Lopburi City

Lopburi City FC

Ground: Phra Ramesuan Stadium (Lopburi Province Stadium)

Capacity: 5,334

Club Founded: 2022

League: Thai League 3 Central (current level)

The main stand at Phra Ramesuan Stadium

Early Years 

The professional Thai football club of Lopburi City was formed in 2022, in the city of the same name, known for the wild monkeys that live there. Previously, another club, Lopburi FC, nicknamed the Fire Wan, represented the province from 1980 until 2016.

The new club, ‘Hanumans’, successfully entered the Thailand Amateur League in 2022, creating a pathway to professional football under coach Sanong Taengngam. They won their group, progressing to the final of the West Region competition after beating Khoksamrong City and Pakchong SCK.

Promotion to Thai League 3

Kanchanaburi City proved too strong in the area final, coming out on top 1-0 at Jifah Stadium, but the job was done. Lopburi were placed in Thai League 3 West, with their home games to be played at Phra Ramesuan Stadium, otherwise known as Lopburi Provincial Stadium.

Phra Ramesuan Stadium

They finished eleventh in their debut season, as Ahmadou Tidjani and Noppadon Kasaen scored the goals, with Kaveepan Taveebut appointed as the new coach for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.

Regional Success

Top scorer Dzama Bata helped the team to fifth place the following season, with Achira Thongjerm in charge of playing matters. Alex Mermoz was the star man in 2024-25, scoring the goals to take the team to the regional title, after they had been moved to Thai League 3 Central.

In the playoffs, Lopburi finished second in Group A before Mermoz headed to Nongbua Pitchaya. During the title-winning season, Nirut Sarasaeng began it as head coach, before a 4-1 away defeat in October saw the appointment of Panithan Munprathes.

Recent Times

Sakon Saenharn replaced Panithan a year after he was given the job, as Lopburi finished in a disappointing league position despite Eric Kumi's goals. In May 2026, it was announced that Lopburi City were being bought by Poma FC, a club from Bangkok that competes in the Thonburi and Thai Semi-Pro League.

My visit

Lopburi City 0 Hua Hin City 2 

Thai League 3 West - Saturday 29th October 2022

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 250 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

Matchday Planning

Studying the fixtures for Thai football matches was my general habit during the week, as I tried to combine a game with visiting somewhere of interest at the same time. It was always more than just ninety minutes of football to me.

Lopburi had caught my attention a few months earlier, when I passed through it on the train on the way to Phitsanulok. It looked like a fascinating place, with traces of Ayutthaya in the ruins by the side of the tracks, with a level crossing across the main road adding to its features.

Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat

Discovering Lopburi

The trains fitted in nicely with my plans, so off I set to Lak Si station to take the service north with plenty of time to spare before the 3.30 pm kick off. Or so I thought. Inevitably enough, the service ran a little late, before I headed out of yet another immaculate station, with the usual old steam engine on a roundabout outside.

My eyes were met by the ruins of Wat Bandai Hin to my left and Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat straight ahead, which was even more impressive. So much so that I paid the admission fee to have a look around. Who’d have thought that on a football away day?

Monkeying Around at Phra Prang Sam Yot

Pre Match

Normal service was soon resumed after wandering around the atmospheric local streets to a café bar that I had found during research. However, it was closed when I arrived. Not to worry, as Noom Guest House & Restaurant was exactly what I was looking for in the way of some Western comfort food and a cold beer.

Pie, chips, and gravy, along with a couple of Leo’s later, I headed to Phra Prang Sam Yot, where the monkeys were running wild. I was most careful to keep hold of my phone while taking photos. Crossing the railway, I hailed a passing songthaew that I knew was heading in the right direction.

My homemade postcard of the day

I alighted at Si Suriyothai Circle, walking around to the entrance of the zoo. There was something deeply ironic in knowing that inside animals were confined, while up the road, monkeys were running free. I’ll never fully understand us humans.

It was a fair old hike from there to Phra Ramesuan Stadium. Certainly, further than I estimated in the heat. There wasn’t much happening as I walked through the gates and past the communal exercise equipment. I was directed around to the far side, where a couple of temporary stalls were set up to buy water.

Match Ticket

Matchday Experience

It was a decent arena, with both sides having raised covered seated stands, with the pitch having a running track around it. There was a scoreboard behind one goal. Further along was a steep, uncovered seating area in the corner, ideal for looking down the sprint track when athletic meetings were being held. 

Soon into the game, I wished I had the excitement of some track and field events to keep me entertained, as there was very little quality being exhibited on the pitch, the surface of which was also poor.

The Match

At least the locals were friendly, as they had been all day, despite their team giving them little to shout about, with several aping professional footballers. Opponents Hua Hin were no great shakes either. They didn’t need to be, going on to take the spoils with two goals a minute apart midway through the second half.

