Warin Chamrap

Warin Chamrap is a semi-professional football club which represents the district of the same name, which is located just south of the city of Ubon Ratchathani in Northeast Thailand. The club has a heritage that goes back to 1998.

In the Thailand Amateur League in 2022, Warin Chamrap ended as runners-up to JFAM United in the Northeast Southern Zone Group E on goal difference to end any dreams of further progression in the competition.

The club partook in the FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, defeating Phachi City 1-0 in the first round at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University Stadium before going out 4-1 away to Ratchaburi under the watchful eye of head coach Jirayoo Suwandee.

In 2024-25, the team went out in the cup in the Round of 64, 2-1 away to Lampang, before competing in the Semipro League, playing their home games at Ubon Ratchathani University Stadium in their home district. In the semi-pro league, the side finished way short of the title but attracted decent attendances. 

My visit

Ubon Ratchthani University Stadium

Warin Chamrap 0 Vongchavalitkul University 1 (Saturday 10th May 2025) Thai Semipro League Northeast (att: 480) 

My pal, John, and I had seen the visitors in action a fortnight earlier away to Ubon Kids City, when after a reasonable start they ended up getting pumped 6-0. The following week, their home game ended in a 7-1 defeat to Mahasarakhan Siwilai. We pondered what they might produce this time.

Our day out began relatively early, before this 4 pm kick-off, with John collecting me at home before we headed to Ubon to play golf at the Suppasit Prasong Military Golf Course. Fun was had playing a proper course with caddies, and certainly an upgrade on the smaller facility we had been using in Sisaket. 

One thing about playing proper golf when not used to it was the fact that it was a lot more tiring than I remembered. We needed refreshing and energy stocks replenishing. We eventually sat down inside the air-conditioned Tree Cafe Rim Moon that I’d visited a couple of times previously.

It was a Thai holiday weekend, which was reflected by the busy establishment, where excellent local snacks and a bottle of Heineken Zero were enjoyed, with me on a month of abstinence from alcohol to try and shed a bit of timber. 

It was further than we thought to Ubon Ratchathani University, if a simple enough route. The pair of us were surprised by just what a spread-out city it is, with Warin being a continuation of it these days. Many eating and drinking establishments told a tale of a large population south of the River Mun.

The area near the entrance to the campus had quite a collection of businesses, while inside the grounds, we found things to be a little dated and neglected in parts. I’d contemplated going to a game there a couple of years earlier. I would most certainly have needed a driver to the stadium, as the area was huge. 

We arrived at the same time as a bus load of military cadets, while another bus for youngsters would come later. The club had put up signage at the front entrance and along the long route inside the campus to direct those wanting to find the stadium, which impressed me.

As did the setting up of a souvenir stall selling replica shirts at a knockdown price, with the season nearing its end. Everyone seemed very friendly. The obligatory man on the mic talked incessantly while playing modern Thai tunes, creating the semblance of an occasion. 

We sat in the quieter of the two blocks in the main stand separated by the usual media and officials’ area. Three away supporters who had made the five-hour journey from Nakhon Ratchasima were behind us. My attention was drawn to something quite unusual as the teams warmed up.

I was certain that the goal to the left was taller than the one on the right. Maybe an optical illusion, or the pitch sloping, I wasn’t sure, but it simply didn’t look right. It wasn’t alcohol playing a part, of that much I was certain. 

In the early stages, it quickly became apparent that the pitch was in awful condition, with bumps all over it making control difficult. That wasn’t to say that some of the players on display couldn’t be to blame as well, as what materialised was a quite frankly shocking game of football, yet entertaining at the same time, if that makes sense.

Referee Rutratchapoom Moolpong played his part in this, as in the first half an hour, he hardly gave a foul. Players were lying down injured as he simply waved play on, leaving anyone in little doubt that he wasn’t going to be fooled by those play acting. Sometimes he let things go too far. 

By the time he signalled for the drinks break after thirty minutes, Warin looked alright going forward but hadn’t forced the VU goalkeeper, Phumin Prokkaew, into a save. Home forward Winai Jarukan seemed to know what he wanted to do in terms of chesting the ball down and retaining possession without knowing how.

The University side had gone ahead after nineteen minutes. Their left-sided defender Chayathat Thupmongkhon tried a speculative shot from thirty yards, which caught goalie, Pattarawut Saengsanoh, off his line and out of position and went into the top corner of the net.

