Thupatemi Stadium, otherwise known as the Thai Royal Air Force Stadium, is a multi-purpose arena with a running track that has an official capacity of 20,000. It is mainly used for football and as a training area for athletes.
The stadium was home to Air Force United from 2007 to 2011 and again between 2012 and 2019 when the club was relocated to Uthai Thani.
Previously, another club, Luk Tapfah Pathum Thani FC, was taken over by Air Force United in 2012 and played at the stadium from 2013 until 2017, when they were renamed Grakcu Looktabfah and then Grakcu Sai Mai United, moving to their own stadium in Sai Mai.
This left Tupatemi without a host club. This scenario was resolved when Royal Thai Air Force FC, consisting mainly of servicemen, entered Thai League 3 for the 2020-21 season.
My visits
Luk Tapfah Pathum Thani 1 Futera Seeker 1 (Wednesday 27th March 2013) Thai Regional League Central West Region (att: c300)
To see my round-up and photos from the above match, click here.
Air Force Central 2 Police United 2 (Saturday 31st October 2015) Thai League Division One (att: 3,389)
Click here for my match account and a full write-up on Air Force United.
Royal Thai Air Force 0 STK Muangnont 1 (Saturday 8th January 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 265)
Read here about my first match watching the “new” team at Thupatemi Stadium.
Thonburi League Finals Day (Sunday 19th June 2022) att: c150
I’d read about the finals day several weeks previously on Facebook and had pencilled it in my phone reminders. I even had a sensible Saturday night in my local bar in readiness. My intention was to take in the last two matches of the four.
Siam FC B 3 Famous FC 1 (Thonburi League Cup 3rd/4th Place Playoff)
I was not interested in the first game, a friendly between Bangkapi and Muangkrung, which kicked off at 9.30am. I didn’t really consider this clash until I made far better time than I’d accounted for.
A Minivan took me from Minburi to the 11th Infantry Regiment BTS Skytrain station. I was delighted to find that travel on the extension of the Green Line was still free as I collected my ticket north above Pahon Yothin Road to Yæk Kor Por Aor.
Part of me considered finding somewhere for breakfast, but I decided to stock up on top of my breadcrumb chicken sandwich at 7/11 and Lam Luk Ka Junction Market, a few minutes’ walk from Thupatemi Stadium.
Common sense had kicked in as I took my cool bag, which was essential on such a hot day, so I could carry plenty of water. It was good to see a couple of snack and drink stalls open by the stadium car park for later use.
Strangely, no gates were open into the spectator area of the stands, so I walked in the main entrance and down the players' entrance before finding a way upstairs to the seated area. It was all very nicely relaxed.
It was half-time in the third and fourth League Cup play-off on my arrival. I chose a vantage point where visiting supporters are allocated in league matches, as I’d not been in there previously. Just the covered stand was open to spectators.
Next to me was the Thai Spirit entourage. When the teams re-emerged for their second half, they brought out their belongings to the subs' bench so that the two sides in the next match could use the changing rooms.
Facebook was king once again as I managed to get on the live feed on the Thonburi League page and find out the halftime score. The second string of Siam FC were in the lead. My immediate attention was drawn to the frequency of descending planes heading to Don Muang, which was massively higher than my January visit.
Thupatemi Stadium was also showing signs that it could do with some tender loving care with dirty seats and peeling paintwork. It was even more noticeable without the advertisement boards missing from the Thai Royal Air Force FC match.
The game restarted, and it was at a very gentle pace in the extreme heat. Water breaks and the usual delays meant that the match was behind schedule, having supposedly kicked off at 11.30. I think it was shortened to forty minutes each way.
Siam doubled the lead when their 32 was played through. His effort proved too strong for the Famous keeper despite his best efforts. It was 3-0 when Siam’s 21 netted after the referee decided to let go of what was a robust challenge on the edge of the box that saw the Famous player felled.
A scruffy effort got Famous a goal back, which infuriated the Siam coach, who appeared to feel that his charges were taking things a little too easily. His side put the smile back on his face when it was 4-1 through 19 with the last kick of the game after the keeper made a real hash of a low centre.
Thaispirit FC 3 Yungthong United 1 Thonburi League Cup Final
The turnaround between games was quick, as both teams had warmed up on the track areas behind each goal. Spirit were backed by a good following of friends and families and seemed to be a really decent bunch.
I particularly wanted to be at this game as I’d seen Spirit in action in a previous game in absurd waterlogged conditions in the Thailand Amateur League, and a good friend, Chris Felton, informed me that his good lady was a close friend of club owner Lek.
Immediately, I was struck by the good standard and high intensity as tackles flew in. Both sides had structure about them and were trying to play good football. A drummer tried to rally Spirit support, but fans seemed keener to try and keep cool than sing.
Yungthong, in a striking yellow and red outfit, looked the physically stronger of the teams. Their keeper made a fine save from a shot at the angle of the box from Spirit’s 26. United’s 26 had a chance, but the Spirit goalie rushed out, narrowing the angle, which forced the shot to go wide.
The scoring was opened by one of the best strikes I’d seen in months. The Thai Spirit number 21 was getting on for thirty yards out in an inside left position when he let fly with his left foot. The ball continued to curl away from the Yungthong goalie and dipped into the top corner. I actually shouted out, “What a goal!”. It really was outstanding.
