Tuesday 31 March 2020
TPL Tickets: 2011
26/2/11 TPL: Osotspa v Chonburi
3/4/11 TPL: Navy v Chonburi
7/5/11 TPL: Police Ud v Chonburi
25/6/11 TPL: Army Utd v Chonburi
10/7/11 TPL: TTM Pichit v Chonburi
20/11/11 TPL: Samut Songkhram v Chonburi
7/12/11 TPL: Thai Port v Chonburi
Interview With Phil Williams: 2018
Phil Williams: Thai League Virgin
22nd June, 2018
Phil has lived in Thailand for 28 years and never been to a Thai league match. He will break his duck tomorrow when Chonburi entertain Suphanburi. Here is a bit about his background and how he feels about popping his cherry.
Q - Please can you introduce yourself
I'm Phil Williams, 54 years old and come from the wonderful city of Birmingham. I'm the guy who runs the Ajarn dot com teaching website. I've been in Thailand for 28 years but always a Brummie!
Q - Which teams do you support and why?
I have two great footballing loves - my big team and my 'little team'. Manchester United are my big team because my Dad has always been a United fanatic so I grew up in a Manchester United household. I was never really going to support anyone else. I was a regular at Old Trafford in the late 1970's and they were great days standing on the old Scoreboard Paddock opposite The Stretford End.
My 'little team' are Colchester United, currently in the second division. Back when I was a teenager, my best pal was a Walsall fan and I went along with him to the old Fellows Park Ground just to watch a game. Walsall beat Colchester 4-2 in a cracking match and from that moment on, I started to look out for Colchester's results. Over the next few seasons, they became an obsession and I still love the club to this day. In 1990, Colchester did the non-league double, winning both the Vauxhall Conference and the FA Trophy final at Wembley. I hardly missed a game that season and still my greatest footballing memories are seeing Colchester play away at places like Kettering, Runcorn, Northwich and Macclesfield. And of course the day out at Wembley was a bit special.
I absolutely love non-league football and also follow Sutton Coldfield FC, who are a team from a suburb of Birmingham, near to where my brother lives. I always try to get down to Coles Lane to see a Sutton game on my annual trip back to England. They were relegated from the Evostik Premier League last season so now find themselves at level 8 of the English football pyramid.
Give me an afternoon at Coles Lane over a Premier League game any day. 112 devoted fans in attendance, the clubhouse that stinks of stale beer, the crackly tannoy, the sugary tea and king-size Mars Bar from Big Lil in the refreshments kiosk - and 22 players on 100 quid a week all kicking lumps out of each other. Now that's proper football!
Sorry, I've gone on a bit there but when conversation turns to lower league and non-league footy, I tend to turn into a great big anorak. I remember chatting at length to the commercial manager at Sutton Coldfield FC, with my brother standing close by. When the conversation had finished, my brother turned to me and said that my knowledge of non-league football actually bordered on 'seriously unhealthy'
Q - Which was the last match you went to?
I was back in England last September and got to see four games. Three of those games were non-league (I'll spare you the twelve paragraphs of detail) but I also got to see the mighty Colchester United play away at Cheltenham in division two. I hadn't been to Whaddon Road (Cheltenham) for 27 years but it's still a lovely ground.
Q - How was it?
Both teams were at the wrong end of the table so it was always going to be a war of attrition. Colchester lost 3-1 but it didn't matter because I went with my Dad and to be at a football match with my Dad for the first time in almost 30 years was just magical. He's getting on a bit now so we both savored every single minute of the occasion - for obvious reasons.
Q - How closely, and how, do you follow the Thai leagues?
I know what's going on. I know who the big teams are and who's where in the Thai Premier, etc. I follow you on Twitter and also Tim from Port FC. I enjoy the match reports and all the moaning, etc.
I get a bit confused with who plays in the lower Thai leagues though. I'm still trying to find out where Samut Prakarn play, because they would be my local team. I must get along and see them one day.
Q - How closely do you follow the Thailand national team?
I only really follow them in The World Cup qualifying groups. I'm not sure why but whenever I watch the national team on TV, I get bored after about twenty minutes. I have been to see the national team play once at The Rajamangala Stadium but I can't remember anything about it.
Q - So, 28 years in the country and you've never been to a Thai league match before. How come?
