It doesn’t matter where a football fan is located around the world. The arrival of a new season brings expectation, excitement and hope, and supporters in Thailand are no different. This year, however, they have to wait slightly longer for domestic football to get underway, with the Thailand national team involved in the ASEAN Championship.
So what is in store in 2026-27?
The Thunder Castle Chang Arena in Buriram
Buriram United Dominance
Those who follow club football in Thailand to any degree know that Buriram United is the dominant side. The Isan outfit has a powerful owner and is streets ahead of the competition in terms of merchandise, their stadium, training facilities, recruitment and the cash they invest. In a nutshell, they are based on successful European operations rather than using a scattergun approach generally favoured by their rivals.
Since becoming Buriram United, the club has collected 10 league titles in the last 13 years. They have won Thai League 1 for the last 5 seasons. They have won 4 FA Cups in the last 5 years, as well as the League Cup 3 times during the same period.
Therefore, it will be no shock that I predict they will continue to win the league and the cups. Their performances lead to competing in AFC Asian competitions, where big money is earned, so the cycle continues.
BG Stadium, Pathum Thani
A Competitive League
However, if you take away Buriram, the rest of the league is extremely competitive. There are some good teams like Port FC and Bangkok United, and the occasional well-run club such as Ratchaburi and BG Pathum United.
There is excitement in my part of the world as both Rasisalai United and Sisaket United won promotion to the elite level of the Thai League last season. The big shock was when former dominant club Muangthong United went in the opposite direction and will be looking to make a swift return.
Who goes down and is replaced by who sees fans discussing endlessly on social media, with Facebook packed with pages of supporters' groups across the country, along with others who spread news that is often little more than unsubstantiated rumours. If you need information about matches and the clubs, then Facebook or Line is the place to look in Thailand.
Pre-Match Ambience at Port FC
How to Attend Matches
Attendances at matches continue to show positive signs of improvement. Going to a game is still an excellent few hours out, with all sections of the community having fun. The tickets are easily available; they are relatively inexpensive, and the whole experience means that even if the game is poor, the time spent isn’t wasted.
Most stadiums have vendors outside selling food and beer, with chairs and tables laid out. The prices are comparable to local bars and restaurants, sometimes even cheaper, rather than the exploitation of fans that often goes on in the UK. Supporters often play local music outside, adding to the atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet people and make friends.
The atmosphere inside the stadiums can be extremely vibrant, with passionate home supporters often giving match officials feedback. Yet, it is extremely rare to see animosity between opposition supporters. In my experience, they are more likely to want to talk and drink with you.
Breadcrumbed Chicken on a Stick
- A Thai Stadium Classic
How to Watch at Home
For those who cannot get to a game, AIS, a communications company, has a contract to show all games in the 3 divisions live, as well as most cup matches. Those who subscribe can watch on their mobile devices, while those who have an AIS Wi-Fi connection can view the action on their TVs via a box.
Madame Pang
The FA President Nualphan Lamsam, usually referred to by her nickname, Madame Pang, has done many good things since her appointment to the role. BYD has become the league sponsor, and Chang beer is the name associated with the FA Cup, while Mueang Thai Life Insurance sponsors two other cups.
She negotiated the TV deal that assists clubs throughout the 3 national divisions with their finances. Better governance, administration, and discipline throughout Thai football have been introduced, with clubs required to reach higher standards. The Under-21 League has also grown in numbers this season. The League launch is now a big event that gains increased publicity.
Yes, some things could be improved in Thai football, but much of that responsibility lies with the clubs. They need to be better communicators with supporters, telling them the news, whether it is good or bad. They need to improve their facilities, upgrade stadiums and build infrastructure rather than spending cash on short-term foreign signings, some of whom flatter to deceive.
Dragon Solar Park - Ratchaburi
National Team Improvement
The Thai national team are showing signs of improvement too, with Madame Pang playing her part by persuading some of those with dual passports, who play in leagues elsewhere, to choose Thailand. Head coach Anthony Hudson is building a decent team that has one foot in the final of the ASEAN Championships as I write.
