Chonburi FC Stadium Design: 2011

 

Chonburi Arena Video: 2012

Chonburi Arena  

Final Jury Thesis 501919

Advisor : Korapong Kannasoot

Faculty of Architecture Rangsit University

Produced By Benz Insite Studio

3D Modal : Google SketchUp 8

Animation : Lumion 2.1 Build 4

Cut / Edit : Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 / Adobe After Effects CS5

June, 2012

Chonburi 4-2 Ratchaburi - Match Report: 2013

TPL

Chonburi 4-2 Ratchaburi

Sunday 4th August, 2013

Attendance: 5,831

Chonburi Stadium

Match Report

by Tim Banks

WELCOME BACK! Where have you been?

Well what a difference 4 days make.Actually the difference was the two newcomers the Brazilian and the Spanish recent signings and the team getting stuck in,so much so that it appeared at one stage we could be playing seven a side late on and the fact that Ratchaburi did not have it all their way as last Wednesday.

 

However having conceded yet another goal from a corner in the fourth minute all could have been very different had their foreign import number 24 not rattled the crossbar but scored on the half hour,as a 2-0 deficit could have had major repercussions but tonight is all about positives and we scored late on to go in at half time with all the momentum and the faithful awoken from their slumbers and roaring their approval that the fight back was on and perhaps that their team was back.

 

A cracking start to the second half with Samuel at last delivering the pace and dribbling skills that we knew he possessed led to him setting up Kushida who fired us in front within five minutes of the restart.

 

It was all Chonburi from then onwards and Samuel at last fired home himself to the relief of the home fans after a barren run and many near misses and he continued to torment the visitors defence hugely assisted by Leandro who ran himself to a standstill and left to a well deserved standing ovation.

 

He was ably replaced by Therdsak who again gave a mini master class in the fifteen minutes remaining climaxed by a thunderous strike again set up by Samuel to put us 4-1 up and ensure the three points.

 

It was left to Ratchaburi s midfield player to score with a wonderful strike from outside the box with three minutes left to wrap up the evening's excellent entertainment and the final score line of 4-2.

 

Was it all sublime? No, as many of our fundamental problems remain but did we see passion and commitment and teamwork yes we did and was the smile back in the grandstands yes,but please whisper it but a run of five games including tonight through until meeting Suphanburi midweek later in the month all are winnable,Bangkok Utd,Pattaya and TOT and a return of a maximum of fifteen points at least would concentrate the minds of the two leaders before we meet both of them away with MTU in early and Buriram in late September.

 

Are we back? Not yet, but boy is it great to see the smiling faces as you leave the stadium. The faithful certainly deserve a run of victories to give us some faint hope that we could yet be in the mix and it would be great to meet our two rivals at their home stadiums with all to play for.

 

Welcome back, Chonburi FC. We missed you.

Chainat 1-1 Chonburi - Match Report: 2014

Brian Enever's report from the day a linesman's flag, and many other "odd" decisions, cost us the TPL title.

TPL 

Chainat 1-1 Chonburi

29th October, 2014

Linesman Suchart Fangmala

Match Report

by Brian Enever

First of all I think Wada picked the wrong team to start. Nurul is a very tricky player who is at his best attacking  defenders and driving into the box from wide areas. It's from these areas his close control either wins free kicks or forces defenders into backing off, giving him the opportunity to create chances. BUT, a striker he is not. He doesn't (yet) have the ability and movement off the ball to pull defenders out of position to create space for himself or others. 

For the first hour or so, until Pibob came on, it was all too easy for the Chainat defence. We did create one or two half chances but generally both defences were in control. Pibob may be a yard slower these days but his movement and experience did start to cause Chainat problems and we started to get on top. 

After Nurul scored we just needed to take control of the ball, not do anything stupid and see the game out. But once again we showed we were not capable of keeping our shape and just doing the basics. 

Leading up to their equalizer, first of all Nattaphong failed to track back quickly enough meaning Jackie was pulled out of the centre having to close down their winger, then, as the ball was worked back across the middle Chonlatit just stood ball watching while the Chainat player had all the time he needed to score.

We pushed forward in search of a winner while Chainat chose to waste as much time as possible. 'Injuries' (?) to both their recognised goalkeepers meant extensive delays (even an ambulance was brought onto the pitch at one point), resulting in an outfield player having to play in goal for them and a total of some twenty minutes of injury time to play. 

Half way through that injury time a Chakrit cross was met perfectly by Dos Santos but the goal was disallowed for 'offside'. An absolutely crazy decision. I was directly in line with Dos Santos and he was at least a yard on side (and [probably more) when the ball was kicked. It wasn't even close and impossible to say the linesman could have 'made a mistake'.

There had been quite a few questionable decisions going Chainat's way throughout the game but what happened next , for me, proves the officials had been got at. A few seconds after the disallowed  'goal' the referee blew for full time, even though there must have been at least ten minutes left to play.

I have seen 'questionable' decisions from officials in the past but, I believe, this was corruption at its very worst. I don't know what can be done about the result but if the officials’ actions are 'swept under the carpet' it will prove for me just how corrupt the FAT and TPL officials really are.

Postscript

REFEREE & LINESMAN HIT WITH LENGTHY BANS

6th November, 2014

 

Two of the officials at the recent Chainat v Chonburi TPL match have been hit with lengthy bans by the local governing body. Referee Chaya Mahaprab has been banned from officiating for 18 months and linesman Suchart Fangmala (pictured) has been given a 2 year holiday.