Chitsanuphong Phimpsang and substitute, Ndiogou Ba, were the scorers to send the handful of away supporters home happy. I wasn’t upset either way, having had a pleasant afternoon somewhere I’d not been to before.

Return Journey

At the end, I crossed the road and hailed a songthaew, which took me back to the area near the station, where a night market was in full swing. It was the ideal place to purchase some snacks for the train ride home, which required me to show my passport and book a seat on the express service.

Taew had opened her place back in Minburi, where some of our Thai friends had arrived having won on the lottery. I got my skates on when the train arrived at Lak Si, found a taxi, and was soon joining them for food and drink to round off a wonderful day out in the heat.

Viewing Options

If you have enjoyed reading this article, you may wish to visit my YouTube Channel, where there are numerous homemade Thai football videos, as well as a wide range of content covering all aspects of life in the Land of Smiles. 

Included is the video, below, that I made during my matchday visit to Lopburi.

The Remarkable Rise of Rasisalai United

 

The Remarkable Rise of Rasisalai United

The story of the rise of Rasisalai United, a club formed in a small town in Sisaket province in the northeast of Thailand, is a remarkable story. Here is my tribute as a regular attendee to home matches of a club that has achieved great things in a relatively short time. 

Humble Beginnings

When Nuchanart (Nuch) Jaruwongsatian set about forming Rasisalai United as a youth side back in 2019, I don’t suppose she thought that, realistically, seven years later, her little club would be playing in the top tier of Thai football against the likes of Buriram United, BG Pathum United and Port FC.

But that’s the reality. It’s an amazing story which shows that staying loyal to local players with a real affinity to the club and their teammates, and then astute foreign signings, can make a world of difference and elevate a well-run side all the way to the summit.

Promotion to the ProfessionalRanks

It’s even more astonishing a story when considering that for their first two years, football was severely disrupted by the pandemic. However, the Thailand Amateur League, which was shoehorned into the middle months of 2022, offered a sense of what success felt like to the Monkey Kings, as they are nicknamed.

A 3-0 win against Roi-Et 2018 on their opponents' home pitch sent Rasisalai into the Thai League 3 for the following season. Momentum continued to build, as they then defeated Kongkrilas United, Warship United, and Muang Trang United in the final to become national amateur champions.

Sisaket SAT Stadium under the lights

Local Rivalry

Their home leg in the showpiece was played at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of province neighbours, Sisaket United, before the club became tenants at the SAT Stadium, once among the provincial ranks.

I have used the word, neighbours advisedly, as Sisaket is somewhat of a throwback to how football used to be in many English cities where two clubs existed. Rasi do not have a sufficient venue in their hometown, around 40-minutes away on the banks of the River Mun, meaning that they play in the capital of the province, with football fans going to watch whoever is at home.

Local Togetherness

While segregation is in place at the derby games, there is little need for it as everyone gets on, with many cheering for the side on the other side of the fence the following week.

In their debut season in the league, Rasi finished third and dashed the title hopes of Sisaket with a 1-0 home win. Sisaket went on to win T3 Northeast in 2023-24, along with promotion, while Rasi ended in a disappointing eighth place. Just 69 fans attended their home match on a Wednesday afternoon against Muang Loei United, with many of those attending leaving at the interval to watch Sisaket take on Khon Kaen Mordingdang in the later kick-off.

Action under the Tower. It sure beats Blackpool

New Players and Head Coach

Nuch made a superb appointment ahead of the 2024-25 campaign when coach Arnon Bandasak was brought in. He signed his former star from his time at Phitsanulok, the veteran forward, Gilberto Macena. 

Defender Ramon Mesquita, another player with vast experience, was signed to skipper the side, while fellow Brazilian Alberto Gouvea smashed away the goals. We met Alberto as a fellow spectator at the opening Sisaket match of the season, and he pronounced he would score lots of goals. He wasn’t joking. 

Rasisalai simply blew away opponent after opponent with their fast-attacking play. Some of their matches were truly brilliant, including an amazing win against Pattani in the playoffs, which went a long way to securing promotion before the T3 national title was secured against Songkhla.

The atmosphere at the two derby games and the crowds of over 4,000 were simply breathtaking, with a real party atmosphere and superb action on the pitch. There is little wonder that interest continued to develop throughout the season as to what was going on in the northeast.

The team bus

Great Entertainment

One of the great joys of watching Rasisalai is their vulnerability at the back, which means they attack even more. The incredible 2025-26 season has seen them promoted with four games to spare. Teams simply have no answer despite often scoring and being on top for parts of a game. 

The only times that Rasi have looked vulnerable have been in the derby against Sisaket, with Ramon missing in the away defeat, and when injuries have depleted important areas.

Investment in Youth

The real key behind their success, alongside the astute foreign signings and veteran goalkeeper Sakkongpop Sukprasert, is the midfield twins of Nattapon and Natchanon Yongsakool. Indeed, when studying the teamsheet from the Amateur final of 2022, it is interesting to note that six of the side are still regulars, having gone through the divisions and learned together as friends. 