The referee was doing his best to let the game flow, but became inconsistent when he did blow his whistle for a foul, and it was often for things far less severe than he had let go. United had a good spell up to halftime, with their 27 having a free kick saved at the second attempt.
At the interval, I rushed out to get another bottle of water and a Coke with lots of ice. Thankfully, a few entrance gates had been opened as well as the downstairs toilets. I took up my previous position for the second half.
Yungthong’s number 6 had impressed me throughout playing up front with skill and ingenuity. He was denied by an excellent last-ditch challenge. Spirit responded by winning the ball high up the pitch and creating a lovely little passing move before 8 blazed over.
It was the team in blue who would score next to double their advantage when number 2 saw his shot go through the legs of an outstretched defender and across the goalie into the far bottom corner of the net.
My thoughts were that United would have really given Spirit a proper game if they had a forward partner alongside their 6. Their opponents were far more team-based in their movement, with everyone getting involved.
As it was, they halved their deficit when a low strike from 25 at the edge of the box went just inside the post past the sprawling custodian. For a short time, it looked like Yungthong may even muster an equaliser.
However, the game was put to bed at 3-1 when a slide rule pass from the excellent 2 was finished off by number 6. The number 2 was then put in by another intelligent pass, but he was denied by a combination of the goalkeeper and defender blocking the follow-up.
Yungthong were really stretched by this point. They had nothing to lose and sent men forward, but were exposed consequently. Spirits’ 2 was again in the action as he headed wide a cross from 7 in the last chance of what was a really enjoyable spectacle.
Following the trophy ceremonies, the Spirit entourage and several spectators got onto the pitch to have photos taken of their big day. I was genuinely pleased with what appeared to be a really nice set of people and a well-organised football club.
Rose Asia 1 RTC Bangbon United 1 (Asia win 5-3 on penalties) Thonburi Champions League Final
The celebrations further delayed the start of what was billed as the main event of the day. We were looking at a 4pm kick-off rather than the half-hour earlier advertised. I took the opportunity to move to the other side of the stand.
I’d also been taking photos of the planes between the on-field action and fancied a slightly different angle. The crowd had dropped a little, but both sides had reasonable followings. I noted that Rose Asia had a red rose on their emblem. Not something to impress this Yorkshireman!
Again, the match started with a high tempo, with some naughty niggly challenges going in. There was definitely an edge to it. I described it in my notes as ratty. Rose had some youngsters who were keen to engage with me.
I later noted that it was horrible and disjointed as a spectacle, lacking skill and inventiveness, but certainly not effort. To be honest, that is the best I could make of the first half. I genuinely considered heading home.
Only my stubbornness, having travelled a fair distance, and the fact that it could only improve kept me back. I was not massively impressed when the second half started similarly. I could see it going to penalties after a 0-0 draw.
In fairness, both defences were doing their jobs well, even if it sometimes involved underhanded methods. The referee was handing out plenty of yellow cards. Good for the league’s bank balance but not necessarily for onlookers.
Rose formed an attack, which was flagged for offside, which seemed a highly debatable call from the linesman. RTC attacked from the resulting free kick. Their number 9 looked well offside when played through, but the flag remained down.
He finished well with a clever lob over the keeper, but then lost marks from me, making those silly ear gestures at the opposing set of supporters. The Rose stopper made a fine low save from RTC’s 16 to keep the deficit manageable.
A spell of Rose Asia's play resulted in them restoring parity when 33 scored despite protests from the Bangbon players. The goal inspired the Rose side as 10 blasted an effort over, and the fans began to chant their support.
In what was definitely a “slow burner”, the game opened up and became very watchable. The scorer of the RTC goal was put in on goal once again, but he dithered and was blocked. Served him right for his earlier antics in my book.
Five additional minutes couldn’t separate the sides, so it was down to penalties to decide the winners. Rose went first and was faultless, as were RTC until their fourth kick hit the underside of the bar and stayed out.
The Rose goalkeeper used plenty of gamesmanship, trying to put off the opposing kickers with delaying tactics. He seemed unfazed by it all. He stepped up in double quick time to score the fifth and winning spot-kick.
I’d had seen enough and wanted to head back. It had been a long, hot day, and I was feeling tired. I also need to go back to my favourite bar to see if my missing keys had been found the previous evening.
Fortunately, a number 520 bus arrived in quick time, which took me all the way back to Minburi. My keys were found, and I enjoyed a few cold ones with a later meal. A super Sunday indeed.
Thaispirit FC is an amateur football club formed in 2014 in the Thai capital of Bangkok, who describe themselves in 2022 as a small club with a goal in football. Their primary aim is to give junior development through their many age group sides through to their adult team.
Spirit funded a party to participate in the Gothia Cup in Sweden for international youth sides, along with other international tours. Thaispirit open age team competes in the Thailand Amateur and Thonburi Leagues.
The club has a base at Soi Yothin Phattana 3 in the Bang Kapi District of the city with a couple of smaller-sized pitches under the chairmanship of Grandma Dawan Nakhirunkanok. The adult side competes in the Thonburi League based at Sampaosan Stadium, a few miles away.
In the 2022 Thailand Amateur League, Spirit finished top of Bangkok Group F, with one of the games can be read about here, before leaving the competition on penalties to Ramkhamheang University in the first knockout round.
The side led by head coach Thanapol Kaewruang found some consolation a few weeks later, when they won the Thonburi League Cup with a fine display against Yungthong United, which can be read about here.
