Sisaket United post August 2024

 

Please click on this link to read all about the history of the club and my previous visits to home games before August 2024.

The 2024-25 season was one of great change by the time it was completed. Coach Mo, Narongthanaphorn Choeithaisongchodok, was relieved of his duties during the mid-season break to be replaced by Pipob On-Mo, the former Thai international midfielder. He, in turn, departed at the end of the season.

His replacement was former Sisaket FC coach, the veteran, Somchai Chuayboonchum.

Sisaket United FC will play in the Thai League 2 in the 2025-26 season.

My visits post August 2024

Sisaket United 1 Pattaya United 1 (Saturday 10th August 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,512)

Plenty of anticipation awaited as Sisaket embarked on their maiden second-tier campaign in Thai football. What we received was a game that offered plenty of everything and more than enough to keep the spectators entertained before the match, and then when it started at 6.30pm.

New Brazilian signing Abner was fed by compatriot Danilo after just seven minutes to finish in style past keeper Phiyawat Intrapim. All looked good for the hosts in a fast-paced encounter in which visiting forward, another Brazilian, Patrick Cruz, looked a class above all others on show with his neat footwork.

This was aided by the Sisaket coach, predictably going into defence mode and leaving the three imports up front with the space between them and the rest of the team being large enough to host the Surin elephant Festival. Remarkably enough, pressure was gradually built before Pattaya equalised after half an hour when a cross saw Pakornkiat Kaena put through his own goal. 

At which point, the visiting Dolphins for some reason decided that they would become more defensive-minded and rely on breaks than grab a game by the scruff of the neck that was waiting to be won. The third Sisaket Brazilian, Caique, had been played on the left wing, despite him being a creative forward pressing midfielder. 

The one-dimensional tactics had done for him as he was withdrawn just after the hour mark, as I offered the coach feedback. The game became niggly, passionate, and naughty at times. I compared it to watching England play against themselves at the recently finished Euros. 

The home team coach failed to use most of the talent at his disposal because I’m not sure he knows how to. The away side settled for a draw when a win was on the cards. Meanwhile, the Pattaya players fell over with alarming regularity, having quickly realised that referee Nasri Tamat was as weak, taking advantage of his general cluelessness. 

Dolphins coach Theerawekin Seehawong went on the pitch three times to remonstrate before he was eventually shown to the stands. The stretcher bearers were overworked before players suddenly and miraculously jumped to their feet. 

Patrick Cruz and his teammate Waleed Adel decided to exchange punches with each other before a combination of Abner and Danilo missed a glorious chance during the additional seven minutes of stoppage time at the back post from a well-delivered free kick.

All in all, a feisty affair, but as ever, it was only part of a good day out. The later kick-off than in previous seasons allowed for a proper drink pre-match, both in Leo’s and Hong Kong Garden, after getting a van from Kanthararom. In the first place, Caique was in with a friend having a water. I did warn him about the coach then, and I got the impression that he sort of knew already. 

My pal John was waiting for a late lunch before we headed to the stadium earlier than usual, and via an off-license. Sisaket going up would undoubtedly improve the standard of the matches, but there were most certainly things that didn’t appeal to me, not least because Chang was the only beer available rather than Leo.

That was resolved by me taking my own and putting them in a plastic cup to take in acquired from one of the vendors. In fairness to the club, they made some kind of effort, with tables and chairs on the main road behind the stand to create some kind of fan zone. Designated seats were required, while the price had nearly doubled to 100 THB, which was around £2.25 in the best position. 

Caique’s friend turned out to be another Brazilian, Alberto Gouvea, who had signed for Rasisalai United in T3. He and his girlfriend sat just behind us and were good company. I would look forward to seeing him perform a month or so later, especially if he scores as many goals as he told me he would.

Full time, my driver somehow managed to get through the cordon to park near the exit before I had one last beer with my wife, who had better observational ability than the ref by identifying that I had already sampled several beers.

Sisaket United 1 Chiangmai United 1 (Sunday 15th September 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,399) 

An entertaining game as Sisaket equalised late on. Plenty of endeavour, skill, and dross with controversy of a goal each being chalked off, so standard Thai fare really.

The hosts came into the encounter in the playoff places, the visitors from the north third from bottom, not that anyone would know on this showing. Perhaps both sides were in false positions, with Sisaket punching above their weight following promotion. 

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout, with midfielders having a quiet time as the ball fizzed from end to end. I rated the away side's front foreigners, Carlos Neto and Arnold Suew, above the home pairing of Danilo and Caique Ribero. This was especially true in the opening exchanges, with the footwork of Carlos Neto outstanding.

His side went ahead through a long-range swerving free kick from Suew after half an hour of proceedings. I’m not entirely sure keeper Adisak would have been too pleased with his effort in trying to stop it. The visitors wearing light grey shirts with white numbering came close in the very poor effort stakes. 

Danilo missed an absolute sitter on the stroke of halftime, heading wide from five yards as his side got back into things with both sides playing some good stuff at high intensity. This continued after the break on what was a slick surface, with the region receiving many heavy downfalls in the days leading up to the match.

Indeed, the ground staff deserved much credit for their endeavours, with it looking in excellent condition and maybe helping to level it out. Just one patch, like a single bloke’s bedsheets, which detracted from its appearance. It certainly encouraged plenty of challenges to go flying in. 

Referee Krisda Luangyos certainly had his hands full, dishing out seven yellow cards, as the hosts were being less than hospitable at times. The officials would then be involved heavily in two big moments. Chiangmai had a goal ruled out for offside. I was right in line with it and called it straight away.

The visiting coach was apoplectic, racing down the touchline to offer feedback to the assistant with the flag. A few minutes later, the hosts were denied, with that decision being clearly wrong when photographic evidence from the live feed was produced. No VAR in T2, at least until the midseason break, so on we went. 

The Lamduan eventually drew level, and deservedly so on the balance of play, when exchanges of passes, which I’m not entirely sure were intentional, eventually found Danilo a yard or so out to score with fourteen minutes remaining. After that, the away side blew a great chance to take all three points.

A strange day out. News that the dreaded words of the car needed attention was thankfully a cheap part, while a trip to the stadium to buy my ticket in advance to be sure I was under cover in case of rain proved fruitless, as the office was closed despite the club advertising it would be open. 

Nice food and company in Hong Kong Garden, my usual pre-match haunt with a couple of beers to wash it down. John was unavailable, and news that the place might shut down too in the not-too-distant future sort of put a dampener on things, along with hearing that a friend back home was unwell.

Again, I took my own supply of beer to the stadium to avoid Chang, as I people-watched and made conversation with the locals. 

Sisaket United 1 Kanchanaburi Power 1 (Saturday 28th September 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,424)

Fair play to both sides. A decent enough game to watch. Both teams hit the woodwork and had half-chances to win it. Kanch, with some powerful exports to match their title, went ahead on the hour, through a header from the big Brazilian defender Jeferson Sousa that went in off the underside of the bar.

Sisaket drew level 10 minutes from time. Abner came off the bench after being missing through injury and made an impact in general, with his low shot from the left-hand side of the box having too much strength for keeper Chinnapong Raksri. Adisak, the goalie at the other end, was erratic with his distribution and on crosses.

There was plenty of feistiness, especially in the closing stages, and as good an atmosphere as I’ve been in the stadium. The locals genuinely care. I also had a walk around the perimeter at the interval. The far side had an abundance of beer and food stalls. I managed to find a vendor selling alternatives to Chang behind the main stand. 

I’m glad the game was enjoyable, as I had such a nice time having food, drink, and watching rugby league on TV from Australia in Hong Kong Garden in good company before the game, that it was a wrench to leave. Back home with my reliable driver in time for the second half of an excellent Arsenal v Leicester City encounter.

Sisaket United 2 Bangkok FC 3 (Sunday 20th October 2024) Thai League 2 (2,258)

An excellent game of football and a very good few hours of fun as Taew and her great-nephew Boet joined me. We headed to Leo’s beforehand for food, which both thoroughly enjoyed, before being met by Clinton, an online Aussie friend who was on a football and cultural tour of the region.