Bids were turned down for the twins, who have both missed games through injury when the only slight wobble occurred. They are dynamic, skilful, dangerous from set pieces and a joy to watch from a very special vantage position.

Family Atmosphere

My friend John, who I watch Sisaket and Rasi, is a member of the gym where the Rasisalai players train. He's got to know them and coach Arnon, as well as the partners of some of the team and their offspring. In T3, we would simply choose the best seat in the main stand, which happened to be in the VIP area. 

No questions were asked because stewarding wasn't required. We've continued to sit there around the dignitaries and those connected with the club, including Arnon when he served a touchline ban.

We sit somewhere in there

Battle for Promotion

While I'm no fan of corporate seating as I prefer to be candid, have a good drink, and enjoy a match without watching my P's and Q's, it has been fun watching a season play out among those who have a far greater interest. 

Sure, I am delighted that Rasi have gone up, but I would have preferred Sisaket to pip them to the title. Whether Sisaket will join Rasisalai in the top-flight next season hangs in the balance as I pen this piece.

Smart Ownership

Huge credit too must go to Nuch. It’s fair to say that she can become emotional at times and will serve a ban until the end of the season for her antics against Pattaya United. But she has created a club with a lovely atmosphere that appeals to more youngsters than traditionalists. And she certainly cares. She is friendly to everyone who attends and will be sure to get plenty of attention next season.

The club sells lots of merchandise. The adoption of green and white hoops as an away kit has seen unprecedented sales. Ticket prices have remained at 60 Baht since winning promotion to T3, which has seen crowds grow with the entertainment on show offering outstanding value for money.

Next Season

How will Rasi cope in T1? It’s difficult to assess, as one potential pointer is unavailable, as the club didn’t enter either domestic cup this season. As the quarter finals of the League Cup have shown, there is a massive gulf between T2 and the top-flight, with three sides around the playoffs being well beaten by higher-grade opposition.

Will there be enough money to sign the seven foreigners allowed in T1, and who will be doing the recruiting? Again, these are unknowns that we’ll have to wait to find out. What is for sure is that the meteoric rise of Rasisalai has been wonderful to watch, and there’ll be more fun yet to come.

Article Published April 2026

 

An Insane Sisaket Derby

Behind the scenes of one of Isan’s biggest football clashes, as Rasisalai United and Sisaket United face off in a Thai League 2 battle, from the build-up in town and heavy traffic to the buzzing crowds outside the stadium. Witness the atmosphere, the action, and the drama of this unforgettable matchday. 

Whether you’re a fan of Thai League football, love derby atmospheres, or want to see what makes Sisaket's football culture so unique, this match has it all.

Many more Thai football videos, plus those from elsewhere, on my YouTube Channel.

Bangkok Football's Two Tribes

Discover the passion, rivalry, and chaos of Bangkok football in “Bangkok Football’s Two Tribes” in this video exploring Port FC and Muangthong United, two of Thailand’s biggest football clubs.

Join me as I experience matchday at both stadiums, meet passionate fans, and uncover the fiery history behind their intense rivalry, including the infamous Port vs Muangthong riots. You’ll see what makes each club unique, how to get tickets, and the easiest public transport routes to reach the grounds.

Many more Thai football videos, plus those from elsewhere, on my YouTube Channel.

Trat

Trat FC

Ground: Trat Province Stadium
Capacity: 6,000
Club Founded: 2012
League: Thai League 2 (current level)

A Brief History

Trat FC were admitted to the 2011 Regional League Division 2 Central & Eastern Region division. This was the third-tier competition of the time, with the team reaching the play-offs in their debut season as Rattaporn Saetan put away the goals. 

It led to the White Elephants, as the club is nicknamed, being promoted to the second-level Division 1. Harnarong Chunhakunakorn came in as head coach as the side consolidated with help from the goals of Woukoue Mefire Raymond and Seiya Sugishita.

Krit Singha-preecha was given the coach’s role, as Trat were relegated to Division 2 Eastern at the end of the 2015 season, where Erivaldo top scored as the side won the title a year later after Praphan Narkpong had taken charge of on-field affairs.

Promotions and Relegations

Barros Tardeli became the goalscoring hero at the Trat Province Stadium, as Somkiat Fongpech, Worakorn Wichanarong, and Dusit Chalermsan all had spells as head coach. A runners-up finish in 2018 elevated Trat to the elite level of Thai League 1.

Lonsana Doumbouya scored the goals in 2019 after the arrival of new head coach Phayong Khunnaen, as the team settled in its elevated environment, before being relegated in the 2020-21 season, despite the goals of Ricardo Santos.

Somchai Chuayboonchum was at the helm the following season as Paulo Conrado scored regularly to take Trat to the playoffs. Coach Harnarong returned for a second spell to oversee the 2022-23 campaign, while Ferreira dos Santos scored the goals as Trat won promotion.