The team continued to compete in the Thonburi League, playing their home games at MJ Stadium before moving to Sitsaman Academy in the 2024-25 season.
Thaispirit FC will play in the Thonburi League Zone B in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Sampaosan Stadium
Thaispirit FC 5 Muangkrung FC 3 (Sunday 10th July 2022) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c50)
I'd enjoyed watching Spirit lift the Thonburi League Cup a few weeks earlier and wanted to see them again. The opening round of the new Thonburi League season was an ideal opportunity, what with the club using a venue not too far from home.
Sunday arrived with me sporting a huge hangover following a friend’s birthday party at my local bar. At least she had enjoyed a happy birthday! Under normal circumstances, I’d have been tempted to walk to the ground, but there wasn’t a chance on this occasion.
A taxi dropped me just around the corner as I arrived ten minutes or so before the 4pm kick off. Grabbing some soft drinks and a bag of peanuts, which included herbs and chilli powder, I took up a seat under the cover in the corner.
Sampaosan had two pitches, with some shelter between them across the far side. Behind where I sat were changing facilities and toilets with the roof forming an overhang shelter for its seats. At right angles was an open-fronted street food establishment where some fans chose to sit.
There was no accommodation for spectators down the roadside of the ground, and not really anything dedicated behind the goals. However, flat areas atop the natural banking proved a good vantage point that some took advantage of in cars and their own fold-up seats.
Bangkapi FC were over on the second pitch as they took apart DMF FC in a 3pm kick-off. Meanwhile, the two young sides representing Thaispirit and Muangkrung were warming up, ready for their clash on the wider expansive playing surface.
As the game got underway, the maintenance team of the venue decided that using an electric drill and hammer to put up shelves on the wall behind me was a good idea. My head didn’t think so. Fortunately, it was a relatively quick job.
Spirit carried on where they’d left off from when I’d seen them last, with a high-pressure, fast- passing game that was pleasing on the eye. They came close twice in quick succession to taking the lead.
It therefore came as a bit of a shock when the away side in a snazzy yellow and black kit took the lead midway through the half. A wide free kick looked harmless enough, but it snuck past the keeper and in at the far post.
To try to drum up atmosphere, Thaispirit had a couple of large flags while crowd noises and chants were played down speakers. Whether it assisted them, I don’t know, but they were soon level.
An indirect free kick was tapped to one side, where number 21 hammered it into the top corner from around twenty-five yards. Number 7 for the ‘hosts’ squandered a great chance to put his team ahead, but he missed an open goal after the Muangkrung goalie had parried a low free kick.
The same player was then denied by the stopper when put in by teammate 21. It was the scorer of the equaliser who sent his team in at half-time in front when he collected a short corner and fired in a screamer into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.
It had been an excellent first half, and the quality and entertainment were in abundance again after the interval. A cross from Spirits’ 8 was netted by the man wearing 6, but the visiting custodian once again pulled off a good save.
Muangkrung were more than playing their part in the affair as they restored parity. Their 17 was played through before he rounded the goalie to score. This seemed to ignite the Spirit players further as they quickly restored their lead.
Skipper and man-of-the-match 21 fed in substitute 26, who scored with a low shot across the keeper into the far corner. The lead was extended to 4-2 through an own goal when the yellow sides’ 45 tried to clear while under pressure on the six-yard line.
There had been some fine individual goals, but the effort that made it 5-2 oozed quality and exemplified the Spirits’ all-round team play. 26 got to the byline and dragged back a beautiful low cross which was converted at the back post by 10.
Muangkrung’s players continued to battle as great skill from their number 18 nearly created a goal. Spirit responded with number 28 being denied by the feet of the Krung custodian, who had put in a fine performance.
The away side got a goal back that their performance merited, as their 23 capitalised on a defensive error to sidestep the home goalkeeper and score. It was nearly 5-4 when 30 hit the bar with a free kick.
I thoroughly enjoyed the match and even felt a little bit more like returning to the land of the living by the end. I took a walk to Thanon Khubon, where I just missed the 197 bus to Minburi. A taxi soon had me back for a few drinks and a lovely meal back in my favourite bolthole.
Thaispirit 0 FC Bangsaotong 2 (Sunday 14th August 2022) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c60)
My choices were varied for the afternoon. I could try and fit in a game or head straight to Khlong Toei, where I was going to the 7pm kick off between Port FC and Lamphun Warriors. Then this Thonburi League game with a 3pm start appeared on Facebook.
It worked perfectly as I was to be joined by my Australian cricket friend Vaughan McClear, who had been asking to be kept in touch about when I was going to a local game. I took the 26 bus along Ram Inthra and walked up Soi Kubon to the match.
My mate arrived with his son Pat in time for us to grab a beer and wander round to the covered tents near the players. As I was becoming a regular face with the Bagsaotong fraternity, we were fine to get seats and sit near the subs.
I knew that we would get a good game of football played properly by two decent sides, and fortunately, I was proved correct. FCB played too much football in the first half and over-elaborated when shooting was the best option around the box.
Head coach Jamie Clarke certainly agreed doing his rocker as the second chance was spurned. At the other end, the visiting defence marshalled by Adam Mather and Lee Hall were doing a fine job keeping the enthusiastic Spirit forwards at bay.
Spirits keeper then made an amazing fingertip save, redirecting the ball onto the bar when a Qons forward did get his shot away. The hosts had occasional forays as the first half continued up until the interval.