VU came close to doubling the lead shortly after. A low cross flashed across the six-yard line, but there was no away team forward able to get on the end of it. They then decided that they would hang on to what they had, to the frustration of the home team players and supporters.

The ref completely changed tack after the restart before halftime as he blew his whistle so regularly, I was half expecting him to play the national anthem on it. Once the teams went down the tunnel, a free raffle was held to win team shirts, another nice touch. 

Play got worse, if anything, after the restart, as dark clouds began to build in the distance, with occasional flashes of lightning. VU were using all the dark arts they could think of to keep the hosts at bay, putting in a desperate display trying to please their coach Therdtoon Kahkai.

Home coach, Jirayoo Suwandee was apoplectic at the performance of the officials as his team still failed to have a meaningful shot on target despite having plenty of the ball and putting on pressure. One had to admire the doggedness of the Vongchavalitkul rearguard. 

Warin defender Chakrit Champasrl lost his rag and got booked for an X-rated foul on Adison Budken, who in turn had been fouling his way through the second half. He hobbled off in agony to be replaced by Chatchawan Chonphakdi, much to our delight in the stands.

The robust defender kicked whatever was near him in the direction he was facing, much in the same way as the last time we had watched him. A player of no discernible talent, but someone committed to the cause, he refused to waver, much like many Sunday League players back home. 

Warin mounted a couple of attacks and added pressure in the box, but the VU rearguard put their collective bodies on the line and stood firm until full-time, much to the delight of the trio sitting behind us. A terrible game of football, but enjoyable in its own way.

We stopped a couple of times on the way back towards home so that I could grab some groceries, with our car still in dock at the repair shop. A good day out.

Ubon Kids City

Ubon Kids City is a football academy based in the northeast Thai city of Ubon Ratchathani. While youngsters of all ages benefit from the available coaching and the opportunity to step up to the professional game, the seniors compete in adult competitions.

In 2019, the side entered the Thai FA Cup for the first time, going out in the qualifying round away to Nakhonsi United under head coach Chinnaphan Thanaphomsiriphong.

Their 2020-21 campaign ended at the same stage on penalties to Kranuan FC after the game ended 2-2 at UMT Stadium in their home city. City also entered the Thailand Amateur League and ended top of the pile in the Northeast Southern Zone Group B.

Loengnoktah United were dispatched at the PB Magic Arena in Roi Et in the first knockout stage, before PB Roi Et United hammered them 6-0 at The Rajabhat Stadium in Ubon Ratchathani in the next round. 

The 2022-23 campaign saw the academy being awarded a place in the newly formed Thai Semipro League, from where the winners of each of the six regional divisions were promoted to Thai League 3.

Home games were played at Ubon Ratchthani University Stadium in Warim Chamrap to the south of the city, with the Kids finishing in seventh position. They didn’t compete in the competition the following season.

 

After a break in the FA Cup, the Kids City outfit returned to the competition in 2024-25 when, in the Round of 64, they went out 2-0 away to Surin City. Semipro football also made a comeback, with the team playing their home matches at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat Stadium in Ban Yang Noi.

My visit

Ubon Kids City 6 Vongchavalitkul University 0 (Saturday 26th April 2025) Thai Semipro League Northeast (att: 175) 

A fantastic Friday evening was the precursor to this enjoyable trip to a new venue. The night saw Gary, Steve, and Fah head across from Buriram to meet up with Taew and me, who were staying at the Vijit Nakorn Hotel in Sisaket town.

We certainly got stuck into the beer promotion at Leo’s before Craft and Cold, and then Godang 24 Bar ensured we went to bed in a tired and emotional condition. Bearings found; the fellas assembled at Hong Kong Garden, where John met us for lunch and a livener before we headed off. 

Gary dropped his vehicle at Kanthararom station as the three of us went with John for a journey of about forty minutes through the countryside. We were greeted by an excellent venue, with very few spectators.

Steve and I went exploring, with the campus being devoid of students during their summer break. The outdoor pool with large stands mirrored those of the indoor arena. Yet another educational establishment with outstanding facilities.

Water was being drunk by our dry group, while a senior of the kid’s academy dragged several unwilling volunteers to go onto the pitch as mascots with the players, with both sides wearing vibrant outfits, while the youngsters adorned black and yellow hooped tops creating quite a sight.