 

Both men were responsible for some controversial decisions at the game on October 29th. Most notably failing to play the expected amount of injury time, not issuing a second yellow card to a Chainat player for a bookable offence and ruling out a late Chonburi goal for "offside".

NEW!! Interview With A Ratchaburi Fan: 2020

My pre match interview with Ratchaburi fan, Neal Oliver

The recent break hs been a pain for us all. How did you spend it?

I started off by doing absolutely nothing, and became a recluse.  I watched dozens of movies and generally became fatter and lazier.  Realising this would kill me, even if the virus didn’t, I found a couple of deserted places to walk.  I really took a likening to Khao Tao Lake, and walked the perimeter almost daily.  It was (still is) a beautiful walk and I become at one with nature during my daily walks.  It gave me a renewed purpose in life.

I also discovered Zoom.  I actually became more in touch with family and friends all over the world, and my son used it to teach his karate.  He not only kept his own club going, but his lessons were attended in England, Scotland, Wales, Spain, Hungary, Germany, India, Sri Lanka and Japan to name a few.

How do you think the TPL/FAT handled the crisis?

This was a very unique situation, never encountered anywhere before.  There was no template upon which to guide them, and they had to make it up as they went along.  I think they did things as well as they could.  I think a lot of luck was involved, but Thailand’s handling of the crisis was an example to the world.

If we talk about football specifically, I agree entirely that it had to stop when it did.  Re-vamping of the Thai football season should work out better.  If our close season is the same as Europe, it might be easier to attract better players i.e. they will be out of contract at the right time to try their luck in Asia..

The one that that has surprised me since the restart is the restricted stadium capacities.  Firstly we are regularly told how safe Thailand is in terms of the virus.   Then crowds are allowed back into stadiums in much reduced numbers, on the condition social distancing is strictly adhered to.  Social distancing is being abused in most stadiums, but no action is taken.  If a blind eye is being turned, why have any restrictions at all?  It seems absolutely crazy to restrict attendance at football stadiums, when thousands are allowed to protest daily on the streets of Bangkok.

As I write this, I see stadium capacities have increased to 50%.

What is the best thing about having the football back?

It gives meaning to the weekend again, and something to look forward to.

What are your thoughts on the way VAR is used in the TPL?

Do you really want to know?  OK, you’ve asked, time to get my soap box out and rant………

I hate it.  Last season’s cup final proved that it is far from perfect.  There were many dubious decisions. I am convinced Port FC bought the FA Cup last season, and it is their intention to buy the league title this season.

The system is managed by incompetent officials.  How can it work?  Don’t get me wrong, Ratchaburi have benefitted from what I consider to be the wrong decision several times this season, but I hate it.  I don’t want us to win through incompetent officials.  I’m probably old school, but a referee makes his decision, we question his parentage, and the game moves on.

With VAR, the referee puts his finger in his ear, and everything stops.  The referee repeatedly gestures to players to move away, whilst periodically putting his finger back in his ear.  Eventually, when the clowns in the control room are too afraid to make a decision, the referee draws an imaginary box in the air, and runs over to look at the TV himself.  Another few minutes later, he re-appears, draws another box in the air, and invariably makes the wrong decision.  Meanwhile, nobody knows how much time has been wasted.  However, be sure the time added on at the end of the half, will not reflect the time wasted by the referee poking himself in the ear.  Rugby has the right idea when the clock is stopped during such investigations.

VAR is killing football.

What are your thoughts on the new TV deal and the end of True's coverage?

Good riddance to True.  True have become too big for their boots, and it’s about time they were taken down a peg or two.

Unfortunately, I don’t know the detail of the new package, so can’t really comment.

How have Ratchaburi performed since the restart?

Ratchaburi have been playing some beautiful football all season, and you guys will get a footballing treat on Sunday.  Unfortunately, we’ve dropped a few points against some tough opposition and also Prachuap since the re-start, but pound for pound, I think we are the best footballing side in the league, and we have immense strength in depth.

Did the break do you a favour or has it hindered you?

Statistically, with a 100% record before the break, and dropping 8 points since the break, I guess the scientific answer is obvious. However, I expected to lose points at Muangthong and Chiang Rai, and I am very happy with performances both sides of the break.

What are your expectations for the rest of the season? 

This season’s Ratchaburi side is too strong not to finish in the top 4.  The squad is so strong, we have players that would be starring in most T1 sides, who can’t even get on the bench this season.

The big talk is being in the top 4 at the end of leg 1, and qualification for the Champions League.  To be honest, I couldn’t give 2 hoots about the Champions League.  Ratchaburi will not be good enough to win it, so why risk injuries etc.?  It isn’t as though supporters can go globetrotting to support their favourites at the moment.  I’d rather we concentrated on the domestic scene for now, and write our name on some domestic silverware, rather than chase the impossible (for now).

And what about the league in general?

BG are obviously going very strong.  With the recent acquisition of Diogo, they must be expecting big things.  Personally, I think he’s a stereo type whinging Brazilian, but you can’t doubt his goal scoring prowess.  As I’ve said already, I expect Port have bought the title this season after much dealing in the transfer market and their success in buying the FA Cup last season.  I find it highly amusing that they have forfeited 6 points through floodlight failure.  However, she has deep pockets, so will soon make up lost ground.  Rayong must be favourites to go down.  They have 2 useless Sumo Wrestlers for forwards.  I doubt the likes of Diogo would be very good at Sumo either.  I’m amazed they actually scored 2 goals against a team like Port.