They will compete in the 4-team King’s Cup in Sisaket in November and then the AFC Championships against the best of Asia in Saudi Arabia next year. By the end of the season, supporters will know much more about the progress made by their national heroes.
Matchday Fun
A Closing Round-Up
So, in closing, while Buriram United will more than likely lift all 3 major domestic trophies once more, along with the Shopee Cup, the Southeast Asian championship, there is much to look forward to.
New teams are looking to make their mark in Thai League 1, established old hands want to return to former glories, and the Thailand national team could reach new levels.
And best of all, those who want to go to matches can do so, having an inexpensive day, enjoying food and drink with friends old and new and taking in a fantastic atmosphere, so even if the game is poor, the time is never wasted.
Club: PEA FC, Police United, Bangkok United (former), Dome FC (current). Thammasat is a neutral venue for FA and League Cup semi-finals and finals, as well as the Thailand national team and various international teams.
There are not many grander arenas in Thailand than Thammasat Stadium, with its one drawback being its location and accessibility from central Bangkok.
Background
Thammasat Stadium, opened in 1998, is located on the Rangsit campus of Thammasat University, north of Bangkok. It was originally built for the 1998 ASEAN Games before being used predominantly for football.
Its design is a smaller version of Rajamangala National Stadium, albeit with a cover on both sides. An outstanding feature is its striking corner floodlights and a mini stadium behind the north end, providing a warm-up track for athletes.
PEA FC, Provincial Electric Authority, used the stadium as their home ground in the 2001-02 season for Asian Champions League games, before Police United arrived as the full-time tenant in 2011, remaining there for five seasons.
After they moved south near the headquarters at Boonyachinda Stadium, Dome FC, part of Thammasat University, played in the stadium from 2015, with Bangkok United arriving in 2016. The stadium became a favourite of the Thai FA, who used it for the latter stages of their cup competitions.
The stadium also staged matches in the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship, including the semi-final, which saw South Korea defeat Saudi Arabia. Bangkok United left Thammasat at the end of the 2024-25 season to become a tenant of BG Pathum United at BG Stadium. My visits
Insee Police United 0 Suphanburi 2
Thai Premier League - Wednesday 27th March 2013
Click here to read about my first call to the stadium.
Dome FC 1 BCG 3
Thai League 4 Bangkok Region - Monday 18th June 2018 (att: 109)
Thai League Cup semi-final - Wednesday 25th May 2022
👨👨👧👧 1,877 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
A Long Ride
The Thai FA decided to use Thammasat Stadium as a neutral venue once again after it had staged the FA Cup final the previous Sunday. As well as this League Cup last-four encounter, it would also stage the final just four days later.
I’d baulked at the chance to visit earlier in the season when Bangkok United were in situ. There were far easier journeys to other matches. It really was a trek from Minburi, but my vanity sealed the deal on this occasion.
I’d met up with my Chonburi supporting pal, Dale, a couple of weeks earlier when his team played away to Ratchaburi. I’d enjoyed their attacking style, so when he asked me to compile the match report I’ve repeated below for his website, it was a no-brainer.
Wary of the distance, I set off around 2.30pm, getting on board a minivan at the terminus in Minburi. It was nearly 3pm before we set off on what was to be a laborious journey. Yes, we beat the school traffic to begin with, but got horribly snarled up as we crawled down Ram Inthra Road.
It was painful stuff up Pahon Yothin Road, with all its turn-offs and side sois as the rush hour really kicked in with people leaving work. We really were getting back to normal post-COVID. I asked the driver if he went all the way to the University, but he ended up at Future Park Rangsit.
As in my trips to BG Pathum United, I alighted at Big C, opposite Zeer Rangsit and awaited the 510m bus for the remainder of the trip. Again, we got caught up in traffic. I jumped out at the Thailand Science Park inside the campus, only to see the bus continue towards the stadium.