Both sides went for it from the off, with the visitors, at least in the early stages, looking like a decent outfit. However, their bigger builds would catch up with them in the scorching temperatures as the game progressed. 

Suphakon Phumkhong put the hosts ahead when his flick header from a driven free kick beat goalie Meechok Charoenkan between the posts for the side from Nakhon Ratchasima, just the five hours or so from home.

Four minutes before the break, Baphit Chooklin beat the offside trap wide on the right when put through as he advanced to score, before he made it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime. A kick out of the hands of goalkeeper Thanachot Sakouan evaded the VU defence for Baphit to nip in before Meechok to slot home into the empty net. 

The young academy players in the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves, as did the man commentating for Facebook and making announcements, just along from us. We had an excellent view looking over what looked like a pristine playing surface.

The Ubon midfield was excellent, with Teerawat Lionyum, wearing the skipper's armband, the best on show. Soon after the restart, VU defender Itthichat Chantho was involved in a collision which required him to be stretchered off and taken away by ambulance.

The agony of his remaining teammates was added to as sub, Prakiattichai Sinnsook extended the lead with a fine individual goal. The fifth was added when a long ball was headed down expertly by Prakiattichai for Saharat Khiawsaard to finish in the top corner. 

The hammering was completed in additional time by Rapatphon Sodchuen who lashed home into the roof of the net from a corner, which resulted from a heroic effort from VU substitute defender, Chatchawan Chonphakdi, who looked as though he enjoyed his food. 

At full time, we were soon away and heading back to collect Gary’s wheels, as the four of us continued to our house, where Taew had made food, and we sat outside drinking, eating, having fun while watching football on TV. A wonderful day, in excellent company.

Sisaket City

 

Sisaket City FC is a semi-professional football club from the city of the same name in Thailand’s Isan region. The origins of the club can be traced back to 2020 when it was set up with an academy to the south of the city. 

In October 2021, manager Pakorn Samipak signed an agreement with Sisaket Rajabhat University to promote and develop youth players with the aim that they could become professional players.

In 2022 the club entered the Thailand Amateur League, finishing in second place in Northeast Southern Zone Group F, behind Rasisalai United, who would eventually be promoted to Thai League 3 under coach Jeerawat Thonglue 

The club was admitted entrance to the Thai FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, going out in the first round, 4-1 to Chaingmai FC in a match that was played at Sisaket SAT Stadium. Later that season, City entered the Northeast region of the Thailand Semi-Pro League. 

Thonglue led the side to a third-place finish with home games being played at the Rajabhat University Stadium. Tatchanon Chindapuk took charge of the team for their Semi-Pro league campaign of 2023-24, taking the side to a third place finish.

Sisaket City FC will play in the Thailand Semi-Pro League in the 2024-25 season.

My visits

Sisaket City 4 Vongchavalitkul University 0 (Sunday 3^rd March 2024) Thailand Semipro League Northeast (att: 300)

With the Thai League 3 regular season completed seven days ago, with a rest week before the playoffs begin, it was time to check to a new ground for me and my mate John and to see what the odds were on Sisaket getting a third locally based professional club in the national set up.

The semi-pro league in its second full season is more or less a fourth division of old, with clubs entering it needing to hold a required license. The winners of the six regional divisions are promoted to T3. 

We came away extremely impressed with the home side after they put game opponents to the sword in the searing heat at Rajabhat University Stadium. It was a very competent performance with plenty of pace, clever moves, and resolute defence. If they weren’t to win promotion, then the winners of the mini league will be some team.

There was a delay for a clash of heads in the early stages. City skipper Naraphong Chaudpong perhaps foolishly continued but was withdrawn a little time later, with an ambulance taking him away. 

By then his team had taken the lead with a smart finish from Baphit Chooklin who proved to be the outstanding act all afternoon. The forward had previously been released by both T3 sides in town, but his strength, skill, touch, and hold up play were top notch.

The medics were again busy shortly after, as visiting keeper Phumin Prokkaew was helped off with what looked like a damaged ankle. This was one of several lengthy delays as the game struggled to get going properly. 

A fine break just past the half hour mark saw Nontavat Bamrungtham put in Teerawat Anuyan who dinked delightfully over diving sub goalie Watchara Nasompak. One suspects that the stopper should concentrate on his studies rather than a career in the game on this showing.