Danilo latched onto a defensive error after fourteen minutes as Sisaket started like a house on fire. Bangkok were the best side that played at Lamduan Stadium the season before and gradually got into this encounter before Wichaya Pornprasart unleashed a thunderbolt from range, leaving keeper Siwat Rawnpa grasping thin air.

A fine move twelve minutes after the restart saw sub Padungsak Phothinak put the visitors ahead with a header. After that, the hosts piled forward, while Bangkok looked likely to score on the break, fluffing several chances. The outstanding Dudu Lima made it 3-1 with thirteen minutes remaining. 

Danilo grabbed one back in additional time, but it proved to be a consolation in a game where Seiya Kojima, Simon Dia, and Charyl Chappuis stood out for the away team. We returned to Leo’s and dropped our friend off before Clinton visited us in the country and went for food the following day.

Sisaket United 1 Chonburi 1 (Saturday 26th October 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,923)

A game I was really looking forward to, and I wasn’t disappointed. Usual trip through and lunch at Hong Kong Garden. I decided to watch the first half on the open side and the second with the Displaced Supporters behind the goal after the break. Chonburi brought good support, but their promotion favourites were made to wait until the final minute to draw level.

Substitute, Theerapat Kaewphung fired home an equaliser. The clash between Danilo and visiting centre-back Charlie Clough failed to ignite, with the Brazilian latching on to a ball on the edge of the box and advancing to slot past goalie Noppakun Kadtoon after twelve minutes.

The atmosphere was superb throughout and matched the occasion. Sisaket did their utmost to hang on, but they were eventually found out. I was forming the opinion that it might yet turn into a relegation battle, especially if they continued to invite pressure through their tactics when ahead. The defence was not good enough to keep clean sheets.

Sisaket United 1 Chiangrai United 3 (Wednesday 30th October 2024) Thai League Cup Round of 32 (att: 1,522)

I was hoping for a cup upset with Chiangrai struggling in T1 and fielding a side with many changes from their league lineup. However, coach Narongthanaphorn decided to follow suit. It felt like a very low-key occasion in which Chitchanok Xaysensourinthone put the Beetles ahead after thirteen minutes. 

Sisaket drew level within four minutes through Thaweekun Thong-On, but Chiangrai regained the lead just past the midway mark of the first half with a goal from defender Banphakit Phormmanee, as his side looked a constant danger from set pieces.

Chinese forward Guo Tianyu took plenty of lots of stick from the home fans and reacted to both sides of the ground when he was substituted. I offered him feedback in Thai, which, on reflection, might have had more chance of being understood if I’d shouted at him in English.

His side extended their lead through Carlos Iury, who had come off the bench, with nine minutes left on the clock to progress to the next round.

Siskaet United 1 Trat 0 (Friday 8th November 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 1,301)

A hard-fought and important win for the Lamduan in a scrappy game, extremely low in quality at times. The number of passes going astray was remarkable at times in near-perfect conditions. The one player to cover himself in glory was Danilo.

It was he who scored, escaping his marker to head home a free kick from a well-flighted free kick two minutes before the interval. In the second half, the lack of game management from his teammates had the big Brazilian going spare. Sisaket would be in a sorry state without him.

Trat looked a ragbag bunch in physique, with their away kit looking like a Sunday League offering. They offered very little, yet the home side only just got over the line against them. At least the home support, while lacking in numbers for some reason, did their bit and created a decent atmosphere.

A good few hours out, as ever being fed and watered at Hong Kong Garden, where Peter’s choice of tunes was akin to Brian Matthew's Sound of the Sixties on Radio 2 when I used to visit my dad, so that put a smile on my face. Something we all needed after the world events of the week.

Sisaket United 2 Chanthaburi 1 (Sunday 8th December 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 1,311)

A fitting climax to the end of several weeks of festivities, as my wife and I caught up with friends and visited places around the country. A decent game of football as part of a wonderful day out inspired me to pen an article with a tribute to an old friend.

Sisaket United 0 Mahasarakham SBT 0 (Wednesday 12th February 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,733)

Since my previous home match, I had been travelling extensively around Thailand. Returning back I was glad to head back into town and visit Peter at Hong Kong Garden before the game. Changes had seen Phipob On-Mo come in as coach and Charlie Clough arrive on loan.

It had been my pleasure to assist him, giving him tips on where to eat and drink. We had met at Leo's a week earlier to say hello and have an enlightening chat. We were to meet after the game back at HKG, and I decided that this was an ideal game to make a video for my YouTube channel, focusing on his career and the matchday experience at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium.

The video for my YouTube channel was made at the game.

The game ended in a stalemate, but not without incident. It was also the first time I'd seen the wholly inadequate VAR system in operation in a Thai League 2 game. The scoreboard wasn't equipped to tell fans what was going on, and judging by the handball that they didn't spot in the Mahasarakham box in stoppage time, they quite frankly didn't know what they were doing.

Sisaket United 2 Chainat Hornbill 1 (Saturday 1st March 2015) Thai League 2 (att: 1,626)

A game with plenty to keep the passionate Saturday night crowd entertained. Sisaket deservedly went in 1-0 ahead at the break, through Abner, and played excellent football. A good stop from Phanumek Palawec in the Hornbill net denied English defender Charlie Clough. 

Chainat had piled on the pressure before that, desperate to salvage something from the game as they went into it third from bottom, with Sisaket four points off a playoff position. The leveller came with seven minutes to go after Adisak decided to have his usual brainless ten minutes, which caused jitters as Selwan Al Jaberi came off the bench to head home.

From that point, including the eight minutes added on, the game descended into something more akin to basketball as both sides, realising that a point was worthless, went for it, hell for leather. Danilo was denied before Clough, who had converted to the main striker, nearly set up the winner. 

The goal came in the ninety-eighth minute when Wongsakorn put away a low cross at the back post as bedlam ensued in the home sections. A brilliant way to end an entertaining match.

My mate John was back from a sabbatical, making it even more enjoyable, with a very boozy few hours being added to at Leo’s, where the two-hour beer promotion buffet was attacked with gusto and offered an explanation as to my condition the following day. We were even joined by Charlie Clough, which added to the evening.

Sisaket United 2 All Star 3 (Wednesday 16th July 2025) Pre-Season Friendly (att: c100)

Read here for my musings on pre-season friendlies, what supporters learn from them, and a worthwhile day out.

Sisaket United 3 Ubon Eastern 1 (Monday 4th August 2025) Pre-Season Friendly (att: c300)

What do friendlies tell you? Well, on this occasion, it offered optimism for home fans, with their overseas players looking decent. Judivan, the 30-year-old Brazilian with 5 caps at the under-20 level, looked strong and clever up front. Vastly experienced veteran wide man Steeven Langil was excellent. We passed a comment at the end of the match about just how awful the playing surface was.

A decent game to watch. The newly promoted side to T3 from an hour up the road, consisting mainly of trialists, went ahead as Sisaket played with the same competency as England batted at the same time at The Oval. 

When the Test was over, it was like a light came on and they looked like a different side, though I'd be astonished if there was any connection between the two. Eastern is based at the excellent UMT Stadium in Ubon Ratchathani, formerly home to Ubon United until they went bust with financial issues.

A leveller before half time through a low free kick from Judivan, followed by another couple of goals, some excellent football, and some good stuff falling apart owing to the dreadful pitch, making lads on trial or those trying to impress, having already signed, look like idiots, which I think is most unfair.

Nice to have a day out without chat about the recent border conflict. In the excellent company of my mate John, we headed to the gym, enjoyed a drive about town, had 9 holes of golf next to the stadium, and then took advantage of the buy 2, get 1 free Guinness to wash down my bangers and mash in Leo's. Beer, as ever, was taken inside the stadium to our seats.

The talk of the region at the time, away from the border dispute, was the government announcing that the land where the Buriram United stadium and the motor racing circuit next door have been built is on land that the owner and ruler of the province doesn't own, but belongs to the State Railway of Thailand. 

Sisaket United 0 Khon Kaen United 0 (Sunday 31st August 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 2,147) 

Another northeast derby and more excellent entertainment despite ending blank. How it did so was down to the home side missing four glaring chances in the first ten minutes, and then their centre back Pakornkiat, who miraculously cleared two KKU efforts off his own line with ‘keeper Prasit Phadungchok beaten.