Recent Times

Santi Chaiyaphuak came in as head coach. Lidor Cohen’s goals weren’t enough to keep Trat up a year later, as Krongpol Daorueang arrived to take charge of the relegated club. His spell lasted just a few months before he was replaced by Somchai Makmool, who in turn was succeeded by Phayong Khunnaen. 

Phillerson top-scored as the side finished near the wrong end of the table in 2024-25. Coach Santi returned as the Trat head coach on January 1, 2026.

My visit

Stadium Visit - Wednesday 21st August 2024

My wife and I were heading to the Koh Chang Beach Cricket Tournament and decided to make the journey easier by having her drive us to Trat to discover what the town was all about, before taking the ferry over in time for lunch the next day.

A visit to a rather underwhelming but welcoming local museum was followed by a visit to the stadium, which was being cleaned up and readied in time for a local event. I was extremely impressed with what I saw, as rather than a simple generic province stadium, it had some individuality and pride put into it.

Once I’d taken plenty of photos, we checked into our hotel, the excellent BaanRimNam Resort and had a rest before discovering what Trat had to offer on a Wednesday evening. In truth, not a lot, though I quite liked sitting watching the world go by at the open-fronted Lao Leu Music & Restaurant.

Mrs Rob was not quite as enamoured, so after a look at the basic night market, we took beers home before thoroughly enjoying the ride in a boat on the Nam Chiao to see Wat Jai Bridge. We then headed to the ferry and then lunch in the consistently magnificent Tidlom Seafood Restaurant at Salak Khok on Koh Chang.

Why I Love Football in Sisaket, Thailand

                      

Football support often comes down to geography, family, or circumstance. Some people inherit clubs through generations, while others discover new allegiances later in life.

In my case, moving to Sisaket in rural Thailand unexpectedly gave me not one local club to follow, but two.

Attending a Sisaket FC match in 2018
I'm not sure the stadium has been cleaned since

In my case, I am a Scarborough fan, as were all the elder members of my family, with Hull City offering me the chance of some bigger games on a visit to a larger place. When I moved to London, it was Hendon that I had an affection for when I couldn’t travel north. 

My holidays to Thailand saw me get to any games I could, eager for new adventures and to find unknown pleasures. Port FC became my favourite side, as they offered me the best matchday experience in Bangkok. However, things changed halfway through 2022.

I had met and become close to a lady while I lived in Minburi, who suggested we might enjoy life together in her home province of Sisaket. I visited the city on a whistlestop Isan tour in 2018 and took in a game against Nakhon Ratchasima in the League Cup. The city seemed fine to me, and the people were warm and friendly, so why not give it a go?

The Fall of Sisaket FC

Things developed pretty quickly between the two of us, as I fell in love with the people and the country life I was being offered, with the added chance to go and watch some football. It was the season that Sisaket FC were to fold, be disbanded and thrown out of Thai League 3 after a massive wrangle and dispute with Esan United. 

They had enjoyed a good history, previously playing in the top tier of Thai football, and filled the stadium on occasions, losing 1-0 to Buriram United in the 2015 League Cup final. Fortunately, another club, Sisaket United, formed in 2012, took over sole tenancy of the dated and dirty Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium and reached the playoffs in 2022-23, my first season of watching them. 

What came as a shock when my future wife drove me around the area was that there was a second club playing in town in a huge stadium that I was previously unaware of. Rasisalai United were competing in their debut season in the Thai League 3.

The more modern SAT Stadium

This was great news, especially after moving full-time to the area in February 2023, as it meant that there were two teams to go and watch. I quickly worked out that it would be possible to get to see games at Ubon UMT Stadium and other venues in the nearby cities once dropped off in Kanthararom, twenty minutes from us.

Sisaket is mad about football, with the province being fiercely proud of its people and teams that represent it. I often tell friends about its vibe, being one of community and taking me back to being a youngster in England, before attitudes and cultures changed for the worse. I quickly discovered that quite a few people went to watch whoever was playing, whether it be Sisaket or Rasisalai.

Looking towards "our" VIP seats

The following season, Rasi, a town around 40km from Sisaket city, had a distinctly average season, in front of crowds of around 300. Because their town has no suitable venue, they continued to play at the SAT Stadium in Sisaket. 

Sisaket United had a superb season, winning promotion and finishing overall runners-up in Thai League 3. While the tactics of coach “Pat” could sometimes be dull, they were effective, with the excellent Matteus Panigazzi and Danilo leading the way.

Naturally, interest grew along with attendance in the second tier. Rasi owner, the often-excitable Nuchanart Jaruwongsatian, was not about to see her club left behind. Arnon Bandasak was installed as coach, along with the arrival of three Brazilians: Ramon Mesquita, Gilberto Macena, and Alberto Gouvea. 