Having a wander round to the facilities at the break I received some smiles and nice words from one of the home coaches warming up the subs on spotting my Port shirt. A perfect example of why I loved my life in Thailand.
FCB took the lead somewhat fortuitously, not long into the second half. Kuatrakul Kwankua broke through but delayed his shot. The referee, however, decided that he had been fouled. To compel the misery for Spirit, the offender was shown a second yellow card and was dismissed.
Kwankua picked himself up to score from the spot. The home keeper was helpless, but he then performed further heroics to push over a vicious shot that drew widespread applause from both benches and sets of fans.
We were walking around to have another beer near the covered area in the far corner when the lead was doubled. A low shot took a bit of a bobble to escape the otherwise faultless goalie, who was angry with his efforts.
At full time, Vaughan kindly drove me back through Bangkok and dropped me ten minutes from PAT Stadium with time for me to enjoy food and drink. A great start to the football day. If only my second match were as entertaining!
Mawin or Marwin Stadium, as it’s sometimes called, is two back-to-back training ground pitches of the Thai top-tier football club Muang Thong United. The venue is around a mile north of their Thunderdome arena in Muang Thong Thani, north of Bangkok.
The two pitches are divided by a long covered raised grandstand with several steps looking down onto the pitches. Changing rooms stand behind the far goal on the pitch farthest away from Watthana-Pakkret 39 Road.
Both pitches are equipped with modern drainage and modern floodlights, with the wide expanses of Mali Market offering ample car parking.
My visit
Thaispirit 0 Aidin Sports 0 (Friday 6th May 2022) Thailand Amateur League Bangkok Group F (att: c180)
The Thailand Amateur League offered plenty of options for some spectating, with some at venues I’d never previously been to. A Friday afternoon fixture was more than welcome and proved no problem to me on a retirement visa.
Not being familiar with Mawin Stadium when the fixtures came out, I asked the administrator of the Bangkok Premier League to kindly help me out, with Thaispirits’ Facebook page also offering further details as the game neared.
Heading out from Minburi on a pleasant early afternoon, I took a minivan towards Pak Kret, getting out on Chaeng Wattana, where I knew the 66 bus headed to the bus depot near Thunderdome Stadium.
I learned a lesson as the bus continued all the way under the flyover at Pak Kret and took a U-turn back to Khlong Kluea Road before heading north. I could have saved time by crossing the footbridge and joining an earlier bus on the other side.
Like many outings, I was gathering information for future adventures. Alighting at Impact Arena, I set off past United’s stadium and headed up Watthana-Pakkret 39 Road, noticing darkening skies over the Chao Phraya River.
It was a bit further than I anticipated, reaching a place in the stand just as the teams lined up for the kickoff. Spirit had a very healthy support, with several of the youth team players in tow. Singhanon FC and DX FC were on the pitch on the other side of the stand in the same group of the competition.
Fans were treated to a very even first half as both sides played some nice football. As the interval approached, the storm clouds and the sound of thunder and lightning were building. The rain started falling heavily. The pitch quickly became what I would term waterlogged.
They somehow managed to reach half-time, when the peak of the storm was overhead. The rain breached the roofing, and the winds blew it through the stands. I managed to get downstairs to the dimly lit corridor to get some protection.
I’d already called it a day as far as seeing the rest of the match. The problem was how I would get home without a proper soaking. No taxis were available on the Apps, and regardless of that, it was impossible to get to the car park from the stand because of flooding.
It was the best part of forty-five minutes, but groundstaff unblocked the drains, and the water started to drain away. Remarkably, both games were to be completed. I couldn’t quite believe what I witnessed.
Credit had to go to both teams and the referee, Niruch Panjontuk, for getting on with things. Inevitably enough, the sodden pitch meant passing was very difficult. Both teams struggled to put any fluent moves together through no fault of their own.
I cannot recall either keeper, Sutaporn Kongwut for Spirit, or Watcharapong Tangpipatpaiboon for Aidin, having to make a save. Both sets of defence held command. A scoreless draw was the correct result.
Fortunately, most of the rain had completely stopped as I headed away. A look at Google Maps suggested a different route back might work, so I headed towards Tiwanon Road past a couple of extremely interesting bars.
A bus soon arrived, which took me towards Chaeng Wattana. A little walk later, a van pulled up, which took me all the way home. More education and an interesting day in which I saw football being played in what were ridiculous conditions.
Kasem Bundit University FC is a football club based on the Rom Klao University campus of the same name in the Bangkok district of Minburi. The football club was formed in 2003, playing in university football before joining the newly created third-tier Regional League in 2009.
‘The Intellectual Light’ were placed in the Bangkok Region, one of five geographical leagues at that level, finishing their debut season at Kasem Bundit University Stadium in the runners-up position.
An eighth-place finish in 2010, followed by a couple of campaigns at the bottom end of the table. Kasem Bundit spent some time during this period playing their home games at 72nd Anniversary Stadium and KMIT Stadium in nearby Ladkrabang.
After their return to Rom Klao, KBU improved to seventh place in 2013, before another disappointing season followed it. 2015 saw the team end up in fifth place, before a fourth-place finish in the 2016 season while competing in Bangkok & Eastern Region.
The Thai football league system underwent a change for the 2017 season, with a fourth tier being added. Kasem Bundit were placed in the third level, playing in the Thai League 3 Lower Region.
