in the lowest tier.

The division was renamed the Bangkok & Eastern Region for 2016, with Customs finishing as runners-up and entering the knock-out Champions League. Any hopes of promotion were diminished by Rajpracha after a penalty shootout.

Thai football was restructured for the 2017 season, with an extra tier being added. Customs added MOF to their title and were placed in Thai League 3 Lower Region. The team finished in ninth place with Efe Odobe ending as leading scorer.

Customs won their divisional title in 2018 thanks to the goals of Uroš Stojanov to win promotion to the second tier under head coach Chayaphol Kotchasarn. Australian Kayne Vincent topped the scoring charts in the 2019 campaign as the side consolidated in fifteenth position.

The MOF suffix was dropped from the club title for the 2020-21 season, one in which Brazilian forward Danilo put in the goals. United changed managers in November 2020 as Worrawoot Srimaka was replaced by Santi Songte with the team ending in the thirteenth spot.

Damian Bellón had a spell as head coach prior to the arrival of Warit Boonsripitayaon whose newly retitled Customs Ladkrabang United put a run together in the closing stages of 2021-22 to stave off the fear of relegation.

A link-up with Port FC was formulated in readiness for the 2022-23 season with players moving across town as well as the former coach at the PAT Stadium, Arnon Bundasa. It proved to be a successful, if controversial, season.

Customs reached the promotion play-off final after dispatching Chiang Mai United, but before the game they raised the ire in many followers of the game by announcing that they had not bothered to apply for the Thai League 1 license, meaning opponents Uthai Thani would go up whatever the result.

Port withdrew their support for Customs meaning that they were independent for the 2023-24 campaign. It was a season that ended in relegation under head coach Jaropung Sangpong who was replaced by Prasonchoke Chokemor and then Arnon Bandasak. New investment via  Toko, a Thai engineering company.

The club was placed in Thai 3 East under head coach Keita Goto.

Customs United FC will play in Thai League 3 East in the 2024-25 season.

My visits

Suvarnabhumi Customs 0 Thai Honda 1 (Sunday 25th April 2010) Thailand League Division One (att: approx 650)

I had a prolonged stay in Thailand after I had been visiting in March and April 2010 for cricket tournaments owing to the erupting Icelandic volcano delaying my flight back to the UK. The previous day I had been to the Premier League game between Army and Bangkok United. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and true to my nature I wanted to explore more. Being the curious type, I wanted to see what football was like in Division One; the second tier in the national league system. After studying the website, I chose the match between Suvarnabhumi Customs and Thai Honda on Sunday 25th April 2010.

My good pal and temporary landlord once again, Steve couldn’t be tempted along. At least I had the support of his girlfriend Ea, who wrote down the stadium address in Thai for my taxi driver. After a lovely traditional lunch in the very western Fashion Island Shopping Mall, I eventually found a driver who knew the address and was keen to take me.

We went through the thriving suburb of Lat Kra Bang and found the correct soi (road) off the main drag. I didn’t spot much of note until a newish ground appeared on the left next to a wat (temple). The car park was pretty full, and the crowd looked large. I went to the ticket hut, where I paid 50 baht; just over £1 at the time and received smiles all round upon admission. 

References were made to the new Army FC shirt I was wearing. I quickly worked out that there were no refreshments available inside the ground, but stalls were set up in the car park. I retreated to buy some water.

The ground had two smallish stands on either side of the pitch with nothing behind the goals, save for dressing rooms at one end and huge mesh high fences to keep the ball next to the pitch. 

All the roofs and fencing had a large series of national flags on top, which I found a lovely touch. The nearside stands were packed, one of which was with schoolkids. Both stands made a real racket. I wandered round to the far side which had a river running behind it, like a poor man's Fulham. 

The weather was sweltering as the game kicked off at 4pm. The ground had no floodlights. Many locals hid in the shade. I managed to get a seat on the basic wooden slats at the back slightly in the shade.

Players of both sides put in a great effort. It must have been extremely draining. Customs fielded three exports. Mika Chunuonsee has Thai parents but was born in Bridgend, Wales and was a former Cardiff City junior. 

Two Brazilians, Paulo Roberto and Wallace Da Silva made up the trio. Despite the overseas influence, Honda went ahead before half time. I reckoned the gate was around 6 to 700. Fans made a lot of noise like the Army game the day before, using a variety of instruments. They weren’t the most melodic I’d ever heard, but they were still preferable to the England band.

At halftime, the kids went, and that stand was filled with away fans. Customs huffed and puffed in the second period but couldn’t break through. I went five minutes from the end as I had a rendezvous with a cricketing pal at the airport, whose departure terminal was visible from the ground. 