My pal, John, and I had met Alberto going into a Sisaket match and asked him how he thought he would get on. He was no joker. Alberto smashed through the twenty-goal mark as Rasisalai swept teams aside on the way to becoming national Thai League 3 champions.

Derby Day, and more importantly, a quality deal at a quality bar to get into the mood.
Football will always be far more than 90 minutes to me. It's a day out.

The team did even better than Sisaket had the season before, becoming national Thai League 3 champions as crowds grew, merchandise sales rocketed, and opponents were regularly swept aside. All this while Sisaket finished outside the playoffs despite showing promise on occasions.

Derby Days in Sisaket

The local derby between the two sides early in the 2025-26 season attracted an official crowd of 4,458, to which a thousand can be added, as kids don’t pay. They played out a magnificent 3-3 draw, while “Uncle Chuay”, the new coach of Sisaket United, formerly in charge of Sisaket FC, oversaw an improvement in their fortunes.

A big crowd at the derby

With one game before the mid-season break, Rasisalai sit at the top of the table and are still unbeaten, with Sisaket in third place. Two sides are promoted automatically, with the next four entering the playoffs. We are being spoilt for entertainment and matchdays in town.

Two Clubs, Two Different Experiences

The two experiences do differ. As mentioned, Sisaket’s home is decrepit, filthy, and a health hazard. It has a track around the pitch, but importantly, the stands are in a straight line, meaning not too much distance from the pitch. 

The fans are generally older, following the province’s traditional club, and are extremely passionate and vocal, with officials and visiting players being left in no doubt that they are the enemies. It’s horrible, the toilets are shocking, and the pitch is a disgrace, with some crazy people adding to the entertainment. I love it, especially on the open side.

The SAT Stadium is a bowl with curved stands around its running track, meaning it is a far greater distance from the pitch, and lacking in intensity, despite plenty of noise being made. The fans are generally younger and more polite. 

We sit every game in the VIP area, near the partners and families of the players, basically because we did when hardly anyone attended, so we continued to do so, becoming accepted as part of the furniture.

What will happen if one or both clubs win promotion to League 1 is anyone’s guess. It will take a lot of money to improve the squads. Questions are already being asked about whether the overseas players, now advancing in years, could cope at a higher level.

The pitch at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium
Even worse than normal

Why Football Means More Than Results

Football has always been about more than the match itself for me. The beers beforehand, the conversations, the travelling to the ground, the familiar faces — that’s the real attraction.

Football day is my day out, and I must enjoy it. Results don’t matter if I have a good day. You see, we’re all different.

Why I Love Living in Sisaket

And that I think is why I love living in Sisaket so much. We have a small golf course, so we can enjoy a round. There is great food to be had, with bars too. It’s easy to walk up to the stadium and drink outside or take a beer to our seats. There is no hassle with tickets, and we get to know regulars. It’s the ideal size for me. I do worry some of it might diminish if either side went up, along with some heavy defeats on the pitch.

Under a Blood Red Sky at Sisaket United

The good thing is, I have the fallback of knowing that teams like Kanthararom United will enter the FA Cup along with amateur sides from Ubon Ratchathani, with a semipro league entertaining me in the new year, with the chance of a few days finding new bars and restaurants, making new friends, as well as an occasional game of golf.

Best of all, I live among people who love their football in whichever way they choose to support their local teams.

The Futera is Bright in North Bangkok

 

Futera United 5 Saraburi United 2

Sunday 16th November 2025

Thai League 3 Central

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 c300 🎟️Free 

A Love Supreme

I guess I’m the sort of bloke for whom the phrase, more clubs than Jack Nicklaus was invented. The truth is, I love football and go out of my way to have a good day when going to a match. Over the years, I’ve grown fond of many clubs, whether just passing through for the day or going to watch them regularly.

This might be because the locals have gone out of their way to give me a warm welcome, or the atmosphere at a game has been superb. Sometimes it’s the quality of the nearby pubs or a town that has captured my heartstrings. On other occasions, it might be because a mate supports a particular team, and I don’t like seeing them sad. 

Change in Attitude

In my later years, I cannot understand the mentality behind the pleasure that some derive from baiting others over a football result or things going wrong. As for anyone who describes this as being "only banter", well, I would ban them from social media or stadiums for a year. Those, along with any wrong ’uns I cross paths with, are welcome to suffer at full-time every week.

As a traditionalist, Futera United are everything that I should dislike. They are a club run on the 3Web, digitally, and they embrace cryptocurrency and NFTs, which are tokens purchased by those wishing to become holders, or members, in old money. 

Essentially, Futera is fan-owned, but in a modern way that can lead to old-school football fans screaming. They have a huge following online and sell a ridiculous amount of merchandise, appealing to the younger generation, rather than crusties who turn their hog out if a club doesn't issue a programme.

Futera United Gain Fame

The club appeared on Talksport’s Hawksbee & Jacobs afternoon show on a feature about trading cards, as Futera is a company that produces them, and is the finance behind the football club. Their holders can have their say on tactics, selection, formations, kits, and lots of other things. 