What have been your impressions of Chonburi this season?

Chonburi?  Who are Chonburi?

Seriously, Chonburi are always a strong side, and I expect them to finish in the upper half of the league.  However, without actually having seen them play this season, I don’t feel qualified to say any more.

What are your expectations for Sunday's match?

I expect to see Chonburi playing a defensive game to prevent annihilation.  Ratchaburi have a very potent/entertaining attacking style this season.  Any team that does not respect that fact will suffer badly.

Which of our players are you most wary of?

I don’t know enough about the Chonburi squad to provide an informed answer. 

I don’t know why, but the Montenegrin Dragan Boskovic sounds familiar, I’m sure I’ve been impressed by him before. 

Which of your players do we need to look out for?

OMG, what a question.  We’ve got superstars coming out of our ears, where do I start?

Philip Roller, our captain, one of the league’s leading scorers, and he’s a full back.  Very powerful, very fast, and a killer shot.  He must challenge for the Thai National Team again soon.

Lossemy Karaboue.  Before he arrived, Ratchaburi had a lot of individual talents, but they rarely played as a team.  Since he has arrived, he has become the team’s engine room.  Every play goes through him.  He is what has turned Ratchaburi from a decent team to a great team.  By far, he is my favourite player.

Steeven Langil, is a magician on the ball.  He often makes defenders look stupid when they turn and chase a ball that is not there.  He has become known as Mr Assist this season, although he’s managed a few goals of his own of course.

I will stop at 3, but the team does not have any bad players now.  Even better, I believe you could remove any 5 from the current favoured 11, and still have a team that will give any team in the league a good run for their money.

What do you like most about a visit to Chonburi?

I have passed through, but never stopped in Chonburi.

I had every intention of coming to Sunday’s game, but a fellow Ratchaburi supporter has talked me out of it.  It is the very common Away Supporters syndrome at Chonburi.  Sit them as far from the action as possible, and charge top dollar for the privilege.  Chonburi’s stadium was not built for football, so as with all municipal stadiums, the bad seats are really, really bad.

It always amuses me when the tannoy announcer welcomes the team and its supporters to the stadium.  What they don’t say is, “We’re ripping you off by charging you top prices to sit in seats our own supporters wouldn’t be seen dead in.  By the way, if it rains, you’re going to get very wet, so enjoy your 5 hour drive home in soaking wet clothes.” Fortunately, I still had my VAR soapbox handy, so didn’t have to make a special effort to get it out.

Would you care to make a score prediction?

Chonburi 1 – 2 Ratchaburi

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I’d like to say something nice about the Ratchaburi Coach, but as always, it is such a fluid situation, most of us don’t have a clue from one week to the next who is the current holder of the poison chalice.  Whatever, we have such an exciting team at the moment, we don’t need one.  Besides, it’s always fun at the end of the game to play ‘Spot the Coach’ and work out who it might be this week.

NEW!! PEA Shooters - The Story Of Our Cross Town Away Day: 2007

TPL

PEA 0-4 Chonburi

IPE Stadium, Chonburi

27th October, 2007

Derby Day and we had plans. Rather than everyone making their own way to the IPE, in the north of the city, we decided to meet in the usual spot - behind Chonburi Municipal Stadium - where we always gathered to catch the buses for away matches. So, about two hours before kick off, a few hundred Sharks fans had congregated, ready to make the short trip across town. We ate and drank, and talked about how we were relishing the afternoon ahead. There was an air of expectation and excitement, as we looked to extend our eight match unbeaten run and close in on the league title.

When it was time to depart, the locals were treated to an amazing, colourful sight, as a police escort led the convoy of buses, cars, pick-ups and motorbikes, all bedecked in two shades of blue, on the 10 minute journey through the back streets and across Sukhumvit Rd. They even stopped the traffic for us! It was a joy to see the bemused looks on the faces of the motorists whose journies had been delayed to let this joyous - and by now increasingly raucous - procession pass. We had turned the whole day into an event that has gone down in eastern seaboard football folklore. The match had an awful lot to live up to.

 

Thankfully, the team didn't disappoint and we hammered our hapless neighbours 4-0, with a scintillating display of attacking football, that thrilled the huge travelling support and sent out a clear message to our rivals. The emphatic victory was also captured by the ESPN/Star Sports cameras and featured on their midweek football show, Top Corner, the following Thursday, accompanied by Dez Corkhill's excellent commentary. Thus showing the whole of Asia what Chonburi FC - and their pioneering fans - were capable of. All in all, it was an incredible afternoon and certainly one of the best away days I've ever experienced, and one I will never forget. 

PEA 0-4 Chonburi - Highlights: 2007

TPL

PEA 0-4 Chonburi

IPE Stadium, Chonburi

27th October, 2007

Chonburi 4-2 Bangkok Utd - Highlights: 2014

TPL

Chonburi 4-2 Bangkok Utd

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 6,685

26th October, 2014

Chonburi v Bangkok Utd - Match Previews: 2014

26/10/14 TPL

Chonburi v Bangkok Utd

Match preview by John Lees

 

For the first time this season, we’ve hit the top of the league and the destiny of the title is in our own hands. Bangkok United are in town on Sunday hoping to spoil the party.

 

Last time we met, we lost 2-0 to a then struggling side and that Sunday night was debatably the lowest point of our season. Losing two goals in injury time after a tepid performance just rubbed salts into our wounds.