That's a good question. I've just never been motivated enough to make the effort. What league games I have watched on TV have generally been pretty dire. After half an hour, I've lost the will to live. However - and you'll like this - I did go down to watch Port FC a couple of months ago but turned up on the wrong night! There was just me and a stadium in complete darkness. My wife is still laughing about it.
Q - So why now?
Everything has come together. It's a chance to meet up with you again and you're such a nice bloke. Ben, my best Thai pal, is from Suphanburi, loves his football and doesn't work on Saturdays. He was well up for driving down to Chonburi to see a match. My wife is also working and I've got nothing better to do!
Q - And why did you choose this particular match?
Well, I'm going to have a Chonburi fan sitting on one side and a Suphanburi fan on the other. What more could a neutral ask for?
Q - What do you know about the two teams involved?
What I know about the two teams you could write on the back of a penny black without devaluing it. I know Chonburi play in blue. Actually the shirt is really nice. I also know Chonburi aren't having the best of seasons if the amount of moaning coming from your Twitter corner is anything to go by.
Q - Which team will you be supporting and why?
Both and neither. May the best team win - and I'll leave it at that. Actually, perhaps a draw might be the perfect outcome.
Q - So come on, the $64,000,000 question: What are you expecting?
In terms of a result? Well, Suphanburi have drawn an awful lot of games this season and clearly have a pretty good defence. Chonburi aren't exactly free-scoring, all-out attack. What I'm trying to say is that the game has got nil-nil written all over it.
Q - And what are you most looking forward to?
Chatting with you about music and football and Ben has sorted us out a nice seafood / Italian restaurant before the match. Seriously, I'm just along for a nice day out. An exciting, open football match would be a bonus - but I'm not expecting it.
Q - Sadly, there are no pies and Bovril on sale at Chonburi so what will be your match day meal of choice?
I was never ever a Bovril man. Can't stand the stuff! But no chips and curry sauce on a polystyrene tray? No little wooden fork? That's not a football match. I suppose I'll have to settle for whatever delights the Chonburi FC refreshment kiosk has to offer. I'm very easy to please if truth be told.
Q - Is there anything else you'd like to add?
See you on Saturday Dale. I'm looking forward to it - even though we'll be missing Belgium v Tunisia in the World Cup.
22nd June, 2018
Phil has lived in Thailand for 28 years and never been to a Thai league match. He will break his duck tomorrow when Chonburi entertain Suphanburi. Here is a bit about his background and how he feels about popping his cherry.
Q - Please can you introduce yourself
I'm Phil Williams, 54 years old and come from the wonderful city of Birmingham. I'm the guy who runs the Ajarn dot com teaching website. I've been in Thailand for 28 years but always a Brummie!
Q - Which teams do you support and why?
I have two great footballing loves - my big team and my 'little team'. Manchester United are my big team because my Dad has always been a United fanatic so I grew up in a Manchester United household. I was never really going to support anyone else. I was a regular at Old Trafford in the late 1970's and they were great days standing on the old Scoreboard Paddock opposite The Stretford End.
My 'little team' are Colchester United, currently in the second division. Back when I was a teenager, my best pal was a Walsall fan and I went along with him to the old Fellows Park Ground just to watch a game. Walsall beat Colchester 4-2 in a cracking match and from that moment on, I started to look out for Colchester's results. Over the next few seasons, they became an obsession and I still love the club to this day. In 1990, Colchester did the non-league double, winning both the Vauxhall Conference and the FA Trophy final at Wembley. I hardly missed a game that season and still my greatest footballing memories are seeing Colchester play away at places like Kettering, Runcorn, Northwich and Macclesfield. And of course the day out at Wembley was a bit special.
I absolutely love non-league football and also follow Sutton Coldfield FC, who are a team from a suburb of Birmingham, near to where my brother lives. I always try to get down to Coles Lane to see a Sutton game on my annual trip back to England. They were relegated from the Evostik Premier League last season so now find themselves at level 8 of the English football pyramid.
Give me an afternoon at Coles Lane over a Premier League game any day. 112 devoted fans in attendance, the clubhouse that stinks of stale beer, the crackly tannoy, the sugary tea and king-size Mars Bar from Big Lil in the refreshments kiosk - and 22 players on 100 quid a week all kicking lumps out of each other. Now that's proper football!