Ghanaian striker Victor Painsil finished as top scorer, as KBU finished in eleventh position under the management of Tawit Klaitin, while the American, Diego Barrera, netted a hat trick in the game against Rajpracha.
The 2018 campaign saw Kasem Bundit end in eleventh position as the Brazilian Alaan Bruno De Souza E Santos topped the scoring chart. A slight improvement to eighth place, with Selwan Al Jaberi knocking in the goals, occurred in 2019 under coach Aphirak Sriarun
Brazilian Carlos Damian topped the scoring charts in 2020-21 as Kasem Bundit ended in seventh in Thai League 3 Bangkok Metropolitan Region following a restructuring of the nation's football pyramid.
The 2021-22 campaign saw the team play home games behind closed doors owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Goalkeeper Chitchana Tuksinpila played a significant role as his team finished in fifth position.
The 2022-23 season saw the long-term coach Sriarun being replaced by Krit Singprecha. Prasert Pattiwan ended as the top scorer for the team that ended in sixth place, while the university also fielded a side in the Thonburi League and in academic competitions.
2023-24 saw the team improve their finishing league position by one place, with Nigerian striker Thomas Chinonso putting away the goals. The whole club had an upgrade with a new logo being introduced along with a stadium refurbishment, which saw it being referred to as Estádio Kasem in some circles.
The club was moved to Thai League 3 Central for the 2024-25 campaign following the geographical restructuring of the tier, where they finished in third place, after Krongpol Daorueang came in as head coach in January 2025 and Kennedy Ozobialu top-scored.
Kasem Bundit University FC will play in Thai League 3 Central in the 2025-26 season.
My visits
Kasem Bundit University 0 Trang 1 (Sunday 17th June 2018) Thai League 3 Lower Region (att: 150)
My two-week holiday to Thailand was nearing the halfway mark. For the first time in my many years of visiting the Land of Smiles, I had no cricket commitments. The holiday was all about visiting new places, socialising and watching football.
Everything had run exactly to plan, much to my delight and slight surprise. I took the 9am flight from Buriram, where I’d watched the reigning Thai champions go down to Chainat the night before and took a cab from Don Muang to Minburi.
After a bite to eat, a nap and catching up with Steve and Fah, I was ready for an afternoon and evening of football. The match at Kasem Bundit was to be doubled up with the top-flight clash in Pathum Thani between Bangkok Glass and Navy.
Sean and Tracy arrived at Steve’s house. It was great to see my friends from Scarborough once again. Sean was going to go to the games with me, with Steve just taking in the local match.
It was another warm and bright day as we walked to hail a taxi on Soi Sam Wa. The journey took only ten minutes. Kasem Bundit were the closest team to the centre of Minburi. Our driver took us right through the campus to the small stadium.
Identical raised covered stands flanked both touchlines, with the entrance side structure having a small VIP section in the centre. Both ends were open and without spectator accommodation. It was a neat and tidy venue and the ideal size.
Admission was 80 Baht (around £1.80), and we took up a position towards the halfway line on the back row of the deep steps that doubled up as seating. The smattering of visiting fans was gathered on the other side of the VIP area, further along.
The three of us all had a score prediction. Trang were towards the top of the table before kick-off, while the hosts were languishing towards the bottom. My two pals went for an away win, while I thought we’d see a 1-1 draw.
The match started off fairly evenly. The first real action took place after fifteen minutes when a low cross from the visitors was scrambled by Kittin Uttsan in the KBU goal. The ball was skied over the bar from close range.
Just before the half-hour mark, Trang missed a golden opportunity to take the lead as the Brazilian Ricardinho somehow missed an absolute sitter when set up at the back post before he fired in a long-range free kick, which produced a save from Uttsan.
The custodian made rather a lot of stops as if the Thai Match of the Day cameras were in evidence as the halftime whistle approached. Phumniwa Thuha, his counterpart at the other end, received treatment after a slight collision from a set piece.
Trang eventually went ahead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. A free kick wasn’t cleared properly, with the ball falling to Eakartit Somjit, who fired home in fine style.
At the break, I went for a walk in search of refreshments. Unusually, there were no street stalls outside the ground, as was the norm at most venues. I was pointed in the direction of a small shop selling a variety of items catering to those staying on campus.
I returned with water for my pals and some crisps to share as the hosts nearly drew level ten minutes after the restart. Substitute Sanou Oumar went on a fantastic run to tee up Bruno, KBU’s Brazilian, who blazed over the bar.
Chances were at a premium. Kasem Bundit were giving it their best, but in truth, the Trang defence was in relative control. They attempted to put on some pressure, but were missing the cutting edge.
The visitors came close to doubling their lead, but Tetsuro Inoue headed straight at keeper Uttsan, who pulled off a decent stop. As the game entered its closing stages, my mind was concentrating on the issue ahead.
We needed to find a taxi that would take us the twenty miles or so to Leo Stadium in an hour to arrive for the 7pm kick-off. Steve was teasing me as usual, saying I had no chance or I’d end up getting lost.
We saw the last few minutes of the game near the gate before trying to flag down a cab coming around the back of the stand. However, he was picking someone up. Another driver waved us away.
I must admit to getting a little concerned as no further taxis were coming down the drive. I ushered my pals along, who didn’t seem quite as concerned. That or they were winding me up!
When we reached the main road by the entrance, the first driver agreed immediately. He even dropped Steve off at the bottom of Soi Sam Wa, not that he deserved it! Sean and I went on to arrive at Glass just in time for kick-off, as a grand day out continued.