Getting slightly lost near the mini stadium, which staged games in the Thailand Amateur League and then the site's tennis courts, I eventually headed around to the West Stand, which was divided into two sections between the two sides.
I had a choice of seats and height. The only area with any real population was down towards the front, where the ultras with megaphones and drums assembled. I have to say the stadium offers fantastic views.
Anyway. Onto my match report....
Prachuap advanced to face Buriram in the final of the League Cup with a goal after sixty-four minutes from Brazilian striker Willen Mota in a game of few chances before withstanding prolonged Chonburi pressure to see out the game.
The Killer Wasp had the brighter of the early exchanges with a low cross skimming along the six-yard line, begging for a final touch before both teams began feeling each other out while looking for an opening in a relatively dull first half.
A Prachuap quick counter following a Sharks corner saw Soony Saad fire wide. A lapse from Chonburi’s Songchai Thongcham in his own box was cleaned up by a couple of defensive blocks before a low-bending free kick at the other end from Gidi Kanyuk was well saved by keeper Jirunpong Thammasiha.
Both sides showed more attacking intent straight from the sound of the whistle at the start of the second half. A Sharks move down the left saw a low cross arrive just behind Yoo Byung-soo, whose resultant volley was weak and wide.
Saad’s header was easily gathered by keeper Chanin Sae-ear as play went from end to end. The Sharks' Dennis Murillo was doing a decent job leading the line, heading just over from a cross. His teammate Kritsada Kaman backed this up with a shot over the bar.
Prachuap should really have taken the lead just gone the hour mark when a superb cross from Saharat Pongsuwan picked out the free Apichart Denman on the back post, but his header missed the target.
Despite the small crowd rattling around Thammasat, both sets of fans created a cacophony of noise with drums and chants underneath the large curving roof of the East Stand. It would be those clad in orange who would have cause to cheer when a simple through ball from Prasit Jantum found Mota, who brushed aside the weak efforts of Prasit Jantum to finish calmly.
Prachuap’s players suddenly became more prone to requiring treatment from the physio. I can only assume referee Mongkolchai Pechsri put his foot down with a few words, as it stopped after a couple of times in quick succession, as the Sharks fans and players sounded their disapproval.
Kaman was doing his best to fire up his Chonburi troops and came close to capitalising on dithering defenders, but could not get enough power behind his half-volley to really trouble custodian Thammasiha.
Sharks' pressure mounted, but in truth, their crossing was woeful. The introduction of diminutive wideman Phitak Pimpae created a few problems, but the Killer Wasp backline was having a good night. A scuffed volley from Kaman summed up Chonburi’s frustrations.
Their best chance of levelling came when a superb cross-field diagonal pass from Noppanon Kachaplayuk was chested down by Murillo, but the big Brazilian sliced his left-footed effort badly wide. Despite a string of corners, the Prachuap defence held firm to set off wild scenes among their travelling support.
Now, for a few personal thoughts to go with my report. I’m not sure either side deserved to win in 90 minutes. It was a tight affair lacking in quality. I was surprised when the goal went in. I thought we were certain of extra time and possibly penalties from an early stage.
Venue Thoughts
Onto the venue. Now there’s no doubt that Thammasat is a superb stadium, despite its running track not being ideal for football fans. The stands are steep, and the views are good, but surely there had to have been a more suitable venue in Bangkok for both sets of fans and neutrals to reach. Especially for a 6pm kick-off.
Despite setting off at 3pm, I got to the ground seven minutes before kick-off. The roads were gridlocked in places as returning students from the previous Monday added to the mounting rush hour traffic. Not great panning from the FA.
A Rainy Return Home
The catering was fine outside the East Stand, aside from only one stall selling soft drinks. My chicken nuggets and fries were excellent. I didn’t see any alcohol available. The ticket prices were good, so fair play to the Thai FA on that.
My own fault, but I decided to take the 510 bus after the game back to Rangsit and take a similar journey without the congestion. A huge electrical storm deluged the area, and no taxis were available. Fortunately, I had my poncho with me, but I still got a proper soaking before eventually flagging down a cab.