Sorry, I've gone on a bit there but when conversation turns to lower league and non-league footy, I tend to turn into a great big anorak. I remember chatting at length to the commercial manager at Sutton Coldfield FC, with my brother standing close by. When the conversation had finished, my brother turned to me and said that my knowledge of non-league football actually bordered on 'seriously unhealthy'
Q - Which was the last match you went to?
I was back in England last September and got to see four games. Three of those games were non-league (I'll spare you the twelve paragraphs of detail) but I also got to see the mighty Colchester United play away at Cheltenham in division two. I hadn't been to Whaddon Road (Cheltenham) for 27 years but it's still a lovely ground.
Q - How was it?
Both teams were at the wrong end of the table so it was always going to be a war of attrition. Colchester lost 3-1 but it didn't matter because I went with my Dad and to be at a football match with my Dad for the first time in almost 30 years was just magical. He's getting on a bit now so we both savored every single minute of the occasion - for obvious reasons.
Q - How closely, and how, do you follow the Thai leagues?
I know what's going on. I know who the big teams are and who's where in the Thai Premier, etc. I follow you on Twitter and also Tim from Port FC. I enjoy the match reports and all the moaning, etc.
I get a bit confused with who plays in the lower Thai leagues though. I'm still trying to find out where Samut Prakarn play, because they would be my local team. I must get along and see them one day.
Q - How closely do you follow the Thailand national team?
I only really follow them in The World Cup qualifying groups. I'm not sure why but whenever I watch the national team on TV, I get bored after about twenty minutes. I have been to see the national team play once at The Rajamangala Stadium but I can't remember anything about it.
Q - So, 28 years in the country and you've never been to a Thai league match before. How come?
That's a good question. I've just never been motivated enough to make the effort. What league games I have watched on TV have generally been pretty dire. After half an hour, I've lost the will to live. However - and you'll like this - I did go down to watch Port FC a couple of months ago but turned up on the wrong night! There was just me and a stadium in complete darkness. My wife is still laughing about it.
Q - So why now?
Everything has come together. It's a chance to meet up with you again and you're such a nice bloke. Ben, my best Thai pal, is from Suphanburi, loves his football and doesn't work on Saturdays. He was well up for driving down to Chonburi to see a match. My wife is also working and I've got nothing better to do!
Q - And why did you choose this particular match?
Well, I'm going to have a Chonburi fan sitting on one side and a Suphanburi fan on the other. What more could a neutral ask for?
Q - What do you know about the two teams involved?
What I know about the two teams you could write on the back of a penny black without devaluing it. I know Chonburi play in blue. Actually the shirt is really nice. I also know Chonburi aren't having the best of seasons if the amount of moaning coming from your Twitter corner is anything to go by.
Q - Which team will you be supporting and why?
Both and neither. May the best team win - and I'll leave it at that. Actually, perhaps a draw might be the perfect outcome.
Q - So come on, the $64,000,000 question: What are you expecting?
In terms of a result? Well, Suphanburi have drawn an awful lot of games this season and clearly have a pretty good defence. Chonburi aren't exactly free-scoring, all-out attack. What I'm trying to say is that the game has got nil-nil written all over it.
Q - And what are you most looking forward to?
Chatting with you about music and football and Ben has sorted us out a nice seafood / Italian restaurant before the match. Seriously, I'm just along for a nice day out. An exciting, open football match would be a bonus - but I'm not expecting it.
Q - Sadly, there are no pies and Bovril on sale at Chonburi so what will be your match day meal of choice?
I was never ever a Bovril man. Can't stand the stuff! But no chips and curry sauce on a polystyrene tray? No little wooden fork? That's not a football match. I suppose I'll have to settle for whatever delights the Chonburi FC refreshment kiosk has to offer. I'm very easy to please if truth be told.
Q - Is there anything else you'd like to add?
See you on Saturday Dale. I'm looking forward to it - even though we'll be missing Belgium v Tunisia in the World Cup.
South China 0-3 Chonburi: 2011
AFC Cup
Group H
South China 0-3 Chonburi
Hong Kong Stadium
Attendance 3,629
Tuesday 10th May, 2011
Match Report
by the-afc.com
Two goals from substitute Sukree Etae sealed a 3-0 win for Chonburi over South China at Hong Kong Stadium, a result that could see the Thais claim top spot in Group H of the AFC Cup. Following a goalless first-half, Ney Fabiano broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Sukree scored twice in six minutes to seal a fourth victory of the campaign. Chonburi were level with Persipura Jayapura on 10 points with the Indonesians playing in East Bengal.