 

Since the appointment of their third coach of the season, Mano Poking, the Bangkok Angels have vastly improved. When he took over, the team was massively underachieving considering their outlay on players and, they were firmly in a relegation battle. Now they are safely in mid-table after taking 29 points from 16 matches in Leg 2. However, those statistics paper over poor away form. BU have failed to win any of their last six away trips and have only gathered three points out of a possible 18.

 

On Wednesday evening, Romain Gasmi’s brace against Buriram United moved him onto ten goals for the season. He is the main playmaker and when he is on form, he can be a right handful. The starting XI that night were: Warut Mekmusik, Mika Chunuonsee, Kim Yoo Jin, Noppol Pitafai, Wichaya Dechmitr, Wittaya Madlam, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, Milos Bogunovic, Ekkachai Sumrei, Romain Gasmi, Mike Temwanjera.

 

By all accounts our title rivals Buriam United were extremely poor on Wednesday evening at the Thai Japanese but they should bounce back with a home fixture against Chainat. After that, they have a very winnable match at TOT before hosting Police United on the final day.

26/10/14 TPL

Chonburi v Bangkok Utd

Match preview by Mystic Brian

With just three games remaining, and for the first time this season, we are top of the league and the title is in our hands. Win those three games and we are Champions. With both us and Buriram having two home and one away match remaining it'll be down to who keeps their nerve the better. And so far, with a LWW sequence against Buriram's WDL since the shutdown, that's been us.

 

While still not reaching the height and quality of football we played before the enforced shutdown we just about did enough to beat an Osotspa team that likes to play good football and gave us a real test. And when our webmaster's wife phoned to confirm Bangkok Utd were winning 1-0 our journey home was even sweeter. When my phone rang again at our traditional Burger King stopover to confirm Bangkok Utd had gone 2-0 up our night was complete. I'm convinced the realization that we could now win the league had put our webmaster into total shock.

 

But hopefully everybody's feet are now firmly back on the ground. Wednesday was a great result but it also showed everybody that Bangkok Utd are now a competent team that cannot be taken lightly. Although their away form doesn't match their home efforts their confidence will be high, so we'll have to be at our best and concentrate for the full ninety minutes. We've simply got to get a win to keep the pressure on so for the second game running we've got to do better than Buriram did against the same opposition. And I believe we can do just that.

 

We have performed reasonably well so far under pressure and are still creating several chances in each game while restricting the opposition to very little. With (hopefully) a sell out crowd to cheer the team on we can convert a couple of those chances and go on to win 2-0.

 

Mystic Brian’s prediction: Chonburi 2-0 Bangkok Utd

Chonburi Fans - Video: 2010

 TPL

Osotspa 1-1 Chonburi

Saraburi Central Sports Stadium

Attendance: 2,156

Sunday 24th October, 2010

A video of Chonburi fans at Osotspa, after the final league match of the 2010 season.

Osotspa 1-1 Chonburi - Match Report: 2010

TPL

Osotspa 1-1 Chonburi

Saraburi Central Sports Stadium

Attendance: 2,156

Sunday 24th October, 2010

Match Report 

For forty four minutes and thirty seconds this was one of the dullest matches I 've seen in a long time. Dare I say it had a typical end of season feel to it? Jadet had taken the opportunity to rest a few people ahead of next weekend's FA Cup semi final and this showed in a disjointed performance, from a team made up of players who have rarely played together this season. Osotspa weren't much better and most of those in red and yellow gave the impression that they'd rather be somewhere else.

However, the whole mood of the game changed on the stroke of half time when Chonburi centre half Phaisan Pona was shown a red card. I didn't actually see the incident, but there didn't seem to be that much of an outcry from the visiting fans or his team mates. Although, two people I spoke to afterwards said they thought it was a bit harsh.

The second half started with the home side on the attack looking to take advantage of the fact they had an extra man. For the first time all afternoon, the strikers actually looked interested and began to torment the back line. On fifty minutes one of the nippier forwards was put through on goal. Chonlatit Jantakam made a desperate effort to stop him and was adjudged to have done so illegally. Not only was a free kick awarded on the edge of the box but the Thai international was also dismissed, as he was deemed to be the last man. From where I was standing, at the other end of the ground, it looked like there were other defenders around and this time there were protestations from those in blue, but the official, quite rightly, stuck to his decision.

Osotspa scored from the resulting free kick. So, there we were, down to nine men with forty minutes still to play. How would we react? Well, what followed was one the most entertaining periods of play I think I have ever seen. The message from the bench to the players was obviously, "Just enjoy yourselves, we've nothing to lose." And the players certainly set about enjoying themselves with gay abandon.

We seemed to be playing a very fluid 2-3-3 system but, in all honesty, any pretence at tactics and formation went out of the window. We had a left back playing as centre forward, a centre forward playing on his own in defence and a goalkeeper dribbling up the wing. It was pure school playground stuff. Our cavalier approach paid off with about twenty minutes remaining, when Adul's defelected shot found the top corner. The away stand erupted and the players and staff celebrated as if we'd won the World Cup.

It might have got even better, but Ekkaphan's cross come shot defied the laws of physics and somehow bounced out after hitting the inside of the post. At the other end, Osotspa were guilty of missing numerous chances, as they failed to make countless four against one situations count. At the final whistle some of the Chonburi players sank to their knees with exhaustion and others danced in front of their fans. It was a remarkable display and one you won't find in any coaching manuals. But they lads showed great spirit and what fantastic entertainment!