I eventually got home around 11.30pm after taking a bus from outside Major Cineplex Rangsit, close to Wat Phra Sri Mahathat, from where I crossed the road for the 26 service back home. The air con didn’t do me many favours after being out in the rain!
It was not difficult to see why Bangkok United, who were a good team and attractive tenants at Thammasat, struggled so hard to attract crowds. Every match is an away fixture unless living in Rangsit. But for all that, I’d certainly give it another go and try to suss out the return bus stops!
Bangkok United 2 Lamphun Warriors 0
Thai League 1 - Sunday 6th November 2022
👨👨👧👧 1,307 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
Read all about a home game for the resident club of the day.
Thailand 4 Philippines 0
AFF Championships Group A - Monday 26th December 2022
👨👨👧👧 6,567 🎟️ 250 THB (£6)
Christmas Bonus
Unlike the previous year, I was unable to find Christmas Day football in my new home, but I got the second best. After contacting fellow Port expat Marco, I set about buying online tickets in advance for 250 Baht on the South Curve.
With plenty of time in hand, I set off at 3pm for the 7.30pm kick-off as the plan was to meet in a bar near the stadium that I had checked out on Google Maps. Well aware that it could be a troublesome journey, I wanted to give myself lots of time.
But there was to be no need for concern. The bus and Skytrain deposited me at Yaek Kor Por Aor BTS station. From there, I anticipated another two buses, one to Zeer Rangsit before meeting up with the 510 into the university campus.
However, a 39 arrived displaying Thammasat on the front. The lovely air-conditioned modern vehicle made up a lot of time, dropping me at the Executive Dome. Last time I walked from there, but with time on my hands, I waited a couple of minutes and hopped aboard the free Yellow Line service going around the grounds.
Pre Match at Thammasat
The stop by the Faculty of Engineering was a mere five minutes to the bar, which was translated as “Talk” on my app, across the busy Khlong Luang Road by a footbridge. It turned out to be an excellent find.
Unfortunately, the draft beer from Stone Brewing was not on, so it was large bottles of local stuff instead, along with pad krapow. Marco joined me for an hour before we walked the ten minutes or so to our turnstiles.
There was an interesting moment when a steward tried to send me to leave my camera at a point outside before a more senior colleague intervened. Pyros were being let off by the Ultras across the way as we went inside.
The beauty of our tickets was that we could sit where we wanted, so we headed high into the corner to grab an excellent view. The attendance was slightly disappointing but not surprising. Oh, for Rajamangala to have staged the match.
The Match
The hosts came out of the blocks quickly and went ahead in the third minute when a free kick from Theerathon Bunmathan was headed home majestically by man of the match Teerasil Dangda, who was outstanding all evening.
The game quickly turned into a procession of attack against defence as the Philippine goal led a charmed life through a mixture of luck, brave defending, desperate goalkeeping and bad finishing, with Bordin Phala causing endless problems out wide.
Adisak Praikorn, alongside Teerasil, was also in excellent form, as chances went begging. Kritsada Kaman had a goal chalked off for offside before Phala cut inside and smashed a shot against the bar with keeper Julian Schwarzer left grasping thin air.
Suphanan Bureerat couldn’t believe his luck as his volley from Dangda’s head down was pushed away by the custodian. Ekanit Panya somehow headed wide when free at the back post from close range as Thailand were rampant.
Praikorn was denied by the legs of Schwarzer before Panya was clumsily brought down in the area four minutes before the interval. Teerasil smashed home the spot kick, before we had a wander and a chat with a couple of Muang Thong Ultras at the break.
The away team stopper somehow scrambled a long shot round the post before a wonderful cross-field pass picked out Teerasil, whose first touch was exemplary as he then laid the ball square for Praikorn to slot home. It was a wonderful goal.