There are Futera NFT holders all around the world who watch their matches live on different streaming services. How far the club can go remains to be seen. I first met founder Mark Watson at a game in March 2013, when the original club, Futera Seeker, played in the old third-tier Thai Regional League Central West Region. 

I went to an away game, and Mark let me in behind the scenes to see how matchdays operated. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing.

Unbelievable Experience

Back then, holders could vote and offer their input during a game. Mark monitored it all on a laptop in the press area and then contacted the coach on the bench by walkie-talkie to implement changes while the match was in progress. Unbelievable if I hadn’t experienced it with my own eyes.

Seeker went alone, before Futera United was reborn, starting in the lower divisions of the amateur Bangkok Premier League. The club entered the FA Cup in 2022-23, losing 3-0 away to Sisaket United, which was a credible result against a side that would reach the Thai League 3 playoffs a few months later.

Club Re-established

The club entered the Thai Semipro League the following season, and again in 2024-25, which is where they were the beneficiaries of extra promotion places being available. As Futera is run well, they went up in third place, despite finishing with less organised outfits, making the Bangkok University Stadium their home ground as they re-entered professional football. 

The story was one that I loved, with the sheer positivity and having the confidence to think outside the box, especially in Thailand, a country notorious for being stuck in its ways. It led me to make a video about it all for my YouTube channel.

Promotion to Thai League 3

The start of the 2025-26 season was tough, despite scoring plenty of goals, owing to a leaky defence, poor game management, and some goalkeeping best forgotten about. It’s fair to say that some refereeing decisions not awarded were also a reason for their indifferent results. 

It would be their fifth match before they picked up a point, going on to draw twice more. The most recent of which was against the only side below them on goal difference, Singburi Warriors, despite dominating much of the game.

The reason that I can describe much of the above is that the Thai League, through the telecom company AIS, shows every single game live free of charge on TV through a box which is cheap to get hold of, or on their App. I generally watch the afternoon Futera game in our local pre-match pub of choice, before heading off to watch Sisaket United or Rasisalai United. It’s a magnificent service.

A Bizarre Match

Anyway, with me heading to Bangkok with my wife to meet up with friends before flying to Chiang Mai to celebrate my sixtieth birthday over a cricket weekend, I decided it was time for Futera to get my support in the flesh, joined by my good mate Jarvo, over from the UK and going to his first Thai football game.

What we experienced was one of the more bizarre games of football I've seen in Thailand, and there have been plenty to choose from. Three sending-offs in the first half, eight goals, and the woodwork being struck six or seven times, in a game that both sides were desperate not to lose.

The visiting goalie, Rungarun Sumala, was shown a red card in the second minute, after he handled outside the box to deny a goalscoring opportunity. He stood motionless, not quite believing what was happening. How ironic, when attending a game featuring the most modern of clubs, that we were about to be treated to something that took me back to when I think football was better.

Chaos ensued because Saraburi didn’t have a goalkeeper on the bench. In the end, it was decided that the captain and defender, Yuttapong Srilakon, would go between the sticks after a delay of over ten minutes, as he added to the indignity of Rungarun by changing into his pink shorts and socks. 

Bureaucracy gone mad, especially when he then donned a yellow shirt that clashed with the colour worn by the match officials. A shout of “get on with it” was aired, which meant that another expat was in attendance, or a Thai had spent the summer at Headingley.

Stand-In Goalie

Whatever Yuttapong’s respective qualities are in defence remained to be seen, but it's fair to say that he wasn't great as a goalkeeper. He fumbled the weak resulting free kick, allowing Pharanyou Sawatpakdee to tap in from close range. 

The stand-in tipped a shot over the bar, before it was 2-0 once the corner was swung in as Nattawut Jandit pounced at the back post. We purred with delight at what we were about to receive.

There have been great memories of makeshift goalies being heroes over the years. Vinnie Jones for Wimbledon at Newcastle, Bobby Moore for West Ham against Stoke, saving a penalty from some bloke called Bernard, and of course Mitch Cook’s heroic performance replacing broken leg victim Kevin Blackwell for Scarborough away at Scunthorpe. 

This was not to be another to add to the list.

Another Red Card

Play meanwhile in Bangkok’s northernmost suburbs was getting tetchy. Referee Dassakhon Hokla wasn’t particularly covering himself in glory, with his weak match management. He sent off home player Songkhun Khongsukko and away man Nitibodin Makot for a set-to, which involved nearly everyone on the pitch. There were fifteen minutes of additional time at the end of the half. Sarankrit Artwichien extended the lead in the third, with a fine low finish.

I was certainly not short of material for my Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast. The one dampener was that owner Mark was away on business and missed the match. I’m sure he would have enjoyed sitting in relaxed mode in the stand. It was great fun, with ice-cold Leo’s lubricating the larynx regularly.