The early stages saw an open game with both sides enjoying a number of attempts on goal without seriously threatening either keeper. Chan Wai Ho headed Au Yeung Yiu Chung's free-kick over the bar after 17 minutes before Brazilian defender Joel lifted a set-piece from a promising position over the bar. Three minutes later, Au did the same from further out. Chan Siu Ki then saw a snap shot from range whistle past Chonburi keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattankool's near post while at the other end, Kaikaew Suppasek cut in from the left but his low drive from the edge of the box was gathered by Yapp Hung Fai.
The pace of the game slowed as the half drew to a close, although Lee Chi Ho saw an acrobatic effort pushed out from under the bar by the Chonburi keeper as the game ended goalless at the break. The visitors then took the lead on the hour mark. With the ball seemingly running out of play, Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng did well to clip a cross towards Fabiano on the far side of the South China box at full stretch and although the striker saw his initial effort blocked by a combination of Lee and Yap, he was alert enough to fire the loose ball into the net.
Kazuto Kushido tried his luck from distance but his shot never threatened Yapp's goal before Chonburi doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. Sukree latched onto a ball dinked forwards and chested it into his path before bundling his way through the challenges of both defender and keeper before slotting into empty net. The Thais claimed their third goal in the 72nd minute when Fabiano played in Sukree and he beat a defender before lifting a neat finish over Yapp and into the back of the net.
Anucha Kitpongsri then spurned a good chance to fashion Chonburi's fourth goal five minutes later as he drove towards the byline but with players lining up in the box, decided to shoot into the side netting instead. Substitute Mateja Kezman then saw his shot on the turn blocked in front of the line by a Chonburi defender before Sukree was denied his hat-trick in stoppage time when, after being sent clean through, Yapp managed to get something on his shot and Chan cleared from almost on the line.
Highlights
Monday 30 March 2020
The Se7en Deadly Sins Of Thai Football: 2018
The Se7en Deadly Sins Of Thai Football
The Huddle
Absolute nonsense. If you have to do this at all, do it in the dressing room – we don’t want to see it. Did Shankly’s Liverpool do this? NO! Did Busby’s Man Utd do this? NO! Did Cloughie’s Derby & Forest teams do this? NO. Just get on with the game. (See 6. Fannying About)
Foul Throws
Jeez! These are professional footballers. They are also grown ups. Why can’t they take a legitimate throw in? It’s embarrassing. And why don’y the refs clamp down it? Maybe they don’t know what constitutes a foul throw either. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Kicking The Ball Out When An Opponent Goes Down “Injured”
Why, oh why, oh why, oh why? If I was a coach, this would drive me mad! Leave these decisions to the ref. I was always taught to play to the whistle. This was pretty much the first thing I learnt and is still true. Chances are he’s faking it anyway, to try and gain an advantage. Can’t you see that?!
Kicking The Ball Out When One Of Your Own Players Goes Down “Injured”
As above. With bells on!
Fans Serenading The Players At Full Time
Sure, applaud or cheer the team if they’ve won. Or chant and sing in defiance if they’ve lost and played well. But don’t, DON’T, serenade them if they’ve played like drains and lost. Give ‘em stick. Loads of it! You’ll feel better for it. They’ll feel better for it. Trust me.
Fannying About
Following on from the pre kick off huddles – mass and starting XI – we get the fannying about. High Fives. High Tens. Running over to the fans for a wave, a bow and sometimes even a song. More nonsense. If the players put half as much effort into actually playing, we might see some decent football once in a while. (See 2. The Huddle)
Players Feigning Injury
There’s an easy way to stop this – Play on. The physio (or whatever they call themselves these days) can come on and administer treatment, but the game goes on around them. In 90% of the cases, there’s “nowt wrong wi’ ‘im!” – as my old man would say – so they wouldn’t go down if they knew play wouldn’t be stopped. Simple, eh!
TPL Tickets: 2010
8/5/10 TPL TOT v Chonburi
28/5/10 TPL: Muang Thong Utd v Chonburi
19/6/10 TPL: Police Utd v Chonburi
18/7/10 TPL: Army v Chonburi
14/7/10 TPL: BEC Tero v Chonburi
7/8/10 TPL: TTM Pichit v Chonburi
22/8/10 TPL: Samut Songkhram v Chonburi
12/9/10 TPL: Bangkok Utd v Chonburi
24/10/10 TPL: Osotspa v Chonburi
Football The Hostage As Top Two Fight It Out by "Unknown": 2012
Football The Hostage As Top Two Fight It Out
by "Unknown"
29th April, 2012
Once a can of worms is opened, it becomes nearly impossible to contain them.
