In 2011 I wrote an article comparing some of the top Thai teams of the day to 1970s Punk Rock groups. Do these comparisons still hold up eight years later?
CHONBURI : SEX PISTOLS
The original and still the best. Chonburi challenged the establishment and kicked down the doors, paving the way for others to follow in exactly the same way that Johnny Rotten and his mates did back in 1976. Both are genuine innovators and trailblazers, who still have the capacity to shock and excite in equal measures. Whether they like it or not, fans of other Thai clubs must still recognize the debt of gratitude they owe Chonburi Football Club for changing the domestic scene and making it “possible”, just as everyone has to the thank the Pistols for the way British (Western?) culture was altered after the Bill Grundy incident. There was no going back. Like the Pistols, Chonburi have managed to achieve mainstream success whilst retaining their credibility – we’re talking about the first four singles and debut lp here. Let’s hope that the Sharks never stoop to recording with ex-train robbers (highly unlikely –ed) and re-releasing the same songs over and over and over again in different sleeves.
THAI PORT : SHAM 69
Thai Port/Sham 69 are Chonburi/Sex Pistols wannabes, with a small but loyal and raucous following, who are prone to shooting themselves in the foot from time to time. The Klong Toei Army are good for the occasional hit in the way of cup final appearances – the Toyota Premier Cup win was their “Hurry Up Harry”: a novelty single that brought them fame and fortune outside their usual circles - but, just like Jimmy’s boys they are destined to muddle around in mid table, plugging away with the same entertaining, but ultimately repetitive three chord thrash.
MUANG THONG UNITED : ADAM AND THE ANTS
After years of performing in front of virtually nobody at all, just like the Ants, Muang Thong Nong Jork United gave themselves a makeover , added a second drummer (are you sure about this? - ed) and became hugely successful and popular. Great marketing and a talent for putting on a show, saw them soar into the stratosphere, eclipsing all that had gone before. But the similarities don’t end there. The Killins and the Ant People share a common love of choreography – check out the Ultras terrace routines and compare them to the moves in the Prince Charming video. The late, great Diana Dors would feel right at home at the Yamaha. Ridicule is nothing to be scared of.
BURIRAM PEA/UNITED : THE POLICE
The north eastern club jumped on the Thai football bandwagon in 2010 in order to give themselves a leg up in the business, just as the faux blond trio had done with Punk back in ‘77. Both team and band have enjoyed huge commercial and financial success – “helped” by well connected people within the industry: check out the drummer’s brother - but are largely despised by those close to the movements they used to get ahead. They are genuinely unpopular with everyone, apart from their large band of devoted followers, who devour anything and everything connected to them and their football version of cod reggae. There’s no doubt that there is a lot of talent there, and much to be admired regarding their professionalism and achievements, but there’s just “something “ that makes it hard to have any sort of warm feeling about either of them. Don’t Stand So Close To Me…Please.
BANGKOK GLASS : DURAN DURAN
Not strictly Punk Rock but Bangkok Glass ARE Duran Duran. And neither would have existed if it hadn’t been for the pioneers of their respective movements. Neatly packaged, glamorous, glossy, photogenic and with a large attractive female following, both entities owe a large part of their success to their marketing departments. The quality press and the upmarket TV types love them, as they represent a life of exotic locations, fast cars, cocktails and beautiful women. Even one of the Duranie’s biggest hits sounds like the name of the Bangkok Glass stadium: Rio/Leo. Style over content? Or is there more substance lurking just below the surface? Pass me another Martini.
SISAKET : THE LURKERS
Sisaket and the Lurkers are very much of the second wave who were dragged along on the coat tails of the original innovators but who capture the spirit of what it’s all about. Both are well liked and respected by their contemporaries and it’s difficult to find a bad word to say about either of them. There’s lots to admire about the honest and straightforward heads down no nonsense approach that unites band and team. They’ll never quite scale the heights of the big boys but are guaranteed to raise a smile and get you pogoing. Ain’t Got A Clue? Hardly. They know exactly what they’re doing.
Nb England legend Stuart Pearce appears on the sleeve of the Lurkers sophomore lp God’s Lonely Men. Wouldn’t you love to see him play for the Dangerous Kouprey!
BEC TERO : EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS
Both had been around for years on the Pub Rock circuit and the Thai footballing equivalent but had to reinvent themselves - with varying degrees of success - when the new kids on the block tore up the rule book and raised the bar – this was particularly true for BEC Tero when they once refused to play a TPL match against TOT because they claimed the goals were too small. The Fire Dragons and the Rods (they even shortened their name in an effort to become more punky) keep plugging away but without really being taken seriously by anyone. Tero’s FA Cup final appearance in 2009 was their “Do Anything You Wanna Do” – a minor hit for which they’ll always be fondly remembered.
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