NEW!! The Pirelli Stadium - Photos: 2020

The Pirelli Stadium

Princess Way

Burton on Trent

22nd October, 2020

Home of Burton Albion FC

 

NEW!! Interview With A Chiang Rai Utd Fan: 2020

My pre match interview with Chiang Rai Utd fan, Alec Peeples.

Q: How are you and how did you spend the long break?

Doing pretty well now that some sunshine is finally returning. Luckily the break coincided with a few MotoGP races, so I was able to catch those.

Q: What is the best thing about having the football back?

Having a weekend beer while the football is on is much better than a beer while sat on the couch watching Netflix.

Q: How have Chiang Rai Utd performed since the restart?

Much improved! We look more energized than before. Our attack has become a bit more clinical, which I only expect to improve with the return of Sivakorn. Jaja is still a big question mark, but he finally got his scoring started and I hope that's a sign of things to come.

Q: So would you say the break did them a favour?

Yes. Prior to the break we looked thoroughly exhausted, unmotivated, and just overall unorganized on the pitch. I'll chalk that up to a long championship season, plus the added intensity of having to compete in the ACL. The break did us a favour by giving the new manager more time on the training pitch along with some much-needed rest for the players.

Q: How has being champions changed things at the club?

I don't think many things have changed. Chiang Rai, all of Northern Thailand really, is a proud region. There was always a belief in the team and seeing it come to fruition only strengthened the fan's resolve. I think there's a sense of pride among the squad that gives them a certain type of swagger on the pitch as well. If I had to mention any negative change, I'd say it's the worry of losing our best players to "bigger" clubs (whether in or out of Thailand).

Q: BG Pathum Utd seem to be many people's favourites for the title. As a fan of the current champions, what are your thoughts on this?

Port looked scary good at the start of the season, but hardly now. True Bangkok was on a great run, and now look at them. I think we're in for a lot of surprises and drama this season so it's too early to pick any real favorites. That said, I fancy BGPU to be a top club.

Q: It's been a crazy week for coaches in the TPL. Not that I'd like to see it, but what would it take for Masami Taki to resign or get sacked?

With our lackluster start to the season, I was already expecting him to be an early departure. But for now, it seems he's got a steady hold on the team and performances have improved. I'm not sure if Jaja was his idea or from the ownership, but he seems to be figuring out a decent role for him. I think it would take something truly catastrophic - a huge losing streak, slipping near the bottom of the table, etc. I think he will be safe as long as we finish mid-table or above. I don't think much is expected from him in the ACL, though I will consider a first-round exit (which seems likely) a disappointment.

Q: What are your thoughts on Chonburi this season?

I've not been too surprised. Just before the restart, I chose them as a team that will finish comfortably mid-table and I stand by that. I did really enjoy the recent win over True Bangkok.

Q: What are expectations for Sunday's match?

Depends on this weather we've had. Rain? Probably a chippy affair settled by a goal, maybe even just a penalty - and that could go either way. Clear skies? I think we are in for a great game. Chonburi will be looking for another smash-and-grab, but I think Chiang Rai can rely on their cohesion and quality to ensure a result.

Q: Which of our players are you most wary of?

Kritsada and Worachit looked great last weekend - they looked very creative and played off one another very well. Chiang Rai has always looked vulnerable to good counterattacking teams, and that's what I saw from Chonburi recently.

Q: Which of your players do we need to look out for?

Bill has been on a great run of form and I expect him to continue his good run in front of goal. Sivakorn is slated for a return which would be a huge boost for our attack as well. Other than that... we're a team of surprises. Ekanit has been suprisingly off form, Chotipat has been playing surprisingly well and has since leveled off, etc.

Q: Finally, would you care to make a score prediction?

2-1 to Chiang Rai Utd.

Osotspa 0-1 Chonburi - Highlights: 2014

TPL

Osotspa 0-1 Chonburi

Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok

22nd October, 2014

Thai Honda 2-4 Chonburi - Highlights: 2007

TPL

Thai Honda 2-4 Chonburi

72nd Anniversary Stadium, Minburi

20th October, 2007

It's A Dog's Life At Chonburi FC: 2015

IT'S A DOG'S LIFE AT CHONBURI FC

by Bangkok Post

26th August, 2015

Dogs and other animals are not allowed on the pitch, the Thai Premier League said.

A dog ran onto the pitch during a TPL match between hosts Chonburi and Buriram United last week, and the uninvited guest was taken away.

The TPL did not slap a fine on Chonburi as the dog did not disrupt the game and players maintained their concentration on the ball.

The league sent a warning letter to the Sharks reminding them that dogs must not be allowed on the pitch.

The visitors beat the hosts 2-1 on that day.

Dogs are not strangers to football fans and players.

Last month, Si Sa Ket were fined 10,000 baht by the TPL for allowing a dog on the field during a match against Nakhon Ratchasima.

FINE TIME

26th August, 2015

Here's a summary of the bans and fines handed out to Chonburi (and Buriram Utd) by those fine, upstanding people at the TPL:

 

1) Club fined B30,000 for fans abusing the ref at half time in the match against Buriram Utd.

 

2) Milan David (goalkeeping coach) banned from the dugout for one match after leaving the Technical Area in the match against Buriram Utd.

 

3) The club warned for the dog who ran on to the pitch during the match against Buriram Utd. No fine because played wasn't stopped.