I wish my taxi driver had taken a more direct route! The game had ended in a single goal victory for Honda in a game I later discovered to be a local derby. Honda’s stadium was also visible from the airport.

I had fully enjoyed the experience. It was now time to discover the third tier and regional football! I headed to meet my Aussie pal Ian 'Reds' Liddell at the airport for a quick goodbye before meeting Ray 'Lemon' Matti and his Dutch pals downtown.

To see a video of my experience at Customs United, click here.

Customs Ladkrabang United 2 Ranong United 0 (Saturday 15th January 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 220) 

Twelve years after my first visit, I was now permanently based in Minburi, the next district north of Lad Krabang. It took a few weeks before the fixtures aligned for my return. Now armed with local knowledge, attending a match would be relatively easy.

I’d quickly sussed that a songthaew went all the way from Min Buri Market to Lad Krabang Road, so this was a no-brainer. I got out before where I really needed to have a look at the night market before heading to Soi 54.

From there it was another twenty-five-minute walk to Customs Stadium for this 7pm kickoff. Most of the route was without footpaths and quite hazardous, which was noted for future reference. My socks and trainers gathered many prickly plants along the way.

The stewards assumed I was an away fan, presumably as a stranger. This was no hassle as I’ll go in anywhere as long as I see a game. The ticket was 100 Baht, which at the time was around £2.20.

Beer was allowed inside too, unlike in the top division. It was bought from one of a couple of portable stalls outside who also dealt in cheap Thai nibbles and snacks. I immediately noticed that the ground was much improved with stands going the full length of both sides of the pitch.

There was also the addition of an electric scoreboard and excellent floodlights. The far side was now open to the elements, which caused a few occasional nervous glances to the skies, with planes landing with not too much frequency across the way an added distraction.

The match ended in a deserved home win, despite Great Andaman Ranong United, listing their full website title, giving it a good go backed by a smattering of supporters who’d made the long journey to the capital.

The hosts' goals both came from Brazilians, with the sometimes erratic and ever-moody frontman Douglas sending his team in 1-0 ahead with a goal in the second minute of first half additional time.

This was added to by the consistent and rather good thirty-year-old Elias, who netted ten minutes after the restart to give the team led by head coach Warit Boonsripitayaon all three points.

At full time I headed across the road to grab a taxi back to Min Buri to my favourite Brothers and Sisters bar which didn’t seem to have official opening and closing times. Yes, I like Teaw’s attitude there!

Customs Ladkrabang United 1 Phrae United 3 (Friday 11th February 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 235)

I’d told my Min Buri neighbour, and long-term pal Steve all about my previous visit. He was free and decided to give it a go as we added the additional songthaew ride down Soi 54 to save ourselves any danger before taking up a seat undercover with the home fans.

The visitors came deservedly from behind to take the points to augment their push towards the playoffs while Customs were left to decry a big chance to pick up a vital point to help their fight against relegation.

A finely crafted goal from Ahamarasul gave Customs the lead midway through the first half. A brace from halt time sub Wellington Smith after the break after fifty-seven and sixty-six minutes turned the tide.

However, Customs had a glorious opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty eleven minutes from time. The lacklustre Douglas, whose second name should be Bader on the two matches I'd seen him, stepped up and saw his kick saved by Carlos Santos.

The forward's performance really did challenge Bonilla of Port as the most inept I'd seen from the foreign signing since moving to Thailand. Sure enough, Phrae wrapped it up with the last kick of stoppage time through another sub and overseas player Rodrigo Maranhao.

We had a decent enough night out., seeing a decent game after some food on the main road. Unfortunately, the bars opened at the same time as the 6pm kick off so we had a dry night. We put that right next time.

Customs Ladkrabang United 2 Navy FC 1 (Sunday 13th March 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 190)

Steve joined me again to travel by songthaews, split at the top of Soi 54 to the ground by an excellent khao man gai, which is chicken and rice with broth, which cost just over a quid. With free water thrown in for good measure 

Customs started the game third from bottom against the visitors from Sattahip who sat well adrift and were certainties to go down. Surely this had a home win written all over it. We were so sure that we included the game in our treble bet.

Of course, football isn’t always certain, and with Navy having nothing to lose, they went for it, cheered on by some enthusiastic support. I thought the bonny young lady along from me was going to explode as she shouted for her team and gave it to the officials.

Her side took the lead four minutes before the break when Gafar Durosimni saw his shot get a slight deflection on the way in. The hosts were not being helped by a sulky showing from Douglas, who once again looked lazy, moody and petulant. He really was dross as an overseas signing.