This could be a metaphor for the battle between a big shot in the Football Association of Thailand and a political big gun-turned-football club owner.
The bombshell that Buriram United president Newin Chidchob dropped on the Thai Premier League (TPL) Company, the body that organises the football league in this country, last month will have considerable consequences.
Newin at first questioned TPL chairman Vichit Yamboonruang in regard to the whereabouts of money that the league got from sponsors. Without Newin's concern, the public would not have known about the beneficiary of the top-tier league's commercial benefits.
It was revealed for the first time that Siamsport Syndicate Co, the country's biggest sports media firm, was appointed by the TPL as its financial manager. Siamsport later relinquished its right to oversee the commercial benefits in the wake of allegations of irregularities in the financial management. It was also the first time the public learnt about the TPL's financial report, which showed the 18-club league had made Bt218.4 million in 2011, including Bt8.5 million in profit.
While it appears that Newin wanted to attack Siamsport, his real target was the chairman of the FAT, Worawi Makudi, who is close to Siamsport executives. The sport media has played a vital role in helping promote the league since it was founded.
Worawi appears to have struck back by giving an ultimatum to the TPL clubs to choose between him and Newin. In a press conference last week, Worawi said all clubs had been informed of the terms and conditions ahead of the season, including the benefits they would receive. Any team not content with the terms could withdraw and would be replaced by teams from the second-tier division.
Last Tuesday, Newin and his allies from 12 clubs submitted a letter to TPL, requesting disclosure of all contracts Siamsport signed with the league's sponsors and also broadcasting rights. The clubs' members urged the firm to reconstruct its management board and allow all clubs to have a more participatory role on the board.
Newin and allies also agreed to set up a group, "Thai Premier League Club Allies", for greater cooperation among 18 clubs and show their power to the FAT and TPL. The "allies" was Newin's idea, which is to reduce the TPL and FAT's power. He wants all 18 clubs to become shareholders or board committee members in the TPL like the Football Association, the governing body of football in England. He said club members should be able to participate, consider, set policies and strategy in order to develop Thai football as well as review some regulations of competitions to meet international standards with more transparency.
If he succeeds, there would be a big change in Thai football. It would mean the TPL and FAT would no longer be the sole decision-maker. All matters involving the league would instead will be decided by a board of representatives from all 18 clubs.
Some may doubt Newin's motive behind this, if he wants to replace Worawi. The banned politician from Buri Ram has repeatedly said he has no desire to return to politics or take the top post at FAT.
"I crazily devoted my time to manage a football club because I really want to develop Thai football. Everyone can see how serious I am. It's not child's play," he once said.
It remains to be seen whether Newin's motive is something good or bad for the Thai league.
But beyond all doubt, the showdown between the two men would be a prolonged affair with Thai football as their hostage.
by "Unknown"
29th April, 2012
Once a can of worms is opened, it becomes nearly impossible to contain them.
This could be a metaphor for the battle between a big shot in the Football Association of Thailand and a political big gun-turned-football club owner.
The bombshell that Buriram United president Newin Chidchob dropped on the Thai Premier League (TPL) Company, the body that organises the football league in this country, last month will have considerable consequences.
Newin at first questioned TPL chairman Vichit Yamboonruang in regard to the whereabouts of money that the league got from sponsors. Without Newin's concern, the public would not have known about the beneficiary of the top-tier league's commercial benefits.
It was revealed for the first time that Siamsport Syndicate Co, the country's biggest sports media firm, was appointed by the TPL as its financial manager. Siamsport later relinquished its right to oversee the commercial benefits in the wake of allegations of irregularities in the financial management. It was also the first time the public learnt about the TPL's financial report, which showed the 18-club league had made Bt218.4 million in 2011, including Bt8.5 million in profit.
While it appears that Newin wanted to attack Siamsport, his real target was the chairman of the FAT, Worawi Makudi, who is close to Siamsport executives. The sport media has played a vital role in helping promote the league since it was founded.