Kasem Bundit University 1 Bangkapi FC 1 (Sunday 17th July 2020) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c100)
The second week of the Thonburi League offered an opportunity to return to the venue. It had been closed to spectators during the Thai League season owing to Covid-19, with Kasem Bundit playing home games behind closed doors.
Steve managed to finish duties early enough so we could get to the 3pm kick-off, though not without a slight hitch in communications. I headed to find Family Mart on Sam Wa Road to meet my mate. However, the sign was no longer above the shop.
Consequently, I walked halfway down the road before giving him a call. He’d gone past on his motorbike on the other side and was now ordering some grub in KFC. No matter, as we were soon reunited and heading down Rom Klao Road in a taxi.
As ever, Bangkapi had a few supporters in tow. They went to the stand opposite the main side. The pair of us sat in near enough the same position as our previous visit on what was a hot afternoon.
The weather didn’t do anything to stifle the action, as the game was of high intensity from the get-go. Bangkapi played some nice passes, which in the main tried to pick out the pacy forward in the number 29 shirt.
He was close to getting on the end of a couple of through balls, which were slightly overhit. However, one delivery in twenty-five minutes saw him push the ball past the keeper before being upended unceremoniously by the custodian.
It was a clear-cut penalty and surely a card of sorts to the offender. We were astonished that the referee decided that the award was punishment enough. The members of the away side bench were not massively impressed either.
The visiting side skipper, wearing the 6 jersey, coolly dispatched to make it 0-1. We thought we’d witness an easy Bangkapi win at this point, as they continued to take the initiative and create problems for the young student side.
KBU’s keeper made a top save to deny the scorer of the earlier penalty when diving to stop a curling free kick. By now, the hosts decided to get stuck into their opponents as the ref began to pay the price for not cautioning the home goalie when he should have.
He began to show yellow cards for lesser offences and generally became inconsistent while trying to restore discipline. The tactic seemed to fire up the students as they began to get back into the game.
A fine break could easily have ended in a goal, but for a terrible pass missing a free man by a long way. They did equalise when awarded a free kick, which was getting on for thirty yards from goal. Bundit’s skipper, the number 12, put in a fantastic bending effort into the top corner.
At the interval, we headed off for water in the excellent on-site store behind the stand. We marvelled at some of the facilities on offer to the scholars. Certainly, a little different from the schooldays back in Scarborough we earlier reminisced about.
The home team in blue continued to impress upon the restart. It was an excellent advert in general for local amateur football. A fine Bundit move saw a low cross come close to being converted at the near post.
After that, the passion or pace never gave in, nor did the referee issue cards, but neither side caused the keepers any real distress. Efforts on goal were limited to weak shots from the edge of the box that were saved comfortably.
A draw was undoubtedly a fair result. We headed out back down the lane, past even more incredible facilities, before boarding a songthaew back to Minburi Market. I grabbed some food and headed home for ODI cricket and the British Open golf on TV.
Kasem Bundit 3 Thaispirit 0 (Sunday 31st July 2022) Thonburi League East Zone (att: c80)
Another opportunity for Steve and me to pop round the corner to the local university, and we were happy we did. Before arrival, I most certainly had Spirit down as favourites, but the hosts showed my local football knowledge was not quite as good as I thought.
Bundit showed their intentions from the start, with both number 8 and 9 having the chance to advance on the visitor’s goal, but both stopped in their tracks through a lack of pace and looking to set up teammates, which came to nothing.
Spirit looked good on the break before the hosts deservedly took the lead on thirty-five minutes when 9 got free out wide. His low cross was volleyed in low at the back post by number 10.
The students continued to impress and were opening up the Spirit defence at will. At the break, we wandered across to the shops before returning to our seats with provisions. The away side nearly drew level shortly after the restart.
A low shot from an indirect free kick hit the foot of the Kasem post. The home side 49 saw a header from the corner that drew a great save from the Spirit keeper. The 23 headed wide, and then 9 dragged a shot across the goal as the pressure mounted.
The Spirit keeper made a massive error when fumbling a free kick from 12, which was pounced upon by 23 to score. The impressive performance was backed up when the lead was extended as 12 got through to set up 23 to score at the near post.
Bundit were superb throughout and thoroughly merited their victory. Spirit continued to the end and drew a save out of the home goalie, who tipped over. During the closing stages, we were treated to an amazing storm building over Minburi.
We were fearing the worst as the clouds and lightning advanced on us. Typically, the heavens began to open right on full-time as we walked back to the main road. Fortunately, a songthaew soon arrived on Rom Klao to take us back home.
Kasem Bundit University 5 Bangkok FC 3 (Saturday 8th October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 150)
Occasionally, you leave the ground shaking your head with a big smile, and this was one of those days. What a game of football! I was already in a good mood on arrival after a pleasant walk to the ground from home.
After paying my 80 Baht, I got a good seat chatting to a local man who could speak a bit of English, once we had a sad minute of silence for the poor kids massacred in Nong Bua province earlier in the week.
The pitch was scarred in places through the heavy rainfall in previous weeks and overuse. It was good to see the hosts take the field with a Thai starting eleven. The visitors took the lead in nine minutes when Bruno Suzuki received a slide rule pass and scored off the legs of keeper Chitchana Tuksinpila.