A weak ref who seemingly allowed the visitors to foul at will, a poor pitch, and strange tactical decisions from Sisaket coach Somchai Choyboonchum. Some heavy rain added to the fun, which meant the shirt of winger Steeven Langil will need some washing. 

Strange really. I went home three times in the last month, filthy and drenched, to a less-than-positive response. A pro gave me his shirt, and my wife was all smiles and got on with cleaning it immediately. Strange creatures, women.

Good food and beer in Leo’s of whose owner joined me and my mate in the stands, which seating layout was apparently designed with pygmies in mind, especially when it rains and everyone tries to shelter under the roof. The small Thais under umbrellas diverting the rain onto me made my pals laugh more than I did.

Sisaket United 1 Kasetsart 3 (Sunday 21st September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,462)

Another highly entertaining game involving a Sisaket club, even if it would have caused great angst to those of whom it really matters. The hosts were 3-0 down by half-time thanks to two awful errors by goalkeeper Adisak and a penalty, correctly flagged up by VAR, when a United defender decided it was a good idea to grab an opponent by the legs at a corner.

As a lover of football nostalgia, I enjoyed being taken back to 1975 and Stewart Kennedy’s performance at Wembley. Not sure his coach was as impressed, even though, for reasons only he knows, he seemed to be blaming the ref at the interval. Despite being 3-0 down, a very flat home side still created chances of their own.

After the break, it was one-way traffic, and countless chances were being squandered. I think I would introduce a rule if in a position of authority, which bans Thais from shooting from outside the box. They are generally hopeless. That said, they have endless energy, an accusation that could not be made of Judivan up front for Sisaket. 

They got one back through Filippe, the star home player on the night, for whom flying winger Steeven Langil was well marshalled by Kasetsart captain, Chayapol Supma. Their keeper, Prin Goonchon, played the part of pantomime villain, eventually being carded for time-wasting. French attacker, Ismail Sassi, was the best player on the park.

A fun few hours, as again a huge storm avoided my football game. The village back home got the lot for the following twelve hours. Good food and a couple of drinks pre-match, where Leo's were recruiting and interviewing staff for the new sports bar in town, due to open in a week. Most enlightening. 

Sisaket United 3 Padriew City 2 (Wednesday 24th September 2025) Thai FA Cup Qualifying Round (att: 305)

The worst conditions I have ever seen a pro game played in. The pitch was already dreadful before another storm landed, waterlogging it further and putting the kick-off back thirty minutes. The visitors from Chachoengsao had travelled eight hours, which is perhaps why the ref went ahead.

It was slightly better than expected to begin with, at which point Sisaket, fielding many of those without regular first-team action, had raced into a 3-0 lead within half an hour. Two goals came from the spot, one from Kittipong, the other from Phengchaem on the back of a well-worked goal finished with power by Pansiri.

Then a storm of Biblical proportions, complete with thunder and lightning, deposited more rainfall. It made sense to call it off, but the ref persevered to half-time when the rain stopped. The second half was a complete farce, which the players did their best to handle. All credit to them, along with the officials who had good games. It was bad enough in the grandstand!

Nigerian forward Jeremiah Kegbe was a real handful for the visitors, being big, strong, and talented. Best of all, he gave everything and smiled, enjoying every moment. If only all foreign signings were like him. He scored from the spot, the fifth penalty I’d seen over the two matches, and then beat keeper Adisak, who had a few days to forget, at the near post. Sisaket did enough to hang on.

I would have offered a baht for the thoughts of the groundsman if such a thing existed. Instead, they simply let the pitch dry out and play on it, ruts and all. It is a disgrace to professional football. When it had standing water, two lads tried to remove it using the type of squeegee used on a wet floor. They couldn’t even use those properly, as the surface is so uneven.

Sisaket United 1 Mahasarakham SBT 0 (Saturday 4th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,884)

Possibly not a game to captivate the neutral or a first timer, as my mate and I took along, but a victory based on proper hard graft for the hosts, who seem to have adopted playing a lone striker and then protecting a lead. Fair play to the club for trying to improve the pitch. Nowhere near perfect, but a lot better than doing nothing.

Filippe Veloso, the Brazilian up front, minus his two foreign teammates, ran his socks off and had a tremendous game against the powerful Korean centre back, Lee Jongcheon. Everyone in the home orange shirt contributed to a win based on teamwork, with the rub of the green decisions wise. The goal came when a free kick came back off the bar and was put away by Kittipong Wongma ten minutes before the interval.

By then, Mahasarakham had seen VAR chalk a goal off for an earlier foul, and then one disallowed in stoppage time for offside. The visitors had former Sisaket forward Danilo up front, who may as well have come to the pub with us. That said, I shook the hands of the whole home bench when substituted. A nice touch. His strike partner, veteran Leandro Assumpcao, saw a shot come back off the underside of the bar.

It was a wonderful few hours as ever, beginning with a long drink in the excellent Londoner Sports Pub. We watched Thai League 3 football on TV, enjoyed the promotions, played pool, and made new friends. More 7.30 pm kick-offs please. We sat on the open side in the stadium, where the passionate volume was noticeably increased through the additional drinking time.

Sisaket United 2 Phrae United 2 (Sunday 26th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,330)

A really good performance from the hosts, let down by poor finishing and a lack of concentration at the end, yet again, in a strange atmosphere. Phrae went ahead in additional time at the end of the first half through Herlison Caion. Sisaket mounted non-stop pressure in the second half, resulting in goals from Steeven Langil and Fellipe Veloso.

That should have been that. The visitors who had travelled fourteen hours on a coach looked done and were losing their heads before regathering their composure to score in the eleventh minute of additional time through Taku Ito. The ref had a look at VAR but decided the forward standing next to the goalie wasn’t interfering with play.

If there is anyone in Sisaket who can explain to the footballers that if they keep their head over the ball when they shoot it won't continually keep going over the bar. The locals around me learned some very sweary Yorkshire words, which seemed to amuse them.

A weird occasion all told. The crowd was down as a Thai band, Cocktail, played a gig to 20,000 at the stadium up the road. Hopefully, it didn't do too much damage to the pitch. Thailand was currently in mourning after the death of the Queen Mother on Friday. It was slightly surprising that the games and concerts went ahead this weekend, as well as bars being allowed to sell alcohol. 

The following morning, I wish that they hadn’t. Fans were asked to show respect and refrain from certain behaviours. Grumpy gits would have enjoyed it as drums and loud hailers were barred. Interestingly, the Pattaya United fans didn’t consider pulling down the segregation fence to have a go at Rasisalai away support to be off limits.

Sisaket United 3 Bangkok FC 1 (Saturday 8th November 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 1,236)

An atmosphere nearly as strange as the home coach’s team selection, as the mourning for the Queen mother continued, but Sisaket got the job done against a team that has the vibe of being too good to go down, yet they may well do so.

The hosts left Judivan in the stands and Steeven Langil on the bench, resembling the total football of the Dutch 1974 team in orange, going ahead after twenty-one minutes, when defender Daehee Kwon finished off a set piece. The team then reverted to fourth division Blackpool of the 80s in similar colours.

It was 1-1 just gone the half-hour mark, as giant forward Marcus Haber towered over his small marker to head home. In the second half, the hosts, for whom Langil had come on a few minutes before the break, played well. The sub, along with forward Fillipe Veloso, created enough havoc as Sakda Koomgun put the ball into his own net. 

The match was sealed with a beauty from range, curling away from the generally unconvincing goalie, Natthapong Kajornmalee, and into the top corner. Hard to say what is going on at Sisaket, who are in the playoffs without being particularly convincing. Is a change of coach in the offing?

A tremendous time was had in The Londoner before the game, where a beef and onion baguette soaked up the Belgian 5% Kerel Stout, with chocolate and coffee undertones, topped up with assorted local stuff over the following few hours. I was in a bony state at the monk ordaining of a family member at a temple early the following morning.