The pressure continued unabated as shots rained in on goal. Phala ran through but was stopped as he was about to shoot, the loose ball falling to Bureerat, who scored with ease. Head coach Mano Pölking had seen enough and decided to save the legs of the magnificent front three as he substituted them.
The game became a bit more like a contest afterwards, with a header from Oliver Bias of the Philippines forcing Kittipong Phoothawchuek to pull off a decent save. A header from sub, Channarong Promsrikaew, forced Schwarzer into another decent save at the other end.
Another replacement, Poramet Arjvirai, intercepted a loose back pass and set up Sarach Yooyen, who somehow contrived to blast over. Either side had a couple of efforts as the game petered out, and away skipper Stephan Schröck continued whining at excellent Japanese referee Yudai Yamamoto.
Homeward Bound
We departed as stoppage time commenced, with the issue of how to find the bus back home. Two proved better than one, as we sussed out the stop for the 510, which took us to Zeer Rangsit, from where a couple more rides got me back to Minburi at just after 11pm.
An excellent home performance, against an albeit wanting opposition, excellent company and a top few hours out. With a bonus of seamless travel, which is a rarity when commenting on Thammasat University.
Bangkok United 2 Port FC 2
Thai League 1 - Sunday 7th April 2024
👨👨👧👧 3,876 🎟️ 100 THB (£2.40)
Another league game, which turned out to be an excellent encounter, can be read about here.
Team: Thailand National Team (former) Neutral Venue (current level)
Many new venues have been opened around Bangkok, while Suphachalasai is considered the grand old lady of stadiums in Thailand, with a fine history in an ideal location.
Stadium Background
The stadium in central Bangkok is part of the National Stadium complex, which also includes Thephasadin Stadium, next door. Just a little further along the main road stands the indoor Nimibutr Arena, completing a fine array of sporting facilities.
Over the years, the stadium hosted many football internationals before the construction of Rajamangala. Several different Thai league clubs, including Chonburi, have also used the stadium for Asian Football Confederation competitions, as many league grounds don't meet the required criteria.
It also often staged domestic finals and showpiece matches, including the 2010 Kor Cup clash between Muangthong United and Port FC that ended early owing to crowd violence. Suphachalasai was used as the main stadium for the Asian Games on three occasions, as well as hosting the game between Oman and Iraq in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.
Michael Jackson played two sold-out concerts in the stadium, before in 2013, the stadium was given a refurbishment and a new running track. The arena staged the athletics events in the Asian Games twenty years later after being given a further spruce up.
In November 2025, the final match of the 7HD Champion Cup 2025 seven-a-side student football tournament, shown live on national TV, saw a crowd of 35,000 pack inside the stadium, causing chaos.
My visits Stadium Visit - April 2008
In Thailand, primarily for the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes and a holiday afterwards, I was staying at Steve and Ea's on the outskirts of the city and decided that a day looking at the stadiums in the city was in order.
I took the sky train to the station called National Stadium, which is extremely convenient. Next door stands the Thephasadin Stadium, which was used at the time by various club sides. It was like a warm-up stadium for the main structure by the looks of things.
I was delighted to see the goods entrance open by the main gates, so I wandered in. Many labourers were readying the stadium for the next event, but a smile did the trick, and I was inside.
The stadium had a running track, but the stands were right alongside it and were steeply banked. Three sides were opened with a roof over the main straight of the track. I could easily imagine it being able to create a good atmosphere with a big crowd.
I left and found several side streets behind the covered side that were the hub of sports equipment in the country. Rows and rows of shops sold replica shirts of varying authenticity at wide price ranges, depending on the naivety and bargaining power of the buyer.
I found the shop of Grand Sport, the company that provided kits to many Thai League teams and bought a few shirts for my collection. I just wish Thai sizes were the same as in the UK!
Stadium Visit - Monday 28th October 2013
With the day to myself following a brilliant couple of weeks in Thailand and the Cricket Sixes complete, with my travelling companions heading home, I decided to fill in the day before my evening flight home.