The scorer missed a great chance to double the advantage, slicing wide. KBU responded when Anipong Kijkam made a good stop to keep out a downward header from Attaphon Kannoo, who was to feature throughout the contest.
Bunlue Thongkliang had a stinging shot for Bangkok saved by Tuksinpila before a drinks break was called in the heat by referee Jatupol Kidklang as the pitch was starting to cut up in places, which would add to the ensuing drama.
Just as a large group of away fans arrived, their side went 2-0 up after thirty-four minutes through a low shot at the near post from Thongkliang. Poor defending allowed Ronnarid Saichantuek to get an effort away for Kasem, which was saved.
The attendance consisted mainly of students. I saw a couple wearing Buriram United E-Sports shirts, a phenomenon I failed to grasp. The host's sloppiness in possession was pounced upon with the last action of the half when Goshi Okubo made it 3-0. That was surely that?
Having seen Bangkok a few weeks earlier, I knew that they were a good side but also susceptible at the back. However, I wasn’t ready for what was about to follow. Whatever manager Vallop Suwandee said to the Bundit players at the break, I don’t know, but it worked.
But only after the away side missed a gilt-edged chance to extend their lead further. Both Thongkliang and the excellent Padungsak Phothinak seemed to be in on goal, but somehow the defenders got back to scramble clear. How the Fire Bulls were to pay for the missed opportunity.
Bundit rallied with Prasert Pattawin, drawing a save out of Kijkam before they grabbed a goal back on fifty minutes when a low shot from skipper Chaiyasan Homboon was too hard for the custodian to keep out.
The home fans started to see a chink of light and got behind their side. Homboon made it 2-3 eight minutes later with a superb bending free-kick into the top corner. All hell broke loose a minute later when a low cross-shot was put into his own net by Banjong Phadungpattanodom.
3-3 with half an hour to play as the hosts piled forward, with Kannoo a real nuisance for the hosts. A couple of times, he rattled into Kijkam, who in truth didn’t look up for it despite keeping out a header from the forward.
The momentum had swung around completely with home sub, Sundy Wongderree nearly lobbing the out-of-position Kijkam from deep. The inevitable happened with three minutes of normal time remaining when a cross took a ricochet in the box and landed at the feet of Kannoo, who made no mistake to put his team ahead.
Shortly after the warrior was carried off, suffering from cramp and nearly dropped from the stretcher by the youngsters carrying him on the muddy surface. In stoppage time, Supakrit Petpon found himself unmarked to volley in at the back post to round off an amazing game.
Wandering away for a songthaew back to Minburi, an English fella spotted my Hull City shirt. He was from Leominster and was a friend of Jarrod Bowen. What a small world. It was his first Thai game, and he was on holiday, and certainly bewildered by what he had seen as a Chelsea season ticket holder.
We had a good chat as I put him right on the quickest way back to the city. He had somehow persuaded a motorbike taxi to take him to the game! I bet he won’t forget his experience in a hurry either. A great afternoon.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Royal Thai Army 2 (Saturday 22nd October 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c140)
A quick return for Rom Klao, but unfortunately, it was average fare compared to my previous visit. Army in a camouflage shade of dark green deservedly took the points with an army-style performance full of fitness and discipline.
They went close in the early stages when Narongsak Saekaw saw his shot deflected wide before a dipping effort from Tanapon Sintan being required to be tipped over the bar by home custodian Natthawut Tharapon.
Home forward Kannoo wasn’t getting the same joy against Bangkok and was well marshalled. The visitors took the lead with a fine shot from the edge of the box that flew into the roof of the net from the left boot of Surat Suriyachai seven minutes before the interval.
The soldiers carried on with their dominance as attacking midfielder Niphon Kamthong just failed to convert on the stretch before a free kick from Pinijphong Jaengploy hit the side netting of the Bundit goal.
After half time, the students came desperately close to an equaliser with veteran defender Chatchai Mokkasem heading a shot from substitute Muhammadtaofik Disa-Eh off the line. Kamthong then came close to doubling the lead at the other end with an effort from outside the box.
The homesters continued pressing for parity but were failing to create many clear-cut chances. Tharapon made a terrific fingertip save, pushing a allow shot from Atikan Kaokaew around the post to keep his team in the game.
However, he was powerless six minutes from time to prevent Sattra Pokhom from smashing home after tremendous work in the corner from Apirak Dawrueng, who beat his man before pulling a pinpoint pass into the box.
A highlight for me was the extravagant signalling and awarding of yellow cards by referee Kittipong Choolerd. He was completely over the top and not particularly brilliant. In the final action, Pattawin forced a save out of Army goalie Kittitat Jeennok, after which I headed home to watch England defeat Bangladesh in the World Cup T20 cricket.
Kasem Bundit University 0 North Bangkok University 0 (Wednesday 30th November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Permiter (att: 150)
I’m not sure what it is about North Bangkok University, but I couldn’t get a decent game out of them. This was the third consecutive 0-0 draw I had seen them part of. Their defensive coach should be a proud man.
A Wednesday afternoon fixture was a bit of a bonus, and again gave me the opportunity of some exercise, while I sat in my usual place in the stand. I could write about the nice surroundings and the effort that both sides put in.
But in truth, this was a really hard game to watch as nothing really happened. Defences remained on top, with chances at a premium. The one highlight was a straight red card shown to Teerapong Malai of the visitors in the ninety-fifth minute.
Perhaps he fancied getting to the showers first? That said, I’m glad I made the effort as it was still a far better option than staying indoors.
