by Major Payne*
27th November, 2016
Thailand’s ticketing agency has created a storm among foreign followers of the War Elephants by insisting that the home section of Rajamangala Stadium is open to Thai people only for the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final second leg on December 8th.
Thailand boasts a significant expat population, many of whom follow their adopted country in all sports. A football match is also a popular attraction for thousands of tourists who visit the ‘Land of Smiles’ every year.
But football fans who frequent Thai League games and internationals are not smiling as they see themselves potentially shut out of this big game.
The only option as things currently stand is to purchase tickets for the away end, something that does not appeal to fans who wish to back their country of residence and often the country of their spouses and extended families.
The purchase of online tickets is already complicated by the fact that a Thai ID number is required to allow the sale to go through. It has now been indicated that non-Thai fans who go to ThaiTicketMajor outlets will have to buy tickets to sit with the away fans.
The company website states that for Thailand fans “A valid Thai National ID card is required to purchase tickets”. For away fans, the guidance is that the “Away zone is restricted to Away Team football club fan and non-Thai”.
When a call was made to ThaiTicketMajor, a spokesperson confirmed that the Thai section was for “Thai people only”. When it was suggested that many foreign fans would prefer to cheer on the home side, the spokesperson advised that they could arrange for a Thai ID card holder to purchase tickets for them. It was then claimed that the policy had been proposed by the Football Association of Thailand to ensure the safety of international fans.
While hooliganism is an occasional problem at club level, it is not something that has been an issue at home internationals and certainly not for the foreign fans who attend. Indeed, most comment on the welcoming nature of the home support, who are often keen to engage in conversation with international fans.
The webmaster of this very site, who has lived in Thailand for 20 years expressed surprise and concern at the policy.
“I find this latest development in ticket sales somewhat disturbing,” said Dale. “In nearly twenty years of following the Thailand national team, I've never felt threatened or unsafe in amongst the Thai fans. In fact, they are the most welcoming group of supporters I've ever met. Therefore, the reasoning makes no sense. Hopefully, common sense will prevail and they'll scrap this divisive idea.”
It is disappointing for football fans who have grown to love the local football scene in their time here. Svein Falk Lorentzen is a retired Norwegian who has been in Thailand since 2007, following Bangkok United and Udon Thai FC.
“It`s ridiculous not to allow foreigners in the Thai zone for games, or at least not let us buy tickets for Thai zone,” said Svein. “I don`t know if we will be refused entry if we show up with tickets bought by Thais. This policy would never been accepted in any European country. If it continues, it will surely get foreigners to lose interest in the Thailand national team, and maybe also Thai football in general. Personally, I won`t care about the national team if they don`t let me buy tickets, but I will still follow the club football.”
In Thailand, it is not unusual to see two-tiered pricing in operation for tourist attractions -- a discriminatory policy which infuriates some visitors and foreign residents. Segregation at football matches for security reasons is understandable but Thailand seems to be segregating its own followers on the basis of their nationality – a potentially dangerous development.
Thailand’s national football league has boasted many foreign fans, coaches and players since its formation in 2007. The new ticketing policy now seeks to exclude them from national team games when their preference would be to support the hosts rather than the visitors.
*"Major Payne" is a pseudonym. The author of this piece wishes to remain anonymous.
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