 

Rasisalai United

Rasisalai United FC is a professional football club that represents a district in the northern part of Sisaket province, which is located towards the eastern edge of Thailand. The club was formed in 2019.

In their inaugural season in the Thailand Amateur League Northeastern Zone, ‘The Monkey King’ lost all three of their matches before the competition took an enforced sabbatical for a couple of years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Upon resumption in 2022, Rasisalai stormed to the top of Northeast Southern Group F to progress to the knockout stages, where they dispatched Jfam United and Amnatcharoen City, with both games taking place at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University Stadium.

Roi-Et PB United and Roi-Et 2018 were then both seen off. The run continued as Konkrillas United and Warship United were defeated, before Muang Trang United were overcome 4-1 over two legs to claim the championship and seal promotion to the national competition in style as Polite Mueang Chan banged in the goals.

 

Promotion meant finding a suitable venue, and a deal was struck with SAT Sisaket and the Sisaket Provincial Sports Association to use their venue in the city, which is sometimes known as Central Island Stadium.

The side consolidated their new status under head coach Tossapon Kanplook, who was succeeded by Preeda Chankra before the mid-season break in front of encouraging home attendances. Chankra was replaced by Chonlathit Janthakham before returning to the position in November 2023.

A change of head coach came in time for the 2024-25 campaign following a ninth-place return. The team was invested in, and kick-off times were pushed back to 5pm for the team led by Arnon Bandasak as the side went on to lift their regional title.

The Monkey King went on to win their playoff group, then defeat Pattani to win promotion before being crowned as national Thai League 3 champions following victory against Songkhla to the delight of the lady chairman, Nuchanart Jaruwongsatian.

Rasisalai United FC will play in the Thai League 2 in the 2025-26 season.

My visits

Rasisalai United 2 Yasothon 2 (Sunday 15th January 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 411) 

What a day! One of those you don’t want to end, apart from your body telling you it’s time for bed. I had already had a beautiful walk as the sun came up over the village of Suan Kluai in the Sisaket countryside, as I listened to an archived edition of TalkSport’s My Sporting Life featuring an old Hull City favourite of mine, Steve McClaren.

After a traditional Isan-style breakfast, my beautiful partner Taew kindly drove me to Kanthararom, the nearest town of any size. She wanted food to cook from the market, and we had sussed out the day before that no local transport existed. 

She left me to my own devices as I had a walk around and had a nice chat with a young monk at the temple. We bumped into each other at the market once again, before I headed off towards the bus terminus.

It was a bit of a surprise that the lady who oversaw the desk and toilets had to telephone a driver to tell him that he had a pickup. I had no idea what vehicle to expect or what time it was due. I never have quite phrased that question correctly in Google Translate.

It wasn’t long past midday when the minibus arrived, which I presume had set out from Ubon Ratchathani. It cost me 53 Baht for the 18 km journey, depositing me at Sisaket Bus Terminus. Feeling adventurous, I thought I would ask about transport back to my village.

There were plenty of blank looks and shakes of the head. The lady on the information desk hadn’t even heard of it. That would be a no, then! Unperturbed, I set off for a walk, visiting the ageing Sun Haeng Plaza shopping mall for some provisions for home. 

Another temple in a state of being refurbished was visited, and I went past the old site of Leo’s, previously a craft beer establishment, which was closed, apparently to move to new premises shortly. However, I had been given a tip off about somewhere else, and it didn’t let me down.

Hong Kong Garden fitted the bill perfectly. Nice hosts in Peter and Amy, and a superb 12-inch pepperoni pizza for 190 Baht, with a large Leo only 75 Baht. Before long, it was time to go, which was a shame as I could have sat there for some time, especially if Peter had played some of the albums, whose covers adorned the wall. 

The walk to the game via Google Maps ended at a dead end among the houses of the new village by the bar. Eventually, with the help of friendly locals, I was at the bottom of the road when a large gap led through to the large area surrounding the stadium.

It certainly looked an impressive venue from the outside, that we’d passed previously in the car when we were out in the car. The ticket in was 60 Baht, with friendly youngsters staffing the gates. Inside the main stand was very grand with decent, clean toilets. 

The view from the back of the seats also semi-negated the running track around the pitch. There were also some home fans of the far side braving the scorching sun. I had missed the first couple of minutes, but soon settled with a Coke to enjoy a decent game.

In the early exchanges, the home forward partnership of Supab Muengchan and Hamzeh Sari looked lively. A free kick from a Yasothon player was easily dealt with by home custodian Banhan Thubthong. 

Rasisalai was the better side as the ref called for a break for drinks at the midway point of the half. Nattapon Yongsakool went on a mazy run for the home team, but he couldn’t get his shot away. Seconds later, his side took the lead.

A fine cut back from Jaruphong Wongphithak was put away by Somyot Pongsuwan with three minutes of the first period left on the clock. The goal was greeted by a brief instrumental version of Seven Nation Army. I’m sure the White Stripes would have been chuffed. 

The lead was nearly doubled when Sari narrowly headed over a cross put in from Aphisit Nusonsala. At the interval, I walked around the stadium perimeter to grab some photos. I was greeted by friendly fans on the far side, some of whom were enjoying beers.

Yasothon hadn’t just come for the ride, and played very well after the break. They equalised when a curling shot from Panawat Jantasila might have taken a slight nick on the way through, but I thought that home goalie Thubthong should have at least got a hand on it.

Rasisalai retook the lead, in a game that flowed from end to end, when a fine pass allowed Muengchan to beat the offside trap and finish coolly past Ronnachart Phuchum. It looked to me like that goal would be decisive, but the visitors weren’t having any of it.

They levelled once again, eleven minutes from time, when a free kick from Jantasila flew in straight above the hands of Thubthong. It was a good strike, but the host's keeper showed all the reflexes of Peter Shilton in the 1990 penalty shootout against West Germany. 

By now, I had other concerns, as Grab taxis were not responding to my request for a cab. I was desperate not to ask Taew as I needed to retain some independence for future occasions. I had considered walking to the bus terminal, where I had seen taxis earlier in the day.

However, I used a solution that has worked for nigh on forty years, as I returned to the bar for a beer. I had remembered Amy asking if I wanted a taxi before I had left, so I decided to take her up on her offer.

She was unsure of exactly where I wanted to go, and my Thai isn’t the best to be able to describe such things. I put her on the phone to my good lady, who explained all, and before long, a car had arrived for me.

Toy turned out to be a terrific man, driving me home. He spoke a bit of English and knew the quickest route offering a comfortable ride, rather than back alleys and bumpy lanes. It was well worth the tip I gave him, as we exchanged numbers for future occasions. 

I returned near the end of a mini party, featuring female members of Taew’s family who were delighted to see me, especially the more imbibed of the fraternity. Food and beers were waiting, before we went to a local gathering where villagers prayed for happiness. Amen to that!

What a wonderful day out. I couldn’t have fitted much more in, and I had enjoyed a proper adventure mixing both Thai and Western, with a decent football match to boot!

Rasisalai United 1 Udon United 2 (Saturday 9th September 2023) League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round (att: 250)

Udon United progressed to the next round with a 2-1 win in a tetchy encounter against hosts Rasisalai in an encounter that could be called the Sales show, but what won’t live long in the memory at the SAT Provincial Stadium

João Paulo Sales De Sousa, to give the Brazilian his full name, was at the thick of most things important. At least that was so once compatriot Abner saw a shot ricochet in the direction of Niwat Nonkao, who headed home to put the team that had travelled by bus for six hours ahead in the regional cup tie.

Within a minute, the hosts levelled up when Wichit Kongsinkaew scored an early goal of the season contender with a half volley from the angle of the penalty area that flew into the far top corner. By now, our man Sales was having an enormous influence, putting himself about and being a general nuisance to opponents and officials alike.

His complaining, aided by the other two Samba stars in the Udon lineup up was of impressive levels. Incessant would certainly be one description. He eventually got himself a yellow card for a ridiculous late lunge, and then avoided a second one, which only the imagination of the referee could allow for.

However, while he rolled around, his teammates were going spare, pointing at opponent Jakkapan Phaopan, who was also prostrate on the turf. Palakon Hasuk tried to unravel the mess after a minute or so and then showed a straight red to the Rasisalai defender, causing the club's woman owner to go rushing out of the stand to see what was going on.