 

4) Buriram Utd fined B40,000 for fans letting off flares and crackers outside the stadium before the match.

 

5) The TPL is yet to decide on a suitable punishment for the "incidents" outside the stadium after the match against Buriram Utd.

NEW!! The Tap Room: 2020

The Tap Room was a popular feature on my old website. Over the course of a week, I would invite various fans to share their views on a topic that was dominating the news, until we had built up a lively debate. Now, after a break of a few years, I'm happy to say...here is a brand new discussion:

The Tap Room: October, 2020

In these difficult and unprecedented times, what would you do to ensure a successful Thai league season from this point on?

Reply #1: 17th October, 2020
Name: Russ John
Team supported: Nakorn Ratchasima FC
Twitter: @russreport

As the TPL struggles to regain momentum after the inevitable consequences of the corona virus, maybe it's time for a reset in order to recover from a truly horrible few months.

Perhaps beyond the remit of the league’s administrators, the first priority must be to manage the return of fans. Perhaps beginning with a rise to 50% of ground capacity and thereafter, but perhaps not until next season, a return to full attendance.

The competitive nature of the League is making a great statement about how the remainder of the season could evolve. The season thus far has seen a most exciting race for the top with TPL newcomers taking on the usual protagonists. As many as five teams could be vying for the title and this is just what the TPL needs to improve its image and popularity.

The new era of TV coverage is an exciting opportunity to extend the games popularity and profile, within ASEAN and beyond. Perhaps an opportunity to "clean up" the domestic game. exists 

The usual chestnuts need to be reviewed, referee training should be extended and supported and as it seems the much vaunted VAR is here to stay, efforts should be made to speed up its decision making. On the subject of VAR, there have been issues with time taken to make decisions that has not been added after, 90 minutes, this needs to addressed. 

I personally find any kind of official abuse a real turn off (literally) and I would like to see an improvement in this regard. We need a directive to coaches to require them to control their players more robustly regarding behaviour on the pitch - particularly regarding abuse of officials. Now that the league is, potentially, in a larger shop window it is vital that it is shown in its best light.

Looking further into the future, the recent events at the PAT stadium highlights (see what I did there) a general lack of investment in football infrastructure. Ratchaburi FC has invested in a super, new, purpose built stadium and some lower league teams are making strides forward with stadium development. Perhaps some of the much hyped TV deal money could be earmarked for improvements.

Probably a non starter and requiring more imaginative and innovative thoughts than I can supply, the league needs to have a unique feature that sets it apart from other leagues if it is to compete - two 30 minute halves with the watch stopped for all stoppages, anyone?

So, to conclude, is the TPL, in its present form, doomed to lower attendances and lack of interest precipitated by the corona virus or could this be the beginning of a new dawn supported by Zense’s innovative and ambitious new ideas.

I certainly look forward to the thoughts and opinions of my fellow supporters of Thai football.

Reply #2: 18th October, 2020
Name: Jamie Pinder
Team supported: Buriram Utd
Twitter: @nangronginfo

My biggest annoyance with the restart of the season (apart from not going back to Game 1!) is the non-return of the fans. For some clubs, getting a few thousand is normal but for the better supported clubs, such as the two in Isaan, it makes a huge difference. Buriram United are doing a great job of 'social distancing' inside their own stadium but on the recent away trip to BG it was non-existent, as we all huddled together in the rain.  

After our last home game, where supporters observed the rules, I went into the town for a small drink. Tawan Daeng, that bastion of social distancing and sobriety, was so full I was offered a table outside; it was rammed. So why can't fans watch the games in bigger numbers? It's not like every stadium will be full. On 31st October, Buriram host the boys from the council estate in a game which regularly has the league's biggest gate.......open up the doors, let's have some atmosphere please.

As Russ says, the new TV deal is interesting too. We'll see how it works out but the scheduling department doesn't seem to understand the league, putting the aforementioned game at Buriram on at the same time as BU v Port. Then there are the usual suspects of VAR, huddles, Referee abuse. We've had a six month break to discuss new ideas and how to combat these awful things but nothing has changed. 

At Buriram recently there were two lengthy delays for VAR and the crowd had no idea what was happening. Once again, I refer to rugby where the referee can talk to the 4th official to agree a decision. I don't think football is ready to show replays as rugby does as that would leed to riots in the stadium, but I'd like to see the 4th official make his decision and the referee not be involved. It means there's no need for the players to harass him. 

I'd also like to see some more positive tie ups with B Teams. I've a whole list of ideas that have been discussed with the powers at Buriram. We need to show more support for Surin City, more support for the ladies team and our academy, more interaction with the Team and the fans, more fan days, maybe the odd K-Pop star appearing at half-time. When I first went to Buriram there was a lot more going on outside the stadium before the game and, I know, much of the reduction is caused by Covid, but the teams need to find ways of getting fans back as the teams are gradually allowed more fans into the stadium. 

Reply #3: 19th October, 2020
Name: Grant Aitken
Team supported: Muang Thong Utd
Twitter: @GrantMTU86

I'm in total agreement with Russ and Jamie. It's ridiculous to see life resuming up and down the country, but the football being restricted to a paltry following inside the stadiums. Subconsciously we’re suggesting that stadiums are a hot bed for COVOID transmission, and with the virus set to linger, the long-term implications will be negative to the game.   