The second half was wide open as the match ball collected splinters coming back repeatedly off the post and bar, with the keepers at both ends well beaten. Sarankrit made it 4-0 seven minutes in, before a fifth was added by substitute, Kawee Deesawat, with around twenty-five minutes remaining.  

Credit to Saraburi, who were cheered on without much restraint by a healthy turnout, despite requests to respect the passing of Queen Sirikit. They continued to plug away and had a couple of decent efforts saved before the break, before they got one back through Nattapoom Naya three minutes from time. He added another four minutes into stoppage time, with one wondering what might have been if they had penetrated the often-unreliable Futera defence earlier.

That's Entertainment

It was excellent entertainment all told, albeit not a great advert for a professional league at times, as time seemed not to matter. A vital win for Futera, in a battle to secure safety, which would mark a decent return and something to build on, while their association with the PSW Academy continues to flourish.

A Grab taxi arrived to take us away, as one had delivered us at the splendid Bangkok University Stadium and campus earlier. More enjoyment followed after a ride on the BTS Skytrain with a proper catch-up and plenty more beers at a couple of bars at Lat Phrao.

A Sad End to a Great Day

Pretty much the perfect day out until Mark messaged me with the desperately sad news that the father of Futera player, Sarawin Sungkhao, had been killed in a road accident, while thought to be on the way to the match, being a supporter who rarely missed a game. This article is dedicated to the players, families, and all at Futera United.

Article originally published in November 2025

Sukhothai

Ground: Thalay Luang Stadium
Capacity: 8,000
Club Founded: 2009
League: Thai League 1 (current level)

While visitors flock to see the ruins in the historical northern city of Sukhothai, there is also modern entertainment to be found at Thalay Luang Stadium, the home of the Fire Bats of Sukhothai FC.

Early Years

Sukhothai FC was founded in 2009, initially playing their home games at the Sukhothai Institute of Physical Education Stadium. The club, coached by Chusak Sriphum, was awarded a place in the third-tier Regional League Division 2 North. The side remained in mid-table or lower positions for several seasons before ending third in 2013. 

New Stadium

Big changes came in 2014 as the club moved into the new Thalay Luang Stadium. The regional title was clinched, followed by promotion from Group B of the playoffs, taking the Fire Bats to a place in the second-tier Division 1.

The prolific Felipe Ferreira scored the goals as Sukhothai won promotion at the first attempt, for the side led by Somchai Chuayboonchum, who had succeeded Somchai Makmool. Renan Marques was the top marksman of an incredible 2016 season. 

AFC Competition

The side consolidated their league standing at the top level of Thai football, as well as lifting the FA Cup. The club were awarded the accolade when the competition was abandoned at the semifinal stage following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. All four remaining sides became joint winners.

However, Sukhothai won the draw to represent Thailand in the AFC Champions League in 2017, defeating Yadanarbon of Myanmar before losing the playoff round to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

 

Relegation

The legendary John Baggio then began to make his mark in the team after coach Makmool was reappointed, before being replaced by Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok. Chalermwoot Sa-ngapol was then given the job as Nelson Bonilla put away the goals.

Ljubomir Ristovski was the next Sukhothai head coach before he was replaced by a returning Pairoj before the end of the 2019 season. Thai football changed to the European calendar in 2020-21, with the goals of Baggio not being enough to prevent relegation for the side led by Surapong Kongthep. 

A Return to Thai League 1

Osman Sow made his mark up front for the Fire Bats in 2021-22 as the side won promotion back to Thai League 1 at the first attempt under the tutelage of coach Dennis Amato. The team stayed up before the German tactician moved on.

Chusak Sriphum and then Sugao Kambe were the next head coach appointments. A returning Bonilla scored the goals to help Sukhothai remain safe, despite some disharmony on and off the pitch, with fans being upset with the club owners.

Recent Times

Aktaporn Chalitaporn led the side from the bench as the consistent Baggio, in his second spell at the club, joined in the goalscoring effort by Matheus Fornazari. Ekalak Thong-am was appointed as the Sukhothai head coach in March 2026. 

His team retained their top-flight status with a 3-0 final-day home win against Muangthong United.

My visit

Sukhothai 1 Buriram United 2

Thai League 1 - Sunday 6th April 2025

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 6,095 🎟️ 120 THB (£2.70)

Friendship Through Football

One of the great pleasures of watching football across Thailand has been my involvement in A Thai Football Podcast. The weekly airing encourages all sorts of topics of conversation, with match reports from anyone who wants to contribute and send anything in being welcomed.

Dale, who does an incredible job putting it together, has found contacts from goodness knows where. This has led to friendships being made with other like-minded individuals when catching up whenever visiting different parts of the country. Bill Greaves is a prime example. 

Bill, with his Aberdonian and Canadian drawl, sends in some cracking reports full of humour and smart observations. When my wife, Taew, looked at routes to return from the annual Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes, the fixtures, and destinations aligned perfectly, also offering the chance to see historic Sukhothai as part of our road trip.