I’d called in to take photos next door at Thephasadin Stadium before once again finding the huge corner gate open into the main arena. Construction work was going on on the running track. The seating areas looked in brilliant condition, as did the pitch, which was being watered.
I took time out to walk right around the stadium, and inside the concourse, which housed many of the nation’s sporting institutions, including the National Refereeing Institute, The Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand, and the FA of Thailand. I got an unobstructed view through the railed gates from the far end of the arena.
Outside, I stopped to watch and film some local lads playing the Thai football game of takraw, which is like head tennis played on training grounds around the world. The difference in Thailand is that the ball is made of woven rattan, which can be seen here in the video I took.
Like on my previous visit, I wanted to return home with a souvenir, so I went in search of the shops selling team shirts, which I discovered to be around Chulalongkorn 2 and 4. There were lots of choices for anyone not of such a full figure, but after plenty of perusal, I bought a fine Chamchuri United top for around a tenner.
I headed back to Asoke to drain the last drop out of my stay before heading to the airport after another amazing holiday in the Land of Smiles.
Stadium Visit - Thursday 29th October 2015
I was in Bangkok following the Thailand International Cricket Sixes. After the tournament, we visited Pattaya before returning to the capital, where I undertook the role of tour guide to a trio of mates. I had a big day planned for us all, which covered most bases.
After a pleasant lunch, we headed on the Sky Train to the National Stadium so that my mates could look inside and take photos. The gate was open, and the place was deserted, so we could take our time.
Once we were done, we took taxis to the Grand Palace, on a riverboat trip on the Cha Phraya River, a wander down Khao San Road and then an evening's Thai boxing at the Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium to round off a magnificent day.
Muang Thong United 2 Chiangrai United 0
Thai League Cup Final - Wednesday 22nd November 2017
👨👨👧👧 16,788 🎟️ 150 THB (£3.60)
Ticket Chaos
Luck was finally on my side to enable me to watch a game at Supachalasai Stadium while I enjoyed a few days' holiday in Bangkok following the 2017 Thailand International Cricket Sixes.
The Thai FA can sometimes be erratic with their planning, but this time they came up trumps. Indeed, if I had been staying a few days longer, I would have also had the opportunity to attend the FA Cup final.
The event had gone well personally as an administrator, even if not on the pitch for the touring Beer Battered Seadogs. We’d enjoyed every minute together in a great city. The last of the boys had gone home on the morning of the match, to allow me some downtime.
And boy, I needed it, to let the body and mind rest and allow for a bit of personal pampering without having to consider others or be anywhere at a set time.
After moving from the Windsor Suites Hotel, I decided to give the famous Nana Hotel a go. It turned out to be a bit of a mistake, with the room having no windows and dated, average facilities to boot. The location, however, was excellent.
It provided everything for any tourist in search of food, drinks, and various forms of entertainment within a few yards. I wasn't going to be spending much time indoors after all.
I’d booked the match tickets online by opening an account with Thai Ticket Major for myself and Steve Walker, who was to head into the city after work. My instructions were to collect the tickets from one of their several outlets.
I headed to Siam Central in the heart of the city and found the ticket desk on the seventh floor. It’s fair to say that I was less than impressed to be told that I needed to pick them up before the match at the stadium.
There had been no indication of this in my confirmation email. The lady said it was the norm from seven days before an event. This would have taken some doing as tickets only went on sale nine days before the final. It was Thai bureaucracy at its best.
Following a much-needed siesta, I met Steve in Starbucks by the main intersection. We had lots of time to kill, so once I’d used his phone for a call with fellow Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes committee man George Appleton, we decided to walk to the stadium.
Pre-Match Build Up
It proved a prudent plan as several buildings on the route offered desperately appreciated facilities. The hot Bangkok weather and an unhealthy diet eventually did for me.
Crowds were building from the Nimibutr Indoor Stadium and then outside Thephasadin Stadium, primarily with Muang Thong supporters, despite there being just under three hours until kick-off. It promised a decent atmosphere for the match.