As it was a sweltering hot afternoon, it was a blow not having any refreshments available, something to consider in future. The players took breaks for drinks and with the injuries it meant a late finish. 

Not that it seemed to bother the enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed free admission at the impressive arena. We are blessed with having three very good football venues in Sisaket, with a fourth smaller ground hosting the women’s team.

Five minutes after the interval Apisit Chanangam sealed the victory with a free kick from wide on the left that everyone stood and watched it float in off the back post, including young Watchara. Vongchavalitkul, from Nakhon Ratchasima, getting on for five hours away, were game until the end, with sometimes their frustration getting the better of them.

Atsarapong Lertkrathok picked up two yellows and went for an early shower. The first of which was a borderline assault. Thanaphon Srinak playing up front for the away side in a rather fethching shade the same as a Cadbury chocolate wrapper was the pick of the visitors.

The excellent Bhapit had the last say in the final minute of additional time with a fine low shot from outside the box. That was just after John had commented that the keeper seemed to be alright as long as he didn’t have to deal with crosses. 

It was a decent game of football, again in the excellent company of my mate John, who had his wife and daughter with him. The ladies commented that they enjoyed it because there were no foreign players.

We had met at the reliable and enjoyable Hong Kong Garden for food and beverages with mine host Peter and a friendly Aussie customer adding to the chat. Post match I was kindly deposited at Leo’s, a bistro bar with an amazing collection of Belgian bottled beers, wines, and several European taps as well as local favourites.

My Roving Report on the day for

A Thai Football Pocast

My couple of pints of Guinness went down very well before my Grab cab arrived to take my home to watch the conclusion of the excellent Buriram United v Bangkok United game with fine food and a nightcap beer. Another wonderful afternoon.

Sisaket City 2 Siwilai FC 1 (Saturday 27^th April 2024) Thai Semipro League Northeast (att: 135)

This was the last round of games in the semipro league. A new regime at the Thai FA was suggested might view things differently regarding promotion, but whatever, a most entertaining game to finish off proceedings for these two sides.

The win saw City finish third in the standings. The visitors from Mahasarakham had nothing to play for and ended fifth in the division of nine teams. Yet, both sides went about it in proper fashion and provided a game for like a cup tie with everything at stake in the sweltering temperatures of over 40 degrees, for the 4pm kick off.

Nitipong Ruangsa saw an effort come crashing back off the bar as Siwilai put together a high-quality move. The visitors went ahead when Pongsaton Manonthong was brough down in the box by keeper Thanachot Sukouan after twenty-three minutes. Nitipong stepped up to put the spot kick away.

Teerawat Anuyan went on a fine individual run for the hosts but saw his effort thwarted by Siwilai goalie Rawee Martrin. Teerawat then put in a pinpoint low cross that Nontavat Bamrungtham somehow manged to put over from two years out. Chances continued to go begging up until the half time interval.

The equaliser came eight minutes after the restart. Half time sub Nathakhon Phrommawong quickly discovered that he had the legs on his marker Thanawut Patto after his introduction, and once again skinned his man.

His low cross was finished with style by Teerawat. How Thanawut, a former T3 player at Surin Khongcheemool stayed on the pitch until the end was down to the leniency of referee Surawut Nuanyoi.

It was total dominance from the home side, but then Siwilai found a second gear and began to forge half chances of their own. It was a compelling game. How the players coped I’m not sure, as we were roasting in the stand.

Sending the ballboys to areas with no shade, absolute madness. They tried to shield themselves from the sun using their spare ball. The winner eventually came ten minutes from the end of normal time.

Sub Nathakhon unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box which took a slight nick off Thanawut and had too much power for Rawee to react. Siwilai poured forward and City just about held on, not unlike the style in which big brothers Sisaket United won many of their games in 2023-24.

No refreshments on sale again at the Rajabhat University Stadium. A stall sold home and away shirts for 300 THB (#6.50) and scarves, believe it or not. Glad I took a large bottle of water with me.

My good lady dropped me at Kanthararom station for the customary train ride through to Sisaket, where I enjoyed an excellent locally brewed 5% wheat pale ale, with a strong hint of caramel. 

On to Hong Kong Garden for a baguette and beer, with post-match refreshments being taken in the excellent Leo’s bar and restaurant, with my trusted ally. Home via taxi to enjoy snacks, an excellent Port away win on my laptop from the Thai League and then the second half of Man Utd v Burnley. A top day out.