Quite how I’m not sure, but the referee was convinced to speak to the fourth official, who could well have been rewinding his Facebook page to look at the live feed, before the red was overturned to a yellow to cue more moaning from the away team.

Udon were turned down what looked like a good shout for a penalty, leading to more complaints, before a Sales header was superbly saved by Banhan Thubthong. After the break, the hosts looked good but quickly ran out of ideas. 

The winner came ten minutes from time, when a low cross was missed before falling to Sales to tap into an empty net with ten minutes remaining, and that was that, despite a late flurry to try and force the game into extra time at the other end.

As ever, just part of the day, back up in the countryside. Shopping in Kanthararom was followed by catching a minibus to Sisaket. A look around the ageing mall, an expensive pint in Craft & Cold, and a cheap head shave were followed by lunch at Hong Kong Garden. 

The sausage, chips, and gravy, and some Laos Dark beer set me up for the fifteen-minute walk to which included taking my socks and trainers off to wade through a puddle/lake in the car park after heavy rain over the previous few days.

At full time, Taew ordered my taxi, which waited outside an empty Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of Sisaket United. He eventually came for me forty minutes later, but worse things happened at sea. Not least concerning events back home, where we had four cattle, one a recent addition.

A mother gave birth to a ewe a couple of weeks earlier, but stumbled in the barn the previous night and couldn't get up again, having severely damaged a leg. The vet had arrived and administered a sedative to the mum, supported on her belly with bales of straw with the aid of a harness. There's one thing for sure. She wasn't faking injury like some of the footballers I encounter.

Rasisalai United 4 Surin Khong Chee Mool 1 (Saturday 16th September 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: c350)

Sometimes, the first result of a season can be a slightly misleading form guide. Players might not have gelled, or the coach doesn’t have his ideas across fully. The previous week, Surin KCM were dumped out of the League Cup 8-2 at Khon Kaen Mordingdang. On the evidence of this showing, it was no freak scoreline.

How Rasisalai didn’t bag eight themselves was only down to some awful finishing, some of it comical, like the missed penalty at 0-0 that came back off both posts, and the free header into an open net at the back post that was somehow blocked by a teammate. To be fair to the visitors, they plugged away right until the last kick of the game.

You would have thought full-back Surawat Tarnparsert had scored a winner in a cup final, such was his joy in finding the net, after colleagues Phongsuri Etmsakdi hit the post, and then Amonthep Kamchadphai saw his shot come back off the bar, but by now the game had been well and truly put to bed. 

Natchanon Yongsakool atoned for his earlier penalty miss by scoring from the spot after twenty-seven minutes. Soon after the interval, Aphisit Nusonsala crossed from wide on the left and saw the ball sail over the head of keeper Kittiphop Panjan and into the net. The home player acclaimed the adulation of the crowd, who surely didn’t think that it was an intended shot.

Two goals with five minutes from Wichit Kongsinkaew must have had Surin hearts sinking, with around twenty minutes remaining, but they somehow managed to put together a threadbare offside trap that the home side couldn’t work out, and they decided to have some fun. 

In fairness, they tried to play the right way throughout. It’s just that they weren’t particularly good at it. Neither side with an overseas player, which always gladdens my heart as a pragmatist, as it’s surely unsustainable paying out the wages, plus it’s great to see local players getting a go in professional football. 

A special mention to referee Tharanon Naowapan. There had been some huge rainfalls over the past few weeks in Sisaket province, and the pitch was difficult. He used his common sense and kept dishing out cards to a minimum, also allowing for a lack of malicious intent from the away side, with their poor challenges on occasions. 

A lovely day out as ever. Dropped off in Kanthararom by my wife, Train ride to Sisaket and then got a cab to Hong Kong Garden for lunch. Homemade meat pie, chips, and gravy washed down by a cider and a couple of bottles of Laos Dark and a chat, forming the perfect Saturday with football.

My video, recorded for A Thai Football Podcast

My earlier driver collected me after the game from the SAT Sisaket Stadium and took me home. He knew the route as he lived in the nearby countryside. And he put the metre on, which revealed the previous week’s pilot had enjoyed a couple of beers out of me. Food, beers, and some live Thai League and EPL action before bed. 

Rasisalai United 1 Khon Kaen Mordingdang 1 (Sunday 5th November 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 172)

The lady owner of the hosts rang the changes during the week before the match as Preeda Chankra, who led league debutants Rasisalai to third place the previous term, returned to the dugout.

United tend to play lovely football at times, without delivering an end product, and can be guilty of missing a lot of chances. And so, it proved once again, as they played with vigour without putting the ball in the net in the first half. They were made to pay as Tanapol Srithong put KKM 1-0 up five minutes before the break.

The second half was of a similar pattern and equal. A fantastic move led to an equaliser from Natchanon Yongsakool seven minutes after the restart. The midfielder always seemed to be in the thick of the action and gave his all whenever I watched. Chukwuma was at the back, a steady presence as ever.

In the gloom in stoppage time of the 3.30pm kickoff, the visitors nearly snatched a last-gasp winner, but for a superb point-blank stop from home goalie Banhan Thubthong. Why they hadn’t switched the lights on was beyond me and my mate.

A lovely few hours in town, as ever in the good company of my new companion John Thornback, with a fine baguette and plentiful refreshments at Hong Kong Garden, a few minutes by car from Sisaket Provincial Stadium. A special shout-out to my Grab driver, who has become my regular pilot.

Our car was having repairs, so I needed a taxi both ways. Grab doesn’t connect with drivers in the deepest countryside, but he gave my Taew, my wife, his number and told her to ring in advance whenever I need a ride. 

He drove down to us, and then I made the connection on the app. The fella is full of laughter. They call him Uan, which is translated to “fatty”, and he has one leg, which we discovered when opening his boot to put the shopping in at Makro a few days earlier. I make sure he gets a good tip.

Rasisalai United 5 Nakhon Ratchasima United 3 (Saturday 11th November 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 175)

A highly entertaining encounter as the improving hosts faced a better-than-expected challenge against the side second from bottom in the thirteen-team division. 

A brace from the consistently impressive Natchanon from midfield, along with a penalty from Tangrit, put Rasisalai in command as expected with fifty-one minutes on the clock. The away side had been horrible to watch at Sisaket a few weeks earlier, with niggly tactics and an immobile goalie who was on the bench for this encounter.

They had a different attitude this time out, with Thanwa giving them a lifeline just before the hour mark. Tanagrit added another penalty before Nadtakorn reduced the arrears once again. By now, the game was stretched, and my mate and I both thought anything could have happened if Ratchasima scored next.

However, it wasn’t to be. Supab made it 5-3 before Nadtachorn scored his second in additional time, meaning his side still only had one point after nine games. The hapless bottom of the table side, Surin Khongcheemool, still had to register a point.

When I got home, my good lady registered a point of her own. That I was drunk and had been stupid walking several miles in flip-flops, and now had blistered feet. Guilty as charged. I was in one of those moods where I wanted a good drink. 

Pre-match, as ever, in the excellent Hong Kong Garden for homemade pie, chips, and gravy, along with a range of beers and a cider. I continued at the stadium and post-match, found myself without an available Grab driver. I’d been given a recommendation of a restaurant bar that later turned into the place to be a few weeks earlier. 

I thought it was a good idea to take the fifteen-minute walk, have a beer, and see if I had more luck getting a taxi. After one agreed and then turned me down, saying the fare Grab was telling him to charge wasn’t expensive enough, a kind member of staff spoke to my better half on the phone so she explained where we lived, and so that they could call me a taxi.

The following day, I was feeling sheepish, with sore feet making walking a few yards painful, and a hangover from hell.

Rasisalai United 0 Sisaket United 1 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium (Saturday 16th December 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 536)

A hard-fought victory for the league leaders in the local derby. The only goal from Argentinian star man Panigazzi came five minutes after the break, with Danilo, the Brazilian forward, putting in a much improved shift as Sisaket maintained their position at the top of the table.

