The Lamphun Central Stadium and sports complex sits in a bend in the Guang River about 1 kilometre from the city’s heart – Wat Phrathat Haripunchai - and the moat that surrounds the old city.
It is four kilometres from Lamphun’s glorious railway station.
The covered main stand is on the west side. It has a beautiful faded symmetry. A VIP area in the middle has an unobstructed view. The seats to the north and south of the main stand have narrow pillars supporting the roof. This area is the only area with plastic seating. There are also electric fans in the main stand to cool the VIPs. Less important now but they helped when games were played mid-summer.
There is also added uncovered capacity at both ends of the main stand. Away fans are located in a, best described as, makeshift stand on the south side of the main stand. It is not covered. Your view is basically in line with the six-yard box at the southern end of the stadium.
The east side has an uncovered stand; also with added capacity at either end. The East stand is the home of the Lamphun Ultras. There is no seating as such – just the concrete stands. Behind the East stand are tennis and other sports areas. This stand has been repainted for 2020.
There are no viewing areas at the North and South ends of the stadium. Just a fence which will be draped with advertising banners. The North end has the scoreboard.
As with the city that it represents the stadium is elegantly faded. It is a municipal stadium at the centre of a popular, rather dated, well-used sports complex. A coat or two of paint would be very welcome. Like the author it is showing its age! But it is kept clean; the fans do a great job disposing of their garbage at the end of every game. There is a genuine pride in all of Lamphun and it is reflected at the football club.
There is a jogging track around the outside of the stadium which appears to require an anti-clockwise flow – remember your green cross code as you enter the stands. There is also a running track around the football pitch.
Outside the main stand are a collection of exercise machines and a large car parking area. This is where you can buy tickets, snacks, beer and your collectors’ item Lamphun shirt – I like this season’s red shirt.
Admission is cheap; home supporters pay Baht60. I suspect it is the same for away fans. There appears to be no price increase for the Cup game. There is probably not a better value Baht60 to be found anywhere in Thailand!
The stadium holds 3,000 fans officially. Lamphun will usually get between 700 and 1,300. The atmosphere can at times be quite somnolent – like a garden party interjected with occasional implorations to do better. But the fans know their football and when Lamphun press forward they come to life. If it gets too quite there is always the song!
Be prepared for a lot of this played very loudly:
You will be singing it in your sleep for at least a week afterwards.
This aside, you will receive a glorious reception from the locals. Lamphun is a lovely, friendly town. Though be prepared; nothing happens very quickly. The Mum and Dad stand that pours the beers neither mult-task nor multi-serve!
For Chonburi fans there will be a special thank you for releasing Adul Lahsoh, who is at the heart of everything that Lamphun do and appears to be thoroughly enjoying his football.
After the game you can scroll around the night market and eat the best deep fried pork near the Phra Nang Chamathewi Monument.
Early arrivals can take a romantic stroll by the river, explore Wat Haripunchai, shop in the craft and clothing stores on the covered bridge (think Florence but without the prices!) There is excellent golf nearby….Gassan Khuntan is located by the White Bridge that carries the train into the Khuntan tunnel and back to Bangkok.
Endless coffee shops and cafes – Temple House Lamphun is a modern coffee shop and art gallery near Wat Haripunchai. Foodies (not footballers) also eat large quantities of chicken rice and Lamphun sausage.
As for the match itself, much depends on whether both clubs are taking the FA Cup seriously rather than as an opportunity to pay fringe players. I suspect Lamphun will be at full strength.
Lamphun are already half way through their season in the eleven-team northern division. They have won 9 of the 10 games played this season. They have conceded just four times. Six players have started all ten games so the club has found a consistency of selection and performance that should take them into the League 3 playoffs.
The goals come from Natan Oliveira, once of Khon Kaen United. The playmaking from Adul Lahsoh. The defence is led by the experience of Adisak in goal.
There is a significant gap between League 1 and the regional League 3. But a win would be a great boost for Lamphun; home advantage and a bumpy surface will be important. A two touch pitch for the best players. One touch for Adul Lahsoh.
I predict a 2-1 win for Lamphun. Sorry!
Sadly I will not be there – am in Bangkok for another potential giant-killing (though giant is a bit flattering) as Dome FC take on Chiang Mai FC.
Enjoy the game.
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