The equaliser came just after the hour mark when a fine move saw a bullet header from Elias De Oliveira go in at the back post. Having levelled things up, home player Kitting Aupachakham made a stupid challenge to receive his marching orders for a second yellow.

Douglas was pushing all the right buttons in cranking up my pal and me with his attitude. It was made worse as occasionally he’d play a fine pass or win a towering header. He could do it when he could be bothered and here was his team right in the mire and needing him most 

The coach withdrew him with four minutes remaining. The big man had a hissy fit as he wanted to take a direct free kick first. His teammates pushed him away and pointed to the touchline.

His replacement, Nuttawut Chanachan came on, and took the kick, which was a superb effort that went in off the underside of the bar. Douglas was away to join in the celebrations at lightning pace. If only he’d shown that much energy on the pitch.

Customs just about hung on, defending a late indirect free kick in their own box when the ref booked the keeper for time-wasting. We headed off having really enjoyed the last half hour. A craft bar called Rest Up on Lat Krabang Road was our destination.

We had a draught hoppy beer called Annie Haze from Young Master at 5.5%, which was brewed in Hong Kong. This was followed up by sharing bottles and cans of 7% Summer Head Head which we believe was locally brewed, 6% Nocha Merlin chocolate stout from Ballas Point in San Diego. Truly an international occasion.

Finally, we opted for a sour 5% honey beer called Nonthaburi Mead brewed in the northern outskirts which we didn’t massively enjoy. Rest Up is a fine bar with ambient music which shows the football from the UK, but it is not cheap.

It was comparable with London prices, but a treat now and again is welcome. We vowed to be back.

Customs Ladkrabang United 1 Ayutthaya United 0 (Saturday 26th March 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 180)

United were dicing perilously close to relegation when I attended this game, somewhat against my original plans. Several hours I’d headed west on the train to Chachoengsao, with a proper day out being my intended plan.

I’d head to their match against Muang Loei United in the third-level Champions League promotion playoffs, then enjoy a couple of beers on the way back to the station. The warning alarms sounded when I arrived at Fighting Fish Stadium twenty minutes before the advertised kickoff with nobody else around.

The ground had been moved to Chang Park in Chonburi, impossible to reach without a car. Instead, I wandered back, observing a couple of decent-looking bars for future visits as well as the club offices and shop on Em Onithit 1.

Of course, announcing my cock up on social media gave plenty of pals a giggle, of which I’ve no issues whatsoever. I took an earlier train and alighted at Hua Takhe station and grabbed a songthaew on what was a sweltering afternoon.

I was most grateful for a bottle of water and then a beer with lots of ice on arriving at the stadium prior to taking my usual vantage point in the covered section of the home stand. I was to see a game with application, making up for the paucity of quality.

Much to my surprise Douglas put in a proper shift. Maybe it was near contract time, or he was being given a bonus if Customs stayed up. The ever-reliable Elias netted the only goal seven minutes after the break.

By hook and crook, the hosts hung on for a valuable three points. Generally, I didn’t approve of some of the tactics they employed, but this was vital stuff and I’d taken to them in a strange sort of way. Their retaining second-tier football offered me a decent nearby option.

Customs Ladkrabang United 2 Samut Prakan City 1 (Wednesday 20^th July 2022) Friendly (att: c10)

Checking out Facebook this game appeared on my timeline. Just the job with a 4pm kick-off, with the usual means of transport running perfectly. I was slightly concerned on arrival that the normal spectator gate was locked. I went in where the officials entered.

To be honest the game wasn’t much more than a training exercise and was played over three thirty-minute periods. The pitch was marked by cones and portable goals made it shorter in length.

Both teams used at least twenty-two players so everyone got a run. It was of a decent pace and plenty of skill was in evidence. Customs gave a couple of their overseas signings the final period to impress.

One of them, Alessandro Di Stefano added to an earlier United goal from Phanomphon Phuangmalai. A Japanese import grabbed City’s consolation. By the time I eventually got home, I was thoroughly drenched, having been caught up in a storm and flash flood of biblical proportions in Minburi.

Customs United 3 Udonthani 1 (Saturday 3rd September 2022) Thai League 2 (att: 520) 

It was time to see how United performed in competitive action after an unbeaten start in their first three games. Udon on the other hand were without a win. My friend Gary was down with his family, so I headed to his hotel on Ramkhamhaeng Road to meet up.

Saturday teatime traffic was congested on Rom Klao and Lat Krabang Road, with us eventually getting to the ground fifteen minutes before kickoff. The changes off the pitch at Customs Stadium were also in evidence. 