The first half showed signs of imitating the first encounter between the sides, which ended 0-0. Sisaket keeper Adisak Lambelsah turned over a long-range effort in the only real offering on goal from either side. Referee Chlaermpon Thongsri did his best to liven things up with some bizarre decisions, mainly against Rasisalai.

The boss of the club, a lady not known for holding back her emotions, offered some forceful feedback, hanging over the railings of the stand as the officials headed down the tunnel at the interval. Whatever Sisaket coach Narongthanaphorn told his troops at halftime seemed to have a desired effect as they came out with more attacking intent.

Danilo, who can be lacklustre at times, showed some real quality featuring in much link-up play using his strength and vision as well as a yard of pace most thought had long left him. Panigazzi, as ever, despite carrying an injury, was the driving force in midfield. His brave header from a floated cross made the difference between the teams. Sisaket had another couple of gilt-edged chances that went to waste, and they were nearly made to pay.

Finally, Rasisalai coach Preeda Chankra brought on the energetic Natchanon Yongsakool from off the bench. In the earlier fixture, he missed a late penalty and was then dismissed for a second yellow card, but he is always in the thick of the action. He and the introduction of defender Gideon Chuckwuma made a big difference as the pace and intent intensified.

A couple of crosses flashed across the box, until in the second of five additional minutes, a shot smashed back off the underside of the Sisaket bar, and danger was somehow averted from the rebound before a very enjoyable second half came to an end.

This was a local derby with a difference. Rasisalai’s usual stadium was out of commission for a marching band competition, so they forfeited their home advantage and hired the government-owned Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, the usual home of their opponents.

This meant that Sisaket fans were predominantly in the away supporters’ section of their own stadium. Rasisalai put out a message on Facebook saying anyone in Sisaket colours could not use their usual home sections. One German fella, a regular, hadn’t read the info, came in his usual orange shirt but was seen after half time with another shirt covering it. Daft, really, as a few of us go to watch both sides.

I’d been a good lad all week, abstaining from booze and eating smaller portions to try and shed some timber and clear the head. Train from Kanthararom and a walk at the other end, including a stop for the first time at Barco, a café bar which had a good fridge with a wide selection of bottles from near and far. 

Probably my one and only visit. The small bottle of Cha La Wan IPA from Full Moon Brewery in Phuket was good, but the price matched that of an English city. The challenge of trying to find out bus information to Khon Kaen for a future trip at the bus station where no English is spoken was a success, or at least I think so. 

I continued past bewildered Thais seeing someone walking in the heat, to Hong Kong Garden, my usual pre-match haunt for a late lunch and a couple of better-priced bottles before heading to the game with my mate John. A good few hours out and home at a sensible hour.

Rasisalai United 4 Muang Loei United 0 (Wednesday 7th February 2024) Thai League Northeast (att: 69)

The fixture planners, if there is such a thing, at the Thai League decided not to have any football in Sisaket for two consecutive weekends, could be compensated by putting both T3 clubs at home on the same midweek afternoon.

John messaged me and said it makes sense to meet at Hong Kong Garden and head to the first half at the first game before then heading on to the later full match. I was up for that so I went by train and met a lovely old Italian fella on the way who told be had lived in Kanthararom for fifty-five years.

A shocking attendance at the match, but little wonder really. Even the customary food and drink vendors didn’t bother turning up. The official crowd figure was certainly exaggerated. However, those who did bother saw a tremendously entertaining encounter. Well, until halftime, as that’s when we, along with another couple of carloads, headed to the second match.

Loei had been good at Sisaket eleven days previously and certainly had the same attacking flair. Apidet once again stood out with his skilful footwork and footballing brain, while the front two of Omogba Esoh and Kamonchai Somsuk looked dangerous, carving out chances.

It wasn’t their day in front of goal in this game between two sides with only pride to play for, as Rasisalai made hay taking advantage of some awful defending, with Supab Muengchan grabbing a hat-trick in the first thirty minutes. 

The first was so bad it was brilliant to watch, as he was put clean through but made an awful first touch. Keeper Thanarat Neao-Olo could have come and collected but stayed on his line, and then let the shot, which was straight at him, through his grasp.

When it’s your day, it’s time to capitalise. The scorer finished off a fine move for the second and then, once again, was given the freedom of Isan to bag his third. The score could easily have been 5-3 when we called it a day just before the break.

Rasisalai United 5 Udon United 1 (Sunday 13th October 2024) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 459)

My mate John was back in town for the week, so I arranged to meet him, with the pair of us looking forward to the game in eager anticipation, with Rasisalai having won their opening four games of the season convincingly. Visitors, Udon promised to provide decent opposition.

What we witnessed was an incredible performance. I would say as good as I had ever seen at that level of Thai football. The pace and guile of the hosts were simply too much for Udon to cope with, which saw their keeper Adisak Boonthawi replaced at half-time by coach Surachai Jirasirichoth.

By then, they were 4-0 down after an amazing first thirty-five minutes. Alberto Gouvea, whom we had previously met at a Sisaket United match, simply blew away his fullback for pace before scoring after just three minutes. His Brazilian strike partner, Gilberto Macena, then got into the action.

He was played in on the left of the box, delivering a delicious cross for Supab Muengchan to volley in at the back post. That was after eighteen minutes before Gouvea made it 3-0 just before the half-hour mark. The ever-excellent midfielder Natchanon Yongsakool added to the score with a glorious curling shot from outside the box.

Udon, to their credit, never stopped trying and looked like a decent side, but they were up against something special. Not least the figure of Rasisalai centre-back Ramon Mesquita, who was superb throughout. The away team grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot, scored by the impressive Jhonatan Bernardo, with around twenty minutes left to play.

For a short while, after that, they looked like they might grab another, which would have certainly made things interesting. However, Supab made it five to settle matters eight minutes from time. We headed to Leo’s for food, drink, and chat to round off a fantastic few hours, which had begun in Hong Kong Garden, which was also most enjoyable. 

Rasisalai United 6 Roi Et PB United 1 (Sunday 3rd November 2024) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 559)

It was a similar story regarding pre- and post-match libation and food, with both places being very much up to scratch. This time, Gary was joining me after his match the previous day in Ubon. We were treated to another exhibition of lethal finishing.

The visitors, who more than played their part in a great game to watch, must have wondered what they did wrong. The answer is not a lot. They were simply blown away by a quicker and more decisive side, while Roi Et keeper Chalermkeat Pootoyo didn’t cover himself in glory.

He could have done better with a low shot from Nattapon Yongsakool that crept in after eleven minutes. The game then became fractious with plenty of feeling. It was obvious there was a lot of pride among the six Brazilians shared between the teams, as referee Chinnawat Kaiyasi lost control at times

The visitors piled on the pressure, and Rasasalai handled it before Alberto Gouvea broke clear to double the lead. It remained 2-0 at the break, with all up for grabs. Roi Et continued to press and look for a way back, which was found when Natan scored a penalty.

However, a clumsy foul at the other end allowed Gilberto Maceda to make it 3-1 from the spot with twenty minutes remaining. Roi Et, cheered on by a good following, never said die and continued to pile forward, making the match highly entertaining. Noppawit Petch-om extended the lead ten minutes later.

It became 5-1 thanks to Somyot Pongsuwan in stoppage time as the away team finally subsided when Gouvea had pace to burn and go past his full-back before seeing his shot ricochet off the post before falling to the sub.

The icing on the cake came when Teerayut Ngamlamai fired into an empty net from over thirty yards after Chalermkeat rushed to the edge of his box to try and thwart an attack with the ball running loose to the scorer.

A great victory that took Rasisalai twelve points clear at the top of the Northeast region, while it was great to see all the overseas players and their families come to Leo’s together and enjoy a meal.

Rasisalai United 2 Suranaree Black Cat 3 (Sunday 23rd February 2025) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 570)

An incredible game of football as the unbeaten hosts were toppled by a side second from bottom, desperately trying to avoid relegation. Everything pointed to more of the same as the Roi Et match, but what we got was a huge shock and great entertainment with some quality thrown into the usual error-stacked third-level fare.