A security check was required to enter the main forecourt outside the National or Supachalasai Stadium. Inside the crowds were larger as both clubs had souvenir stalls set up, and several sponsors promoted their wares.
The queue for tickets was painless. Larger queues formed for fans to have their photo taken with the League Cup. The whole atmosphere was vibrant but relaxed. We continued around to where our entrance would be to the stadium.
Fortunately, further facilities had been provided outside. It gave me a surreal moment in the loos, listening to Steve trying to explain to the local police where Scarborough was and what league the Boro played in, as we were both wearing replica shirts.
Eventually, we found our way to what I thought was a familiar area near the new Chula University buildings. The whole area had received a makeover since my previous visit, with lots of new little squares and modern constructions appearing.
It looked like they had replaced the old area, selling football shirts and equipment. A decent-sized group of Chiangrai fans had gathered to set up an impromptu party around food and drink vendors.
After I had taken some tablets for my tummy issues, we decided to eat in one of the many local outlets. Steve went for the beef stew on rice, while I had the Chinese-style chicken in sauce with rice. The food was exceptional, even if the portions were small. Each dish cost 50 Baht, which was just over £1 at the exchange rate of the time.
Walking back towards the stadium, I suddenly noticed the football shops. We had been a block out. As time was on our side, I had the opportunity to check out and find my nephew Stan a couple of kits. The Paris Saint-Germain and AS Roma sets cost a combined total of 500 Baht.
Delighted with my purchases, we headed back to the stadium, with just under an hour to kick off. We had to go right back to the far end and gain admission through security once again. We had another check before reaching our gate and had our hands stamped in case we wanted to pop out for food and drink.
I had bought us the most expensive tickets for 150 Baht down the main side and under the huge roof in the Chiangrai United section, just in case of any heavy showers. We had been caught out in the past at Port’s TAT Stadium and didn’t want it to happen again.
Seats were unreserved, so we found a decent place towards the back. The arena gradually began to fill, with the MTU section already busy with fans signing and hanging their banners.
The Muang Thong fans displayed a banner saying Money Cannot Buy History, as a dig at the heavily spending Chiangrai. While history was not available for cash, it was claimed that some referees were.
CRU, as the furthest northern side in the competition, meant their support was always going to be dwarfed by that of the local side, MTU. Their mission hadn’t been made easy by the planning of the Thai FA.
Chiangrai had also reached the final of the FA Cup, which was taking place against Bangkok United the following Saturday. This meant any fans travelling by road would arrive back in their northern city after the match and then set off again twenty-four hours later if they were to attend both games.
Despite this, the Beetles had a decent following; no doubt boosted by neutrals and several Port fans who would cheer for the underdogs and naturally disliked all things MTU. Steve and I fit those categories.
As the teams came out, the MTU tried to put on a banner display similar to the ones seen at German stadiums. Hilariously, they tried to show 1989 to signify the year of their foundation on four separate sheets. Those in charge of one sheet had it back to front and then upside down, to the hilarity of everyone else.
The Match
There was no doubt that Muang Thong was the ultimate corporate machine of the day with Ultra fans, a smart purpose-built stadium, big sponsors, and star players. It could have been Manchester United, right down to the playing kit.
Like the English version, they also got the rub of the green with every 50/50 decision, or so it seemed. It was to be the case once again as referee Siwakorn Phoo-udom did his absolute best to oblige. Teerasil Dangda was undoubtedly a talented footballer and the darling of the Thai game, but he may as well have refereed the match himself.
He could have easily been shown a yellow card on three occasions, yet if a defender went near him, he received a free kick. Brazilian midfielder Heberty also looked to simulate and look for assistance from the officials. I far preferred the excellent play of left-back Theerathon Bunmathan.
Chiang Rai played some fine football, with their Brazilian forward Rafael Coelho doing his best to lead the line. In truth, they were missing a big man up front to put pressure on the shaky MTU defence. They escaped far too many times.