Worawi appears to have struck back by giving an ultimatum to the TPL clubs to choose between him and Newin. In a press conference last week, Worawi said all clubs had been informed of the terms and conditions ahead of the season, including the benefits they would receive. Any team not content with the terms could withdraw and would be replaced by teams from the second-tier division.
Last Tuesday, Newin and his allies from 12 clubs submitted a letter to TPL, requesting disclosure of all contracts Siamsport signed with the league's sponsors and also broadcasting rights. The clubs' members urged the firm to reconstruct its management board and allow all clubs to have a more participatory role on the board.
Newin and allies also agreed to set up a group, "Thai Premier League Club Allies", for greater cooperation among 18 clubs and show their power to the FAT and TPL. The "allies" was Newin's idea, which is to reduce the TPL and FAT's power. He wants all 18 clubs to become shareholders or board committee members in the TPL like the Football Association, the governing body of football in England. He said club members should be able to participate, consider, set policies and strategy in order to develop Thai football as well as review some regulations of competitions to meet international standards with more transparency.
If he succeeds, there would be a big change in Thai football. It would mean the TPL and FAT would no longer be the sole decision-maker. All matters involving the league would instead will be decided by a board of representatives from all 18 clubs.
Some may doubt Newin's motive behind this, if he wants to replace Worawi. The banned politician from Buri Ram has repeatedly said he has no desire to return to politics or take the top post at FAT.
"I crazily devoted my time to manage a football club because I really want to develop Thai football. Everyone can see how serious I am. It's not child's play," he once said.
It remains to be seen whether Newin's motive is something good or bad for the Thai league.
But beyond all doubt, the showdown between the two men would be a prolonged affair with Thai football as their hostage.
Sunday 29 March 2020
48 Hours In Bangkok by Antony Sutton: 2009
48 Hours In Bangkok
by Antony Sutton
October, 2009
Sunday morning I was down the Thai Port shop checking out a couple of things. Even at the relatively early time of 10 am there were people hanging around and buying things. They were due to play PEA that same day but I had to be elsewhere.
Muang Thong Thani is pretty new I think. I don't recall it from my early days in Bangkok anyway. Bloody miles away it is as well. From the centre of town anyway.
Met up with the lad behind the Muang Thong United blog and bored the poor lad senseless with my desire for a beer. Serious question. Do they drink beer up that way?
I was in the Thunderome more than 2 hours before kick off and meeting up with Dale we reminisced about the last time we had got into the ground so early. For both of us it was a while back.
Large following from Chonburi of course. If they can take a couple of dozen to Vietnam for an AFC Cup tie in the middle of a typhoon they're always gonna take alot more just up the road.
The Muang Thong United fans filled the new stand, one with executive boxes, but gotta say they looked a poncey lot with all them brollies. It was bloody hot agreed but lads, mai mee lom!
The kick off was delayed. Some police dogs came on the pitch and, such is the funfair atmosphere that seems to surround many Thai games, people queued to to take pictures of the mutts. In fact the whole day there were people snapping and filming (!) and them there You Tubes and Flickrs have a lot to answer for!
Second half was delayed for about half an hour for nothing. The terraces behind the enclosure was chocca and some fans spilled onto the pitch. The police got involved and a few plastic water bottles were thrown.
My bloody feet were killing me so I took advantage of the extended break to rest my weary bones. But every few moments there would be a roar that would ripple along the terrace and everyone would stand up to see what all the fuss was about. Usually it was about nothing.
And nothing kept the second half delayed.
Behind one temporary stand was a mini construction site but true to Thai form, in the fading light a group of Thais gathered for a bite to eat. For verily it is written Where three or more Thais are gathered they shall eat and they shall say aroi as often as possible. Be it the Oriental Hotel or the Thunderdome it's all the same.
Monday morning I was up with the local pigeons at the crack of dawn, formatting, cropping and editing before heading off to the Thai FA where I was due to meet a senior TPL official.
So there I am sat in the lobby of the FA in a pair of shorts, t shirt and a handycam when suddenly in comes Teerathep. And Pipat. And Rangsan. And others. The Thai national first team squad and the SEA Games squad all piled in.
To be followed by assistant manager Steve Darby who invited me into the press conference. So there I am squeezed against a wall surrounded by camera crews from all the major Thai channels, the players all sat down and at the head of the table Steve and various FA bods including Worwai.