I’m not sure if both defences had been to the pub at lunchtime or just decided to have fun, but they were awful at both ends in the first twenty minutes. Black Cat went one up after five minutes, Rasi drew level within three minutes through Winai Aimoat, before a brilliant goal just before the half-hour mark regained the lead for the visitors. 

The scorer of both their goals, Thammakai Jaidee, was listed as a defender. He certainly found his true vocation on this occasion. The visiting woodwork was having a fine game while keeper Chanasorn Kaewyos was making some amazing saves despite never catching anything. There was a point when I suspected he was wearing oven rather than goalkeeping gloves. Somehow, the score was 1-2 at the interval.

Suranaree tightened things up after the break, while Rasi gave the impression that they would score whenever they fancied it. I suspect it would be complacency that was their undoing in the end. They continued to plough forward and were badly exposed on the break as a three-on-one counter saw Kittisak Roekyamdee finish with twelve minutes left on the clock.

The rest of the game was so much like watching a repeat of England v Poland at Wembley in 1973 that I expected Kevin Hector to be introduced as a sub. The turbo-charged Alberto Gouvea grabbed a lifeline with three minutes left. The board went up, indicating that there would be seven additional minutes, adding to the drama.

The excellent ref had earlier stopped the game and told the highly emotional Rasisalai lady owner to remove herself from the touchline, then awarded what I thought was a soft penalty in stoppage time. Chanasorn was the hero as he saved the weak spot kick, which was quickly followed by the full-time whistle. Incredible stuff.

Rasisalai United 2 Surin City 0 (Sunday 9th March 2025) Thai League 3 (att: 759)

Rasisalai became the first third-tier club to qualify for the playoffs with an away win at Roi Et PB United the previous week. They clinched the regional title with this win, going into the convoluted system to try and go in a couple of months. Only 3 of 69 clubs do so.

It's not a game to linger too long in the memory, I suspect, with a goal on either side of halftime through Alberto Gouvea and Supab Muengchan doing the trick. The club provided free transport from Rasisalai with free admission to the open side of the arena. 60 Baht (€1.65 for us posh folks in the main stand).

My Roving Report to A Thai Football Podcast

A fine afternoon out as ever in sweltering conditions in the late 30s for the 5pm start, with an impromptu invitation to a wedding reception with food, beer, and karaoke on the way home. Yes, please!

Rasisalai United 2 Fleet FC 1 (Sunday 27th April 2025) Thai League 3 Champions League Playoffs Group B (att: 759)

This playoff game exemplified all that is good about Thai football. Both sides gave everything on a sweltering evening, playing exciting end-to-end football in front of a vibrant atmosphere. Alongkorn Khonwai's refereeing performance was good.

In the company of my mate John, after a heavy couple of days of socialising and lunch at Hong Kong Garden, we watched as Fleet, with former Sisaket United veteran Neto in their line-up, looked the better of the two sides for the first twenty minutes.

Rob's Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

The hosts then stepped up a gear, with Gilberto Macena and Alberto Gouvea playing a one-two, which the former slotted away a couple of minutes before the interval. It was 2-0 when the Brazilian added his second, as he flicked home a header from a corner at the near post.

It looked like a routine win was on the cards, but Rasisalai defender Ramon Mesquita had hobbled off. Fleet grabbed a goal back from a good header from their Uruguayan substitute, Pedro Manzi, with ten minutes remaining on the clock.

The closing stages were scrappy as the home team hung on to widen the gap in their playoff group with an away game at Navy to follow.

Rasisalai United 1 Navy 0 (Sunday 18th May 2025) Thai League 3 Champions League Playoffs Group B (att: 979)

An absorbing contest with the only goal being scored after two minutes by Natchanon Yongsakool, who starred as ever in midfield with his twin brother Nattapon, as Rasisalai progressed to the semifinals of the playoffs, where three of the four teams would be promoted to the second tier.

A big crowd, far larger than the official figure, including a decent following all the way from Sattahip, with free admission in the cheap seats, and lots of junior groups in attendance. You could estimate its size as they had run out of tickets and were using up last season's stock.

A really good early evening, rounding off a great weekend for football. Navy gave it their all, with former Sisaket United favourite Mattius Panigazzi having an excellent game and being very unlucky to see a fine effort come back off the post.

My Roving Report for A Thai Football Podcast

Rasisalai showed that they knew how to dig deep as well as play the attractive football that saw them romp away with their divisional title. A special shout-out to referee Kriangkrai Thipanunjarukorn, who handled things excellently.

Rasisalai United 2 Khon Kaen 2 (Saturday 24th May 2025) Thai League 3 Champions League Playoffs Group B (att: 429)

What turned out to be an entertaining game, in a dead rubber after the previous group results left the visitors with no hope of going any further, while Rasisalai progressed to a semifinal tie the following week against Pattani, who faced a long journey north.

We were welcomed into the stadium by the lady chairperson, and settled down to see the T-Rex visitors go ahead before the half-hour mark through Thanaphat Phutnok, as the hosts gave a few players from their regular starting line-up a rest.

Supab Muengchan restored parity with just over an hour on the clock before Gilberto Macena came off the bench to put Rasisalai ahead. Another substitute, Ratthaphon Phoopharot, a defender for the away side, equalised when a free kick was badly misjudged by the deputy home goalie, Saravut Konglap.

A top day out, and indeed weekend, despite golf being abandoned because of a Saturday morning storm. Dale was across from the UK and drove with his wife, Nui, enjoying Friday evening with us, with plenty of food and drink, before we headed into town.

I played tourist guide in Sisaket, before an enjoyable pub lunch at Hong Kong Garden, a match, excellent bars with plentiful food and drink in excellent company, with Leo’s, Craft & Cold, and Godang24 all being visited before we retired to the Vijit Nakorn Hotel. The adventure was covered on Episode 95 of A Thai Football Podcast.

Rasisalai United 5 Pattani 3 (Sunday 1st June 2025) Thai League 3 Playoffs Semifinal 1st Leg (att: 3,195)

A wonderful advert for the third tier of Thai football, as two committed sides provided the huge crowd with a classic encounter in their attempts to win promotion through a ridiculously convoluted system.

Rasisalai once again played wonderfully entertaining football. Fortunately, for the crowd, so did Pattani. It was 2-0 at halftime once the deadlock had been broken in the thirty-eighth minute, after the sides had sussed each other’s styles out. A third goal, soon after the restart, for the hosts looked like it could prove to be an insurmountable lead.

It took me back to the days when southerners would head to the northeast and head home with a stick of rock and a box of fish as consolation. That was the 70s and Scarborough. The weather in Sisaket is very different, and we’re nowhere near the sea.

Similar passion though, as the home coach and lady owner did their pieces at the officials, and police presence was required to calm things down at one point. Pattani would have had a round road trip of approaching forty-five hours, so they arrived by plane, having a ninety-minute drive at either end, while having to change in Bangkok.

Rob's Roving Report, for A Thai Football Podcast

A crazy league system, and worth remembering when teams in England moan about away games of a couple of hours. Right. Back to the match. Pattani got one back without a Rasisalai player touching the ball before grabbing a lifeline from the penalty spot.

The home side then extended their lead from a near-post flicked header from a corner before the arrears were reduced once again in identical fashion. The fifth goal, when it came, we thought, would probably be needed on this showing. A top day, as always.

Rasisalai United: A Thai Football Fairytale

From my YouTube Channel: The Thai Adventures of Rob B

Craft beer to start, a couple of Guinness in Leo's with excellent food, beers at the ground, then Hong Kong Garden for a quick pint before my driver arrived to take me back to the countryside. All enjoyed while in excellent company.

Rasisalai United 1 Songkhla 0 (Sunday 15th June 2025) Thai League 3 Final 1st Leg (att: 3,789)

A grand occasion at the Sisaket SAT Stadium, as the winners of the semis faced off in the first leg to decide the national third-tier champions. What might seem like a meaningless game to many football fans elsewhere is taken extremely seriously in Thailand. This is despite being over 1,000km in distance between the two clubs.

A Thai Football Podcast: Rob's Roving Report

A game befitting two top sides, who played out an encounter full of skill in humid conditions. Rasi went ahead after forcing things in the first half stoppage time through veteran Brazilian, Gilberto Macena, after a colleague missed an earlier sitter. Songkhla were the better side for the final twenty minutes but couldn’t force an equaliser.