Politically speaking, we have some heavy hitters attached to our major sides. Time for them to use their power to get the limitations lifted, and let more fans in through the gates before irreparable damage takes place. After all, they are the lifeblood of the sport.  

Credit to players, coaches and management for taking significant wage cuts to keep our beloved teams afloat. I feared there’d be a few big name casualties before the league’s resumption so I’m very thankful for that.  

However, I fear for the game at grassroots level. The youth league has been scrapped, the concept of the U23 league has been quickly forgotten and B teams are prohibited. There will be a spate of boys around 18-22 years’ old that are probably seeking a career change right now.   

As yet there are no updates on the horizon which makes me believe the FA will provide any competitive action for our teams this year. Thankfully, the schools and football clubs that do care are bounding together to put contingencies in place, despite precisely zero financial help from the FA. The future of our national team is pretty much dependent on the pride of a few top government schools and the unwavering beliefs of a handful of our football clubs.  

The league has thrown in a catalogue of surprises since its return. Much like the other guys I’m keen to see what the new TV broadcasters can do to bring our game to a wider audience. The V-League appears to be a few years behind our own standard, despite emerging talents, and the Malaysian football community must be sick to death of Johor’s financial superiority squeezing the competitive spirit out of their domestic game. A higher profile within the region can help boost our team’s coffers and make them less reliant on tyrannical club owners, which can only be a good thing.  

Reply #4: 20th October, 2020

Name: Tommie Duncan

Team supported: Port FC

Twitter: @TJRDBKK

Russ, Jamie, and Grant covered most of the bases. It really is the usual old issues that have plagued the league for years. Poor marketing, lack of a fan centric attitude among owners, the league, and the FA, and on and on. 

Getting the fans in the seats has always been difficult for some clubs and it seems the break has made it a bit harder for all clubs. I must admit will all of the nonsense floating about Port, my interest has waned significantly and I am not very excited about the restart. In addition, I think many local folks have bigger worries at the moment. 

What can be done? Well, truthfully I don't think much as long as the owners have all of the say and their own gratification and esteem is more important to them than ensuring an excellent experience for the supporters. And the league and the FA are certainly not going to step up to the plate and initiate the type of changes that need to occur to push the league forward. 

What would I like to see? Owners banned from sitting on the bench for one. Referees being a bit more free with cards when players get in their faces. Sportsmanship is still sorely lacking. Coaches and management demanding a more professional attitude from players. Diet, fitness, etc. Of course if owners aren't demanding this, then there is not a lot you can do. A "winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" attitude would be nice to see at clubs as well. More focus on the league as opposed to the National team would be good as well. Of course I'd also like to see a return to 5 foreigners a side (of any nationality) so that local players have to up their game if they want to play.

I hope the new TV contract turns out well but again it all comes down to marketing.

We'll see.  

Reply #5: 21st October, 2020

Name: Phil Williams

Team supported: Samut Prakan City

Twitter: @Ajarncom

Under the current circumstances, we simply have to improve (and speed up) the communication between clubs and fans regarding away ticket allocations. Yes, I know we are only talking about 10% of 25% stadium capacities but it’s still a few hundred paying punters putting money into the coffers and Thai football needs every penny it can get right now.

Let’s take my club, Samut Prakan, as an example. For Saturday’s game at BG Pathum, our allowance of 200 tickets went on general sale at the club shop on Thursday and Friday between 5pm – 7pm (right in the middle of rush hour) I personally couldn’t get there because I was away on holiday but even had I been at home, I wouldn’t have spent 400 baht in taxi fares and hours of my time to schlep to the ground just to buy a couple of tickets. It’s far too inconvenient and it’s not just me. Many supporters don’t live near the ground and getting there during the week is too difficult for them.

Khun Phisit is one of the guys who organises coaches to take Samut Prakan fans to away games and I was speaking to him on Saturday before kick off. He said he had no opportunity to book the usual 48-seater bus because he had no idea what the ticket arrangements were – and the bus needed to be booked 72 hours in advance. Cheap bus travel – Perhaps just a 100 baht return – gives the ‘lower income supporters’ the chance to attend games. 

Khun Phisit looked around and said ‘I can’t see many of those supporters here tonight and I’m not surprised. It’s too expensive for those fans to make their own way to Pathum Thani from their homes in Samut Prakan. More crucially, they don’t know if they’ll be able to buy a ticket on the day or whether they will be all sold out. So they just don’t bother. They’ll watch the game on TV instead’

It’s sad isn’t it? Dozens of Samut Prakan fans who would love to be there, aren’t there to cheer on their team. Plus you need to factor in the money they would spend on drinks and snacks etc whilst at the stadium.

How long will it be before supporters like that – the lifeblood of Thai football – lose interest and drift away? 

To add insult to injury, I met with the Samut Prakan marketing director an hour before kick off,  as he was about to return a fistful of unsold tickets to BG Pathum. Something’s very wrong here. We need clear communication and we need a system. This isn’t directed at just Samut Prakan. I’ve read many comments on several premier club Facebook pages from disgruntled fans who are kept totally in the dark when it comes to buying tickets.

I plan to go to away games at Buriram and Ratchaburi next month, but how can you book planes, trains and automobiles and accommodation when you haven’t got the foggiest if you’ll even get a ticket?

I also heard on Saturday that 80% of the BG Pathum fans in attendance were season ticket holders. In other words, many home fans who buy tickets match by match, aren’t getting a look in. How annoying that must be when your team is top of the league and playing some champagne football. So with that in mind, I concur with the other Tap Room contributors, we need to get back to 50% capacities as soon as possible.

