NEW! Anything To Declare?: 2006

Some of the happiest times I’ve had supporting Chonburi were during the Singapore Cup run in 2006. Work commitments meant that I was unable to get to any of the early games, but by the time the semi final came around, I had accrued enough goodwill in order to request some leave. After watching the team beat Balestair Khalsa on penalties during my first trip to the sovereign city state in September, plans were made to return for the final, two months later. A small group of fans would be embarking on the journey to see history being made. It was an exciting adventure for all of us and pretty much dominated the conversation whenever we met socially.

Eventually, the big day arrived and we made our way to the airport. (Interesting fact- When we flew out for the semi, we had done so from Don Muang. By the time of the final, Suvarnabuhmi had opened so we departed from there). We all carted our luggage to the brand new checkout desks and this is when I noticed a rather large bag that was being carried by a couple of the lads. I did wonder why they needed so many clothes for a two night stay, but otherwise, I didn’t pay it much attention. However, by the time they’d reached the front of the queue it had attracted quite a bit of interest from the airline staff.

The first indication that something was amiss was when they wouldn’t allow it on the conveyor belt and a brief exchange took place. Within a few seconds, a couple of the more alert security guards had seen what was going on and come over. Another discussion ensued, which resulted in the two supporters being escorted from the line. As a show of solidarity, the rest of us accompanied them to where they had been instructed to wait.

After a short while, a more senior officer arrived and told them to open the bag. Initially, they were rather reluctant to follow orders, but upon realizing they had very little choice, they complied. They then began to sheepishly remove the items from the offending baggage. Packet, after packet, after packet, after packet of dried noodles slowly started piling up on the airport floor. By the time they had finished, there must have been about 250 of them. But, that wasn’t it.

The next item needed even more explaining to the perplexed official and the, by now, large crowd that had gathered to watch the free entertainment. For, out came a giant Shark costume. The head first, followed by the body - dressed in an oversize Chonburi replica kit - and, ultimately, the enormous boots. Fortunately, the main man saw the funny side and, after checking in at the ‘Overweight Baggage’ station, we were allowed to carry on with our journey. Oh, and all the noodles were consumed during the trip