Free travel was provided from Rasisalai to the game, with the club playing 40km from home, with free admission, and a stunning afternoon and early evening brought the crowds out to the 5 pm kick-off. Another excellent day in the company of John and Gary.

It included 9 holes of golf, food and drink, and watching some Aussie NRL in Hong Kong Garden before the game, followed afterwards by Guinness in Leo's, before I departed into the long grass of rural peace until the next time. The second leg would have to be watched online!

Rasisalai United 3 Sisaket United 3 (Thursday 28th August 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 4,458)

An incredible experience for which I ran out of superlatives long before the end of filming clips for my video. To have two sides from my adopted province put on such a display was a pleasure to witness on an occasion that will live long in the memory.

Unprecedented queues of traffic waiting to access the complex from the main road, the full car park and chaotic parking thereafter, the size of the crowd, the happy vibes, the vendors doing roaring trades, fans mixing freely and having fun, the weather holding off after days of heavy rain, and then, of course, the football.

Rasi on top before the speedy Steeven Langil broke and finished brilliantly for Sisaket, who doubled their lead when the Frenchman set up Sarawut Thorarit after half an hour. The hosts were somehow kept at bay by the post and bar in an attacking move near the break.

Coach Arnon weaved his magic at the interval, as he often does, with his troops reducing the arrears within seven minutes through a header from the ever-impressive Natchanon Yongsakool. How he and his twin, Nattapon have not been picked up by a T1 club is incredible, though it probably says much about the spirit at Rasisalai, where many players have been there several seasons.

Langil broke through again midway through the second period to finish with aplomb, and that in normal circumstances would have been that, with an away win following. However, Rasi never fails to create chances. Alberto Gouvea reduced the arrears soon after with a header after fine work from fellow Brazilian Gilberto Macena.

The noise around us was deafening, not least from the racket being made by the partner of Gouvea and the wife and son of defender Ramon behind us. Sisaket were tiring, notably defender Pakornkiat Kaena, who had been outstanding earlier. Perhaps the bulk he had put on was slowing him down.

The game was levelled in the most unlikely of ways. A hopeful ball towards the edge of the Sisaket box was somehow volleyed into his own net by the substitute, Tiwa Piswai, severely piswaiing off many in the busy away section. It was perhaps fitting that such an entertaining game was levelled up so comically. It was certainly well worth the 60 THB ticket.

There was still drama in stoppage time as Fellipe Veloso was denied on the line, and then keeper Sakkongpop Sukprasert pounced on another effort. Seconds later, the inconsistent ref, Kanoksak Khiaodaeng, who added to it all, blew the full-time whistle, as players fell to the ground, and we gradually made our way out of the stadium and went slowly back to the main road. Incredible.

Rasisalai United 3 Chanthaburi 0 (Sunday 14th September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,164)

What turned out to be quite a regulation victory as unbeaten Rasi defeated a limited but well set up visiting team, who defended deep and in depth. The first half was quite dull as Chanthaburi denied the home team much space to get in behind, which they are adept at exploiting.

Not too much to talk about until ten minutes into the second half. Gilberto Macena was adamant that a defender had handled in the box, but play continued until the ref got a message from VAR to look at the screen. He pointed to the spot, and Macena slotted home.

 We were hoping that Chanthaburi would change tack. They made a couple of subs, but they hardly mustered any shots, despite Rodrigo Maranhão doing a lot of hard work. Much of them being kept at bay was thanks to defender Ramon Mesquita, who had an excellent game, which was probably as well. Rasi had their second-choice goalie, Phumeworapol Wannabutr, between the sticks. 

If ever a more butterfingered custodian has been let loose in professional football, I’d be astonished. He appeared to be frightened to death and consequently flapped at everything. A second penalty for handball was awarded, wrongly in my book by the ref, who, it would seem, knows the laws but not the game, like so many of his modern peers. Macena put it away. Ramon finished things off with an unmarked bullet header from a corner six minutes from time.

An excellent day out, starting with 9 holes of golf on a semi-waterlogged course. Guinness and pizza, and then the match. Eclectic and entertaining company, including a professor of science, a former Netherlands softball Olympic team manager, a couple of Sisaket United’s overseas stars, plus Rasisalai WAGS and the son of Ramon.

Great fun, and the promise of another double header the following week. My trainers might be dry by then for more golf.

Rasisalai United 2 Police Tero 1 (Saturday 27th September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,246)

A fantastic game of football between two good teams. A 92nd-minute winner sends Rasi three points ahead at the top of the table. Could top-tier football be heading to Sisaket? It will take a good team, or injuries and suspensions to their star players, to stop them.

Both sides went for it toe to toe for the opening half hour, with a few shots being fired at either goal, before the prolific Alberto Gouvea finally got the better of his marker Pitchitchai Sienkrthok to fire excellently into the top corner past Anipong Kijkam, who, as the game went on, looked less than confident.

Me and my old Tero mate, Shiro

After a VAR check for offside, the goal was given, while those at the desk looked at two potential penalties without summoning the excellent referee, Kriangkrai Thiphanunjarukorn. Refs and VAR teams have recently been sent on a course and have been quicker and more decisive since.

It was all square just before the break when central defender Ramon tried to clear from near the line, cannoning the ball against a teammate, which fell at the feet of Veeraphong Aon-pean. He made no mistake from a few yards out, much to the joy of the 30 or so from Bangkok in the away section behind the goal.

Both sides played excellent football at times in the second half. Twins Natchanon and Nattapon Yongsakool were as excellent as ever in midfield, while veteran forward Gilberto Macena was as clever as ever, closely marked by the excellent Isaac Honny. Macena must have been some player when younger.

It looked like it would end level, and that would have been about fair enough, but successful teams often dig deep to find something extra. A cross was cleverly volleyed home at the near post by Nattapon. Tero threw everything forward, but Rasi held out.

Stars on TV

A really good vibe as ever, inside and outside the stadium, aided by being in excellent company in the best seats, after a pre-match in The Londoner sports pub watching an earlier T3 game, enjoying happy hour Guinness with a soundtrack to the 80s/90s/00s on in the background. 

Rasisalai United 3 Pattani 2 (Sunday 19th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,249)

Another extremely entertaining game between the sides who served up a classic in the playoffs a few months earlier, as Rasisalai continued their incredible run to maintain their place at the top of the table.

They went 3-0 up, playing quality attacking football with Nattapon outstanding in midfield, scoring two and setting up the other goal for Alberto Gouvea. Yet, it wouldn’t be a Rasi game without them conceding. Pattani are lamentable at the back but always look to attack. They grabbed goals back through Ekkachai Samre and Chukid Wanpraphao, leading to a nervy final eight minutes.

Special mention to both goalies who made some excellent saves but also let in a goal apiece they’d probably rather forget. Only suspension and injury will stop Rasi in my view. Regular goalie Sakkongpop was on the bench for some reason for this encounter. He must play.

The day was enhanced as ever by beers, snacks, great company, and being able to watch sports action in the Londoner before trying to navigate the flood that hasn’t been repaired for months outside the Sisaket SAT Stadium.

Rasisalai United 2 Trat 2 (Saturday 1st November 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,087)

Top of the table Rasi were not at their best, grabbing a point in the ninetieth minute with a VAR-awarded penalty in a game that they were expected to win. Plenty of advice was offered to the referee and his timekeeping at the end. Fines would be arriving, no doubt, as the lady owner lost her discipline alongside several players.

Trat went ahead through a great individual goal from the impressive Myanmar forward, Than Paing. The ‘home’ side levelled up shortly after half-time through Wichit Kongsinkaew, who finished a low cross at the near post. Rasi’s defence went walkabout once again, allowing sub, Crislan Henrique put the visitors ahead before Gilberto Macena’s late spot kick.

The game was played at the Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of neighbours Sisaket United, as Rasi’s home was under repair after a concert where 20,000 attended the previous weekend, damaging the pitch. A muted atmosphere in most parts as spectators adhered to requests to continue showing respect to the passing of Queen Sirikit.