There were more vendors, with one selling trainers for one of the sponsors. The beer stand was being marshalled by two chaps who seemed inexperienced if pleasant. With drinks in hand, we paid our 100 baht and headed to the far end main stand seating.

A minute silence was held before kickoff for referee Titichai Nuanchan who had died in a road accident after officiating in the game between Nongbua Pitchaya and Ratchaburi the previous evening. The hosts took the initiative straight from the kickoff with Port FC loanie Anusak Jaiphet hitting the side netting. 

He followed that up by heading just wide from a corner before the visitors also showed their attacking intent with Greg Houla leading the line well. However, Customs went ahead with sixteen minutes on the clock when Natthawat Thobansong cut inside and fired a beauty into the far top corner.

David Cuerva was having a fine game in the middle of the park for United with big import centre-back Adnan Orahovac showing signs of dominance. Aung Kaung Mann got in for the away side but dragged his shot across the goal.

Kittiwut Bouloy looked tricky from the start, and he created havoc before putting a low shot away to make it 2-0 six minutes before the break. There was still time for Udon to half the deficit before the break, when Houla, then Sang-bum Jo set up Weerawat Jiraphaksiri to fire home from the edge of the box.

Thobansong bent a free kick wide shortly after the restart, with the hosts extending their lead on sixty-six minutes when a ball inside saw the second of five Port loanees, Phodchara Chainarong too quick for his marker as he ran through and slotted home. The difference between him and last season's striker Douglas was glaring.

Daisuke Sakai was the next home player to cut inside for a shot on goal, but he was denied by keeper Jaturong Samakorn. Great play in the corner from sub Pheemphapob Viriyachancha led to him crossing where Sakai somehow headed wide in front of a gaping net.

Udonthani kept going until the end and did not play badly. It's just they were up against what I thought was a very good and exciting outfit. At full time we headed back to Minburi for an evening of jollity in my Brothers & Sisters Bar, my favourite local establishment.

Customs United 0 Bangkok United 1 (Wednesday 16^th November 2022) Thai League Cup Round of 32 (att: 570) 

Back down to Ladkrabang 54 via the usual means including a walk and some further discovery for possible future reference along the main drag. A good crowd split about 50/50 between home and away fans saw a spirited Customs display.

It looked like it might have been a one-sided affair when the visitors went ahead after ten minutes when the excellent Heberty smashed home a nod down from Willen Mota leaving keeper Teerath Nakchamnarn with no chance. 

The lead nearly doubled midway through the first half when a glancing header went narrowly wide. Customs defended resiliently before Heberty stung the palms of Nakchamnarn from the edge of the box and a couple more efforts went over the bar before the first period ended.

Sub, Chayawat Srinawong saw his attempt scrambled off the line by Customs defender Panomporn Puangmalai before referee Torphong Somsing turned away appeals for a penalty at the other end that he could well have given. 

The hosts continued giving their all and pushed for an equalizer but found the Bangkok defence well marshalled. The score was about right, and I managed to grab a taxi all the way home in quick time so I could head over the road for food and drink.

Customs United 2 Muangthong United 2 (Wednesday 26th July 2023) Friendly (att: c120)

A midweek bonus as both teams prepared for the season openers just over a fortnight later. An enjoyable game too, pleasing on the eye in which the hosts came back from 2-0 down against higher division opposition, at least in name.

Muangthong took the lead in the opening minute when a clumsy foul on the edge of the box saw their 24 rifling the resulting free-kick into the top corner of the net. After this Customs controlled the play and created a few half-chances.

A big African chap saw his effort well saved by the MTU keeper before a fellow of similar origins but slender build had one cleared off the line. A player who could have been of Brazilian heritage missed a sitter at the back post, to the chagrin of the Customs animated coach.

No team sheets were available, so identifying either side was difficult, even more so Customs whose players had no numbers on their shirts, while the visitors fielded a young side, who I presume were fringe, some first team, and some academy players.

Customs were going through a turbulent spell. Previously backed by Port FC financially and with loan signings, they are going it alone and no doubt trawling through many trialists, hence the lack of identity.

Who knew where that would leave them this season, with some observers reckoning on a season of struggle. It was hard to say, but on this performance, I thought that they had enough good players, if they retained the right ones, to comfortably stay up. It would be a matter of gelling them.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with the home side on the ascendency, and the away goalie making a fine near post stop. Then his side broke down the right with some fine interplay. The number 5 dragged a wonderful low ball back well outside the box where the onrushing 10 slammed home hard and low on the hour mark.

The breeze on a beautiful early evening and 5pm kickoff was most welcome, at a venue which I enjoyed visiting, being close to the pitch down either side with raised views. A shame the catering vendors didn’t appear as they lost out.

