The Remarkable Rise of Rasisalai United

 

The Remarkable Rise of Rasisalai United

My tribute as a regular attendee to Rasisalai United, a club that has achieved great things in a relatively short time. 

Written April 2026

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.

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 Rasi 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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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, with no questions 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

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.

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.

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.

 

Sukhothai

Sukhothai FC is a professional football club from the northern Thai city of Sukhothai Thani, which was formed in 2009, initially playing their home games at Sukhothai Institute of Physical Education Stadium.

The club, coached by Chusak Sriphum, was awarded a place in the Regional League Division 2 Northern Region, finishing seventh. The side remained in mid-table or lower positions for several seasons before ending third in 2013.

 

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.

 

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 owing to 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, where they defeated Yadanarbon of Myanmar before losing the playoff round to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

 

The legendary John Baggio then began to make his mark in the team after coach Makmool was reappointed, before he was replaced by Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok. In May 2018, Chalermwoot Sa-ngapol was given the job as his side ended in eleventh spot with Nelson Bonilla putting away the goals.

In October 2018, Ljubomir Ristovski was appointed as 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. 

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 came in to lead the team for 2023-24 before he was replaced by Sugao Kambe a few months in. 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.

Aktaporn Chalitaporn was given the job of head coach in June 2024, 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.

Sukhothai FC will play in the Thai League 1 in the 2025-26 season.

My visit

Sukhothai 1 Buriram United 2 (Sunday 6th April 2025) Thai League 1 (att: 6,095) 

One of the great pleasures of watching football has become my involvement in A Thai Football Podcast. The weekly airing encourages all sorts of topics of conversation, with match reports from wherever anyone wants to send one in being welcomed.

Dale, who does an incredible job putting it together, has found contacts from goodness knows where, which 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, Toy, 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

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. 

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.

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. Dtoy 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 Toy deposited us at the end of the lane by our accommodation. I had a coffee to warm up before bed.

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 Toy for their hospitality and for making the visit so special.

An English Footballer in Thailand

Enjoy the video I compiled at the match between 
Sisaket United and Marasarakham in the Thai League 2 in February 2024

featuring English defender Charlie Clough.

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

Army United

 

A History of Army United FC

Army United FC, known as Royal Thai Army FC until December 2010, is a defunct professional football club that was based in the Din Daeng district of Bangkok. The club was originally formed in 1916, always maintaining a presence in Thai football.

Most of the club's players were members of the Army, playing at the impressive 20,000-capacity Thai Army Sports Stadium. The club folded at the end of the 2019 season because of changes to the constitution of such sporting entities and their funding.

Ups and Downs

When the Thai football league system was modernised, the Army were a Premier League team. They were relegated in 1999, and they remained in the second-tier until 2004-05 when they returned to the top level as champions. 

They remained at that level before a further relegation was suffered three seasons later. This time, in 2010, the team went straight back up at the first attempt, helped by the goals of Tatree Sing-Ha. A year later, the club abandoned its policy of only fielding players from the army as the game in Thailand became increasingly professional.

An Additional Team is Formed

The Army Welfare Development was formed, playing in the Khǒr Royal Cup around the same time, going on to be elected to the Regional League 2 in 2015 as Royal Thai Army FC to offer an outlet to purely army employees.

A Cup Final and British Coaches

'The Gentlemen Ranger' reached the FA Cup Final in 2012, losing to Buriram United under the stewardship of Paniphon Kerdyam. Former Scottish international defender Matt Elliott was in charge of team affairs between January and June 2014, before the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Gary Stevens took over.

Stevens lasted until May 2015 when he was replaced by Issaro Sritaro, who in turn was replaced by fellow Thai and former team boss Watcharakorn Antakhamphu. His tenure saw the team placed in the final relegation position with three rounds remaining. 

The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej marked the end of the season, with league places at the time being counted as final. Thus, Army were relegated.

Thai League 2 Football and the End

The 2017 campaign in the newly rebranded second-tier Thai League 2 (T2) saw another poor run of results, leading to a couple of changes of head coach. Daniel Blanco took over team affairs in July 2017, remaining in charge until the end of the season before departing for Krabi. 

Blanco would return a couple of years later, after former Portugal international midfielder Nascimento and Adul Luekijna had spells in charge of the team. The side finished fifth in the table as Tanakorn Dangthong led the scoring prior to the club folding.

My visit

Royal Thai Army 1 Bangkok United 1

Saturday 24th April 2010

Thailand Premier League 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 c1,200 🎟️ 80 THB (£1.80)

This report was written at the time for the Scarborough Athletic FC fanzine, Abandon Chip.