And me in my shorts and handycam. I looked like an Aussie backpacker out looking for Khao San Road and had got off at the wrong bus stop.
Steve and the players were off to a sponsored event at such a such a time and said I was welcome to join them so I arranged to meet him back in the lobby while I went off in search of the TPL official.
By the time I returned everyone had already gone!
As had my phone credit which meant I wasn't able to contact Muang Thong United to let them know I was running late for my appointment there.
Arranging to meet people is always fraught with danger but I gotta say this trip went pretty bloody smoothly. Everyone I wanted to meet was met with the exception of Muang Thong United while nattering with Steve and Pipat was an unexpected bonus.
Thanks to, in no particular order, Khun Vijit at TPL, Khun Jew and Janat at Muang Thong United, Dale and Nui for sorting tickets and beer, Kosin, Pipat for pretending to understand my poor Thai and Greg for ordering 12 inches for his missus with a straight face.
by Antony Sutton
October, 2009
Sunday morning I was down the Thai Port shop checking out a couple of things. Even at the relatively early time of 10 am there were people hanging around and buying things. They were due to play PEA that same day but I had to be elsewhere.
Muang Thong Thani is pretty new I think. I don't recall it from my early days in Bangkok anyway. Bloody miles away it is as well. From the centre of town anyway.
Met up with the lad behind the Muang Thong United blog and bored the poor lad senseless with my desire for a beer. Serious question. Do they drink beer up that way?
I was in the Thunderome more than 2 hours before kick off and meeting up with Dale we reminisced about the last time we had got into the ground so early. For both of us it was a while back.
Large following from Chonburi of course. If they can take a couple of dozen to Vietnam for an AFC Cup tie in the middle of a typhoon they're always gonna take alot more just up the road.
The Muang Thong United fans filled the new stand, one with executive boxes, but gotta say they looked a poncey lot with all them brollies. It was bloody hot agreed but lads, mai mee lom!
The kick off was delayed. Some police dogs came on the pitch and, such is the funfair atmosphere that seems to surround many Thai games, people queued to to take pictures of the mutts. In fact the whole day there were people snapping and filming (!) and them there You Tubes and Flickrs have a lot to answer for!
Second half was delayed for about half an hour for nothing. The terraces behind the enclosure was chocca and some fans spilled onto the pitch. The police got involved and a few plastic water bottles were thrown.
My bloody feet were killing me so I took advantage of the extended break to rest my weary bones. But every few moments there would be a roar that would ripple along the terrace and everyone would stand up to see what all the fuss was about. Usually it was about nothing.
And nothing kept the second half delayed.
Behind one temporary stand was a mini construction site but true to Thai form, in the fading light a group of Thais gathered for a bite to eat. For verily it is written Where three or more Thais are gathered they shall eat and they shall say aroi as often as possible. Be it the Oriental Hotel or the Thunderdome it's all the same.
Monday morning I was up with the local pigeons at the crack of dawn, formatting, cropping and editing before heading off to the Thai FA where I was due to meet a senior TPL official.
So there I am sat in the lobby of the FA in a pair of shorts, t shirt and a handycam when suddenly in comes Teerathep. And Pipat. And Rangsan. And others. The Thai national first team squad and the SEA Games squad all piled in.
To be followed by assistant manager Steve Darby who invited me into the press conference. So there I am squeezed against a wall surrounded by camera crews from all the major Thai channels, the players all sat down and at the head of the table Steve and various FA bods including Worwai.
And me in my shorts and handycam. I looked like an Aussie backpacker out looking for Khao San Road and had got off at the wrong bus stop.
Steve and the players were off to a sponsored event at such a such a time and said I was welcome to join them so I arranged to meet him back in the lobby while I went off in search of the TPL official.
By the time I returned everyone had already gone!
As had my phone credit which meant I wasn't able to contact Muang Thong United to let them know I was running late for my appointment there.
Arranging to meet people is always fraught with danger but I gotta say this trip went pretty bloody smoothly. Everyone I wanted to meet was met with the exception of Muang Thong United while nattering with Steve and Pipat was an unexpected bonus.
Thanks to, in no particular order, Khun Vijit at TPL, Khun Jew and Janat at Muang Thong United, Dale and Nui for sorting tickets and beer, Kosin, Pipat for pretending to understand my poor Thai and Greg for ordering 12 inches for his missus with a straight face.
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