Six minutes later Customs were back in it, after a corner wasn’t cleared. The ball bobbled about before it was hooked in off the underside of the bar. Seven minutes from the end came the equaliser, as a low free-kick bounced in front of the keeper who fumbled and was put away by a sub who was lively throughout, showing potential.

A nice friendly atmosphere to match the game, with many in attendance being MTU fans, not massively impressed with the goalkeeping error.

Before the match I headed to Lat Krabang near Suvarnabhumi Airport, where my songthaew was struck in traffic which gave me a glimpse of a sign saying café, bar, open. It was called Kota. As I was ahead of schedule it would have been ridiculous to overlook such an invite.

Craft beers are not cheap in Thailand, so large cans for around £4 or 189 Baht is reasonable, though half that price at some 7/11 stores. I enjoyed both the 5% Pale Ale and 4.5% Cashmere Session IPA from Thai brewer Mahanakhon. Cashew nuts, with chillies, onion, and lime are the perfect accompaniment and are highly recommended.

Lat Krabang was extremely vibrant after the game, with bars, music, and lots of stalls and street food. Once my domain, but my good lady had prepared dinner for me back home. Cheap travel, free admission football, beers, and a proper taste of Thailand made for the perfect evening.

Customs United 1 Chiangmai United 3 (Sunday 13^th August 2023) Thai League 2 (att: 428)

A watchable encounter on the opening weekend for the top two tiers in Thailand. I’d been given a tip to watch a player but couldn’t work out how his non-African appearance matched his shirt number, and why so many in our stand were cheering the away team.

The first goal went in for the boys in blue, Customs colours, on eighteen minutes. Then the scoreboard revealed that CMU were in blue, their regular change kit and CU were in red, their second strip. A cock up by the away side’s kit man no doubt.

Anyway, that goal scored by Pattara Soimalai had been coming for a while. Customs were alright but the away team seemed physically stronger in all departments. The score was doubled when the marvelously nicknamed Brazilian, Mosquito made it 2-0 shortly before halftime.

The game was put to bed two minutes after the restart when Ho Ju volleyed through a crowd past motionless keeper Theerawat Pinpradub. Both he and opposing goalie Pirot Eammak would have been better off concentrating on their jobs than looking to get involved in any minor incident, with neither shy to roll around in fake pain. Fortunately, referee Chaikrit Inboonsong was having none of it and had a good game.

Defender Phattaraphon Gangsopa tapped in at the back post following a scramble to offer hope to the home side who later hit the bar and saw one flaring opportunity being blasted over the bar. Thossaporn Chuchin was sent off for the visitors for a second bookable offence and took some ushering away. He was most upset.

An enjoyable time spent in the company of my good mate Steve, with a songthaew taking us all the way to Lat Krabang where craft beers were consumed at the pleasant Kota Restaurant and Bar before a cab to the stadium for the 7pm kickoff where street food snacks and large bottles of Leo were available. They could be, and were, consumed while watching the game.

Post-match we gave a local a ride in our cab as he wanted a train back into the city from the Airport Link station, while we jumped out and had another couple of beers at Rest Up, which served lovely fries. I dread to have seen the state of the chicken that the tender bits we were served came from mind.

Customs United 0 Suphanburi 0 (Saturday 23rd December 2023) Thai League 2 (att: 146)

An entertaining 0-0 in a 6pm kick-off with both sides playing fast exciting football on the deck but failing to hit the target. Both keepers had their palms stung from decent shots while several efforts went narrowly wide or over.

The away fans were unlikely to be buying the ref any Christmas presents judging by the vitriol aimed in his direction at full-time. Suphanburi pushing for a play-off place were turned down a penalty, which I personally thought was the correct decision. 

Customs won at home the previous week but still found themselves in the relegation zone. I think on the evidence of this showing, that they might have had enough to escape. The game in general was a chasm in standards above the T3 stuff I normally watched in Sisaket.

It was a most pleasant afternoon and evening all told. My wife and I took her son and girlfriend plus a couple of young nephews (9 and 11 years old) for a wonderful alfresco lunch overlooking a lake before I took the youngsters with me for their first taste of a live match.

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

They seemed to enjoy it, particularly the snacks and pop stalls. They got a bus, songthaew, and taxi ride and I delivered them home safely to happy parents. I must admit, it made my day to share it with them. Hopefully, the first of a few adventures.

I enjoyed a couple of beers with my Bangkok based pal Vaughan, as we chewed the fat while watching the game. I was in the capital at our suburban condo before we headed down the gulf the following morning to the seaside at Bangsaray to enjoy Christmas with friends.