My interview with groundhopper, Gunther Verrijken, from13th August, 2017
Q - Please can you introduce yourself
My name is Gunther Verrijken. I am 49 years and I come from Antwerp in Belgium.
Q - When and why did you start groundhopping in Thailand?
In 2009. I started when I was in holiday in Pattaya and I read about Pattaya Utd. For six months of the year I live in Khon Kaen and they were also playing in the Thai league then, so I began attending their games. Before this, I was following the national team.
Q - Which was the first Thai ground you visited?
Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok.
Q - And how many grounds have you visited in Thailand to date?
32.
Q - Which are your favourite stadiums in Thailand?
Stadiums without a running track around the pitch like, Leo Stadium (Bangkok Glass), SCG Stadium (Muang Thong Utd), and I-Mobile Stadium (Buriram Utd). These grounds have the best atmosphere.
Q - And your least favourite?
Chulalonglorn University Stadium in Bangkok. I visited it twice to watch Chula Utd v Pattaya Utd and Chamchuri Utd v Khon Kaen Utd. Both matches had a very low home attendance (about a 100), no atmosphere, no beer available and more away fans than home fans. In my opinion, university teams should not be allowed to play in any of the Thai leagues.
Q - What is the most enjoyable aspect of groundhopping in Thailand?
That fans of both clubs respect each other. There is no violence and you even see fans collecting shirts, scarves and others memorabilia of clubs they play against.
Q - Is there anything you don't like about groundhopping in Thailand?
In the lower leagues, announcements of fixtures are a disaster. They switch games, times etc, a few days before kick-offs, so it’s very difficult to plan a week-end groundhopping, as you never know 100% if the fixture list is correct.
Q - What could clubs do to help foreign groundhoppers in Thailand?
Updating websites, facebook pages and giving correct dates and kick off times - especially in the lower leagues.
Q - What has been the funniest thing that has happened to you while groundhopping in Thailand?
In 2012 I visited a Kalasin home match with a friend. When we arrived at the stadium, we were looking at the merchandise table and the president and some other officials of this club came over. They were so surprised that 2 foreigners had come to watch football there. They asked us where we came from and why we had come to watch the match. Before the game, they announced our names and nationality over the pa and we met the home team on the pitch, where they took pictures of all the squad with me and my friend. After the game, the president told us that we brought good luck, as his team beat Chaiyaphum United 5:0.
Q- How many times have you visited Chonburi Stadium and which matches did you watch?
I’ve been to Chonburi Stadium twice; AFC-Cup vs Persipura and Premier League vs Muang Thong United
Q - And what are your impressions of our ground?
It is a nice, small stadium, but it’s pity that both ends behind the goals are so far away from the pitch. You get a very bad view from there.
Q - Where in the ground did you sit for the matches?
Behind the goal against Persipura, and in the main stand against Muang Thong Utd.
Q - Which was your favourite place to sit and why?
The main stand. Certainly not behind the goals!
Q - What were your impressions of the matches?
There was a good atmosphere and fanatical support.
Q - How did the two matches compare with other matches you've seen in Thailand?
Same as any that you attend featuring the big Thai clubs in Bangkok, Buriram etc...
Q - What were your impressions of the Chonburi fans?
They were fantastic supporters.
Q - Overall, how would you rate your experience at Chonburi Stadium?
The atmosphere was very good. There was a full stadium for both those games. For me, it’s in the top 5 grounds of Thailand.
Q - Was there anything you didn't enjoy about your visits?
No, everything was OK.
Q - What could Chonburi FC do to improve the stadium and the experience?
They could introduce some cafés or bars around stadium. Everything else is OK.
Q - How did your visit compare to other Thai grounds you've visited?
It was on a par with my experiences at other grounds.
Q - How easy was it to find information about Chonburi Stadium before your visit?
It was very easy to find information on the internet.
Q - How easy was it for you to get to and from the ground?
It was easy, as we were staying in Pattaya. We booked a taxi to the stadium and the driver waited for us until the game was finished.
Q - How were you treated by the staff on your visit to Chonburi Stadium?
Very well. I remember buying some souvenirs in the shop and all the people were friendly and helpfull.
Q - Are you planning to come back?
Yes, of course.
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