An Unexpected Opportunity

Owing to the erupting Icelandic volcano, I was unfortunately detained in Bangkok for a week longer than scheduled. Not wanting to cry over spilt milk and ever looking to broaden my footballing education, I decided that Saturday, 24th April 2010, should be spent watching a local game.

I had planned to go to the game in the Premier Division between BEC Tero Sasana and top of the table Chonburi at the Thephasadin Stadium. Unfortunately, this venue was next to the old National Stadium in an area of the city disrupted by violent political clashes involving the military and the red shirt protestors. This led to the game being postponed.

A Confusing Journey 

Not to be deterred, I hit on a plan B. I took off after lunch with Steve and the other intrepid stranded traveller, Neil Eggar. I found a taxi and set off. My companions gave me the wind-up before I set off. My chosen game was to be Army v Bangkok United. They laughed as they said I’d probably picked a grudge match.

The driver wasn’t sure of my destination, so I gave him a station on the underground where I thought I could walk from. After a little conversation in very broken Thai and English, he revealed he was a reserve in the Army and showed me his ID card.

He reckoned he knew where the stadium was. I also knew vaguely, as I’d passed it before on my way to Harrow International School, where I help co-ordinate a cricket tournament each November.

My man was spot on, and he pulled into a service station just short of the stadium off the expressway a full hour before kick-off. I spotted a local in a Bangkok United shirt who, luckily, spoke English a little, and he directed me to the ground.

Arriving at the Stadium

Five minutes later saw myself entering the sports campus. The guard seemed very friendly, which was encouraging. I knew the stadium had a track around the pitch and one side had a roof from research, so I wandered round to that side. All around were basic cafes that also served beer.

Outside, both clubs had souvenir stalls, but I resisted. I decided to enter the ground, and I paid 80 baht (just short of £2) for a seat in the Main Stand. I had the bottle from my water removed by courteous guards. Upon entry, I found I was in the home fans section. A VIP area separated us from the away fans further up the touchline.

A Fun Family Atmosphere

There were school children on the far open side. It had been my intention to gain entry there at some point to take photos and to get on the live TV coverage while speaking to my mates on my mobile, while they looked on from home.

The fans were very enthusiastic, making loud noises with drums, hooters, and the plastic sticks which are found at games.

Their support never abated. The crowd was mainly aged between 14 and 30, and it has to be said that it was a pleasure to be in the company of the many females. They were certainly more aesthetic than my usual mates at a game.

A leader got the “Tra Kong Chak”, as the Army is known, and fans went with a megaphone, and nearly everyone joined in. If only I knew what they were chanting so I could have!

An Entertaining Match

The game was very entertaining, assisted by a good ref who worked well with his assistants. The Army was at the bottom of the league, but they had the better of the play, eventually going ahead. I was really getting into it by now, and I was even more enthusiastic about finding beer for 30 baht (80p) at half-time.

Even better was when I could take one back upstairs for the second half. It was most welcome as it was thirsty work just watching. I noticed that the sub has to go to the fourth official and show his official TPL ID to sanction a change.

United grabbed an equaliser about ten minutes from time. The same tell-tale tale, which is found anywhere in the world, signs echoed through the stand: a second or so of silence followed by the roars of the away fans who numbered around 300. The total gate probably crept over 1,000.

I was sad for my newfound friends who had been most welcoming with their warm smiles. Full time saw something I am very much in approval of. The teams went across to their opposing supporters and bowed, known as wai-ing in Thailand.

It is a traditional greeting like shaking hands in Western culture. In return, the opposing fans applauded the players. Very civilised and far nicer than the abuse they would suffer elsewhere. It IS a game after all.

At full time, I went back to a bar that was showing the last half hour of the Man Utd v Tottenham match and got stuck in. Some locals tried to have a conversation, but expressions and body language spoke louder than words.

A Souvenir to Take Home

I went back to the club shop and purchased an excellent quality Army team shirt for 450 baht, which was less than a tenner!. I finished off my beer and went for a taxi back to Steve’s house in Minburi.

The games kick off in Thailand at a perfect time. I was home twenty minutes into the 3pm kick-offs from back home, with each game being shown live on different channels.

If ever you are in the Land of Smiles, please make an effort and go and watch a local game. You will see 100% commitment, offering excellent value for money.

You will generally get a cheap meal and beer, and you can buy a team shirt for £10, which shows just how much all clubs in the Western world were ripping off genuine fans. You will also get a warm welcome, and your support will be appreciated.

A Further Visit

To read about my confusing later visit to watch Royal Thai Army FC in 2016, click here.