Kasem Bundit University 3 Samut Prakan 2 (Sunday 8th January 2023) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c250)
Now this was much more like it. Steve accompanied me via taxi to the match. My pal was shocked to have to pay 80 Baht, as matches at the stadium in the Thonburi League were free admission, but he soon noticed the difference in quality.
We were treated to a cracking encounter that was fast-paced from the off. Both sides looked to play football on what in recent matches had become an increasingly worn and difficult playing surface in patches.
The hosts were excellent going forward in the first half, yet despite this, the sides went down the tunnel at halftime with the scores blank. We didn’t have to wait long for the goals to start, with Bundit going ahead three minutes after the restart through Sundy Wongderree.
Rattasak Wiang-In doubled the advantage just past the hour mark, at which point it looked like a case of how many the students would win by. However, with ten minutes remaining, Prakan pulled one back through Jirayu Niamthaisong.
Kasem went straight up the other end and restored their two-goal advantage when defender Sontaya Thotam netted. Niamthaisong dragged his side back into it with a tremendous direct free kick into the top corner in the second of three additional added-on minutes.
The home team saw out the game, while we wandered out onto Rom Klao and discovered a new electronic bus service heading back to Minburi, where we visited the market before I headed to my new abode on Hathai Rat for tea.
Kasem Bundit University 0 Thammasat University 5 (Thursday 31st August 2023) University Freshy Cup (att: c250)
A comprehensive win for the team north of Bangkok in a competition being played by eight universities from around the capital over a month. Both the neatly smartened-up and retitled Estadio Kasem, with a wonderful playing surface and the Bangkok University Stadium were staging all the matches.
Freshy would seem to be sponsors, rather than what I perceived to be the Thai derivation of Freshers. Pre-match, I’d have made the hosts favourites, purely as they have a team in the third tier of Thai football as well as a top-flight women’s side. My knowledge was obviously not up to scratch, as many UK bookies will testify over the years.
Kasem were always likely to struggle. Their keeper was much smaller than everyone on the pitch. It would be decisive. The away team went ahead just before the half-hour mark when Narawit Phet Prakob finished off a fine passing move.
A low shot from outside the box from Nithikon Limpanawas saw the short arms of the goalie not getting anywhere close to the ball. In stoppage time, Panuwit Kumarasit broke through, was too strong, and finished neatly.
At the interval, I managed to swap sides of the pitch for the first time. It added a new view and enabled me to see the excellent work that has been done to the middle area where the press and dignitaries sit, albeit from 50m. A project for art scholars, perhaps?
After an hour, a cross saw the tiny keeper have second thoughts when he saw the size of Thammasat’s Shinawatra Prachuabmon, whose half-hearted scoop went over the custodian and just over the line. A low curling shot, seventeen minutes from time, from the same player rounded off the scoring.
The referee was very keen to show multiple yellow cards before turning down the most nailed-on penalty I have seen for a long time, as his performance then went downhill, something the local youngsters weren’t slow in mentioning. One of them surely has a future career in stand-up, the way he harangued the official as everyone roared with laughter.
Thammasat changed keepers, as the one who stood there for most of the game might as well have been revising for exams, so little did he have to do. The new lad fumbled a free kick with his first touch, but the defender who tapped in the rebound was adjudged to be offside. Their number 8 then saw the keeper make a fine low save.
Enjoyable as ever, I took the forty-minute walk from Minburi Market, which included a stop by the Saen Saen Canal, as I knew that testing was in operation for the hopefully soon-to-be-opened MRT Pink Line monorail. I managed to put a short video together.
Home via a songthaew and bus, including me trying to use the Google Translate camera on the front of vehicles to see their destinations, with most written in the local language. It took me half an hour longer to arrive for my tea. All part of the fun of learning in a foreign land!
Kasem Bundit University 0 Chanthaburi 0 after extra time – 5-6 on pens (Wednesday 29th January 2025) Thai FA Cup Round of 32 (att: 200)
A wonderful afternoon and evening out at a venue I never tire of visiting. Enhanced on this occasion by meeting a fellow Englishman for the first time. Paul and his son Berni, and the other Chanthaburi fans were fantastic company throughout, adding to the enjoyment of what was an intriguing cup tie.
Listening to Paul’s story and all about the Thai Tims was truly inspirational, while both teams missed a couple of good chances apiece to put the game to bed and send their side into the next round. In the end, it went all the way to penalties to find the winner.
Earlier, the otherwise excellent Thomas Chinonso and John Owoeri for the home side missed good opportunities, the latter running out of legs when clean through in extra time to be thwarted by a brilliant and desperate last-ditch tackle when he was about to pull the trigger.
For the visiting Rabbits, I had described Tiago Chulapa as having the build of a rugby league player when he warmed up at the interval. If he did partake in that code, it would have to be as someone taking the conversions, as he twice fired over from very good positions, the first of which cleared the high net and entered the car sales park.
My YouTube Video covering the match
While there were no goals, both sides gave everything, with supporters of both teams also adding to the occasion. I really enjoyed myself, not least thanks to the company that could not have been friendlier.
The theme continued after the game when I took a taxi to Ramkhamheang Road 166, where the relocated Fire and Ice bar stands by the busy thoroughfare. Mark Wise came to join me for drinks and a good chat before we headed to Deli's by Delizia for excellent pizza, rounding off a top day.
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