Bill, through Dale, got in touch, and we enjoyed a phone chat a week before we met up, with his good lady, Dtoi, sorting out the match tickets. Taew drove us down on Sunday morning along a scenic route, before we checked into our rather underwhelming resort, much to her disappointment. 

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

Matchday in Sukhothai

Not to worry, after a siesta, we were soon meeting our hosts in a noodle shop for a quick beer. Bill’s original suggestion to go for a burger was scuppered as AJ’s was shut, as was his alternative plan. He didn’t seem too upset as he enjoyed being at the Thalay Luang Stadium with lots of time to spare.

The couple could not have been more friendly or helpful. I had a wander about for photos before returning to the car, which had been parked next to by other hospitable regulars as a small tailgate party ensued with food and drink purchased from the decent choice of stores. 

I did my stuff for the podcast with Bill offering his thoughts before he and Dtoy went inside a little before us, so that he could manage the steps to our seat before it got busy. The atmosphere was building once we joined them, with beers and the spicy local thin sausage, which I quickly took a liking to.

The stadium was also to my approval, with magnificent views of the mountains in the distance and seats close to the pitch without a running track. The locals were out in force and made a proper din against the big boys of Thai football, who were firm favourites to win against their mid-table opposition. 

Buriram Come to Town

Love or dislike Buriram, they are an outstanding example of what money can provide with star players, by far the biggest club stadium in the country, and honours galore. The way that referees seemingly bend towards them is another matter, but not unique to Thailand in the way the most powerful are accommodated.

The first half saw almost incessant Buriram pressure. A couple of scrambles in the home area somehow saw the ball being kept out by a mixture of desperation, luck, brave defending, erratic goalkeeping from understudy Supazin Hnupichai, and poor finishing. It was not dull.

The home Fire Bats were either about to be eaten up or come up with the greatest ‘rope a dope’ performance ever. The tiny John Baggio and giant Matheus Fornazari formed an unlikely double act, but on occasions, they caused concern to the visiting rearguard.

It was like an FA Cup tie back home, watching a non-league side take on a team from several divisions higher. That’s how much of a gulf there can be at times in Thai football. That said, at 0-0, Sukhothai always had a chance of a breakaway to snatch a win that would have made for the perfect evening. 

Soon into the second half, Supazin made a super save from which Supachai Chaided blasted the rebound over. A local friend of Bill was not enamoured by the number of foreigners taking the field for Buriram. They are not a Thai club was the gist of his observations.

The deadlock was broken in the fiftieth minute, as the impressive Jefferson Tabinas went on another forceful run down the left-hand side. His powerful cross was put away by substitute Suphanat Mueanta for star-studded Buriram. Shortly after, Goran Čaušić saw a shot smash off the top of the crossbar. 

In the sixty-fifth minute, the reigning champions doubled their advantage. Sukhothai lost the ball in midfield, where it was quickly swept wide on the right. The cross was chested home by Martin Boakye, with my thoughts being on the rest of the game being a case a damage limitation.

The man beside us was further narked when Buriram introduced another foreign star, Guilherme Bissoli, into the action. His team didn’t stop believing and grabbed a goal in stoppage time when the ball was dragged back for Hikaru Matsui to fire past goalie    Neil Etheridge.

However, there was not enough time to raise any more attacks, with the result being about the right outcome. Nobody could accuse the Sukhothai players of not giving their all, but they were beaten by a better side, who edged closer to the title.

A Stormy Ending

We still had plenty to look forward to. Our match tickets gave free admission to a concert in the park behind the goal, which would see the extremely popular Thai band, Clash, playing. Off we went as best we could through the crowds, losing our hosts when we got split up. 

Eventually, we were inside the fenced-off area, but just as the band began to play, the heavens opened, and huge winds blew across the open space. It got very cold, wet, and dangerous, very quickly. It was scary for a while.

Particularly as the poles holding the large Chang beer banners began toppling over, and Bill, in a seat, would not be able to get out of the way. We protected him as best as we could with my large body attempting to perform as a wind break while Taew used an umbrella over him as Toy went to retrieve the car. 

The gig was abandoned, leading to chaos as everyone wanted to leave at the same time. Dtoi managed to get the car near, and I forced open the fencing so my friend could access it quickly. We had a giggle inside the vehicle, but it had been quite an experience.

The traffic back towards the main roads was horrendous, taking us well over an hour before Dtoi deposited us at the end of the lane by our accommodation. I had a coffee to warm up before bed.

Onward Journey

The following morning, we had breakfast and covered the sites of the historical park without paying to go inside them. It was a pleasant little tour offering me some excellent video footage, before we headed to Kamphaeng Phet to meet more friends for another lovely few hours.

Our thanks go to Bill and Dtoi for their hospitality and for making the visit so special.