The game ebbed and flowed and was decent enough until the deadlock was broken ten minutes before the break. Heberty was adjudged to have been fouled around twenty-five yards out. His free kick was excellently saved by Chatchai Budprom, but full-back Peerapat Notchaiya followed up to smash the ball home from an acute angle.
CRU came out to give it a real go in the second half, cheered on by their appreciative rather than fanatical following. They really did miss a decent forward. Despite having plenty of play and plenty of pressure, they didn’t have the vital cutting edge.
The game was decided on the hour mark. MTU soaked up the pressure before a fine slide rule pass sent in Teerasil to slot home and make it 2-0 to the elation of the Kirins fans behind the goal. To Chiang Rai’s credit, they continued to do their best when it must have been tempting to save some energy for the FA Cup Final a few days later.
Midfielder Everton Gonçalves was sent off in the final minute of normal time with a second yellow card. We made our way down to the front and then out of the gate in the hope of beating the MTU crowds to the main road and transport systems. It didn’t quite pan out that way.
Post Match Fun
The queues were already huge for the BTS Skytrain, so we set off walking. The traffic was piling out of MBK and Siam shopping and entertainment complexes at the same time as the football finished, leading to large traffic snarl-ups.
Steve went ahead to try to get a cab to Minburi. I toyed with several ideas before I too hailed a taxi back to Nana. The traffic was so bad that my driver found it quicker going south through Khlong Toei, up to Asoke and then down the opposite side of Sukhumvit Road.
Once I’d dumped my gear in my room, I headed out for a few beers. I had a relaxed few hours in Speakeasy on Soi 15 catching up on the week's football highlights before heading to the Bier Garden for an entertaining hour or so.
It had been a decent evening out, even if the match result wasn’t as I would have preferred. I awoke the next day in fine form and headed to the Kiwi Bar to watch the opening day’s play in The Ashes. That was a whole new tale!
SRV FC 4 Sarawittaya School 1
Thailand Prime Minister Cup u16 Bangkok Zone - Monday 28th August 2023
👨👨👧👧 c100 🎟️ Free
An Unexpected Treat
Occasionally, random friendly games with amateurs crop up, so I check out my saved clubs on Facebook a couple of times a week. One, Bangkapi FC showed a video of their juniors in action, so I explored further, finding that two semifinals were being played at Supachalasai National Stadium.
With a few spare hours and nothing on at home, I made the decision to head out for the day, knowing that I was going to the Muangthong United v Port game later that evening. I took a bus to Bangkapi, then the boat down the canal directly into the city.
From there, it was a short walk to the stadium, which had seen its surroundings engulfed in recent years in a similar fashion to Wembley Stadium, only in a more pleasant environment. It really had changed since my first visit.
Armed with drinks and snacks from the local 7/11, I entered the main stand and tried to decipher which teams were playing and in which kit. I had a schedule along with the two initial groups on my phone, which Google Translate helped me with.
Confusion Solved
I was initially confused on arrival, midway through the first half, as when there was a break for drinks, both sides got their water from the nearest bench, plus everyone was wearing the same shorts and socks.
I saw some spectators wearing the name of SRV on their backs, and did a Google and Facebook search, which took me to the school, which had its own football page, where, lo and behold, the game was being screened live.
A Competitive Match
I sought out the commentator, and at halftime, he confirmed that both teams were from the same establishment. There was no schoolmate stuff around the match mind, with Sarawittaya on top before SRV took the lead before the break.
They extended the lead before it went back to 2-1. As the limbs tired on a stunning afternoon and play became stretched on the full-sized pitch in superb surroundings, another couple of goals followed.
Excellent fun, as the second two semifinalists limbered up for their later 4.15pm clash, waiting for their turn in such an impressive location. It was good to see the facility being utilised properly, with such a good playing surface allowing the youngsters to portray their talent.
The final was at the same venue at 3.30 a few days later, but I decided another trek into the city for that one was a bit too much. At full time, I headed by sky train to Victory Monument, hoping the info my travel app was throwing up was accurate so that I could beat the traffic in time for beers in Nonthaburi.
