On Saturday 31st March we went with the Chonburi FC supporters bus from Sri Racha to TOT's stadium near Don Muang. It was great fun and not very different from the Swedish equivalent.
We started at 1:00pm as planned. We’ve found that we have become more and more impressed by the Thai way to stick to advertised timings.
At Nong Mon (about 8kms north of SriRacha) the driver started the DVD recorder and the entertainment began.
Further up the road at Big C Extra just outside Chonburi, we stopped to pick up more supporters. After another kilometer, we stopped again to pick up one more lady. Also, the supplies of whiskey and soda were drying up so we took the opportunity to stock up from a local shop..
Half an hour later it was time for a toilet and smoke break. We took the opportunity to purchase coffee and ice cream.
The fans on the bus were getting louder and louder, but it wasn’t really disturbing us. The sound on the TV was also unusually low for a bus in Thailand. The only thing that bothered us a little, was the volume of the girls chatter. It was incredibly loud.
Soon, a second toilet and smoke break was needed. We used the time to solve our Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
After travelling for three and a half hours, we finally made it to the stadium. We had been told the trip would take about two hours. The trip had been estimated at two hours. What was I saying about sticking to the schedule?
At the stadium, the rain clouds had started to gather and we were well the only ones who did not have an umbrella or a raincoat. We also found out that the section for the away fans had no roof.
The rain clouds were looking more and more threatening so we went over to the main stand to see if we could buy an umbrella or a raincoat. Unfortunately, neither were on sale. Then I came up with the brilliant idea to swap our away stand tickets for home stand tickets, which meant we would be under a roof. We didn’t have any problems despite the fact that we were both wearing Chonburi-shirts.
The match began and so did the rain.
I thought Chonburi FC played very well, even though the rain made it very difficult. I thought they played very similar to Manchester United, with long, accurate passes. There were times when TOT had possession but finally Chonburi took the lead, after a mistake by the goalkeeper. It was a very well deserved lead.
Shortly after the goal, TOT’s burly number 36 was sent off. I think he made a lunge for the referee, but I am not sure.
Then, for some unfathomable reason, Chonburi tried to play like Barcelona. Short passes, and preferring to go backwards. These weren’t the best tactics and they let TOT back into the match with a late equaliser. This was something of a shock. We gave away two points and this is not something we can afford to do.
Of course, the trip home was a little miserable, but at least the return journey was much quicker. We only had one toilet and smoke break, and bought coffee and pork balls.
We arrived home just before 11:00pm..
The whole day was very enjoyable. I thought that my wife wouldn’t really enjoy it – she doesn’t like football – but she too had a good time.
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