We have to keep the interest levels up. The new long-term TV deal was fantastic news but I don’t want to sit at home and watch matches played out in empty stadiums. I want to be there in a noisy, packed away end, proudly sporting my club colours. Let’s give as many fans as possible the chance to be there!

Reply #6: 22nd October, 2020

Name: Gian Chansrichawla

Website: thaileaguecentral.com

Twitter: @GianChansricha1

Everybody has bought up great points so far and I agree with most of it. Starting with the positive, I think the new TV deal from Zense and the ASEAN broadcast through 1PlaySports is really helping the Thai League out. We are getting a lot of interest from across ASEAN in our league which is excellent, and clubs can now plan long-term with stable TV money. 

In terms of things that need to be improved, ticketing is a big deal as Phil mentioned, especially with limited capacities. Going to football games should be made as easy as possible if we want to see attendance rise. And of course, I think it is beyond time to allow 50% of capacity. 

I want to focus specifically on one major problem in the Thai League that isn't discussed enough and needs to be addressed. That is the 'inflation' that is currently happening with regards to transfer fees and player salaries. This is something I've discussed with Grant previously and he's contributed a lot of great ideas to this. 

The main issue facing the Thai League is that there is simply too much money in it when it comes to first-team squad building. The spending splurge of Port FC's owner, followed in short order by BG Pathum, has increased the transfer fees paid for players (and arguably their wages, although that process likely started with Muangthong United's 2016 'Dream Team'). This is bad mostly because it makes our players "uncompetitive exports" - that is to say, no Japanese or Korean team would buy a Thai player if they have to pay over the odds and could acquire a better talent for much cheaper in their home country. 

Even if the Thai player is *slightly* more expensive for the same quality, it will still be a worthy investment because of the marketing and merchandising advantages. However, if domestic wages continue to inflate (while the quality of players remains the same), it is going to damage the long-term future prospects of our national team. 

On the face of it, a 'deflation' is likely what the league needed in order to curb crazy spending and keep clubs in line. However, the *way* this COVID-19 deflation has happened has been a disaster. First team spending continues to rise, with the hit all going towards grassroots football, as Grant mentioned. B-Teams no longer have a place with the new combined National League, and youth academies are being under-funded up and down the country. This isn't just bad on a football level - on a human level, this is devastating for the number of young people who are being denied the chance to chase their dreams. 

We need to hope that clubs stop spending crazy amounts on their first teams and start putting that towards their academies and facilities instead. The first step is to reduce transfer fees - Tommie's idea of expanding the foreign quota would help with this a lot, as it would increase the pool and reduce the relative value of a top Thai player. Secondly, it is good to see Buriram and Muangthong leading the way in terms of investing in youth, and Bangkok United have been suggesting that they will follow suit. Port is probably the worst in this regard, as they completely ignore their infrastructural needs and youth teams while spending exorbitant amounts of money on the first team. 

The FA first needs to re-introduce a way for B-Teams to get involved in the league system. This would be preferable to a 'U-23 league' as playing with adults is better for their development. Secondly, they need to find a way to reward teams for investing in their academies and punish teams that don't. The youth football scene is in the biggest need of help right now, and it is not being discussed enough. 

The Final Word: 23rd October, 2020

Name: Russ John

As usual, a lively debate that expresses the passion that we all have for Thai football, So here we are, a unique opportunity, given the coming onset of the Zense “Sportainment” era,  for the game we love to reset and provide an exciting package exposed to a new and wider audience.

The Tap Room participant’s comments seem to fall broadly into two themes, the fan’s experience and football and community.

So how will the game and its administrators respond. Jamie’s piece concerning returning crowds makes a good point. Whilst entertainment venues and demonstrations see hundreds of citizens bunched together with little social distancing, attendances at football venues are severely restricted. This links nicely to Phil’s point about ticket availability. We all hear stories of wrong kick off times and last minute chances to schedules. 

Tommie also bemoans the fact that team owners are more concerned with their own self gratification than providing an excellent fan experience   You have to make it easy for fans to buy tickets and attend matches - or fans will stop turning up!!

Grant’s call for the “big hitters” to use their leverage to  get things moving regarding crowd attendance is a valid one but I sometimes wonder if they really care!

There does seem to be a common theme regarding teams greater team participation within the community and their role within grass roots football. Jamie and Grant both calling for greater development  and opportunities for youngsters and more fan participation. Youth teams, team link ups with smaller teams and woman’s football all help to raise the  profile of the parent club and should be regarded as priority issues.

Regarding players, Tommie suggests that a five foreigners per side would help to raise he standards of local players and Gian argues that inflation transfer fees and player salaries could be to the detriment of club spending on academies and youth player development. Gian’s comments in particular suggests that the FAT should be looking at long term sustainability rather than short term gains.

Great effort guys, let’s hope that those in positions of power are listening and are open to change.

NEW!! Chonburi FC Returnees XI: 2020

They say never go back, but here I've picked a Chonburi XI made up of players who have had two - or more - spells at the club. It's not a bad team!

Chonburi FC Returnees XI

Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool

Anucha Kitpongsri

Fode Diakite (C)

Phaisan Pona

Suree Sukha

Adul Lahso

Kiatprawut Saiwaeo

Kazuto Kushida

Jules Baga

Thiago Cunha

Ney Fabiano

Coach: Jadet Meelarp