Bangkok FC 1-1 Chonburi - Away Days Photos: 2014

 League Cup

Round 2

Bangkok FC 1-1 Chonburi (aet)

(Chonburi won 4-3 on penalties)

72 Years Anniversary Stadium, Bang Mod

Attendance: 3,800

Wednesday 30th April, 2014

League Cup Bangkok FC 1-1 Chonburi (3-4 pens) - Match Report

League Cup

Round 2

Bangkok FC 1-1 Chonburi (aet)

(Chonburi won 4-3 on penalties)

72 Years Anniversary Stadium, Bang Mod

Attendance: 3,800

Wednesday 30th April, 2014

Match Report

What I'd Like To Happen

We field a full strength team to show we're taking the competition seriously and intend to win it.

 

What Will Probably Happen

We field a team full of squad players plus one or two token first teamers, to show we couldn't care less.

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

The latter. Only four of last Sunday's starting XI were in the team last night. However, Wada did bring on Natthapong and Pipob in the second half.

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

A good strong performance and a convincing win to help rebuild confidence after our defeat at the weekend.

 

What Will Probably Happen

We'll scrape through on penalties after a lacklustre display and 120 goalless minutes. Or we'll lose!

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

We scraped through on penalties after a lacklustre display. We did manage to score in regulation time - courtesy of a twice taken penalty - but it was far from being a convincing performance, which is slightly worrying. After a reasonable start to the campaign, we appear to have gone off the boil in recent weeks. Let's hope it's just a blip or we could be in for a long season.

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

Jaime Braganca comes on with thirty minutes left - when we're already three up - and bangs in a hat trick to give him some confidence.

 

What Will Probably Happen

Jaime Braganca comes on, falls over a lot, misses a penalty, breaks his arm and gets sent off.

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

Jaime came on in extra time and to be fair, didn't do much wrong. However, his two free kicks - both in potentially dangerous positions - were woeful. But, he redeemed himself by scoring one of our penalties. Hopefully, he will have gained some confidence from his cameo last night. He's still far from being the answer to our prayers but he's as keen as mustard. He was desperate to get on last night. You could almost see him tugging on Wada's shirt sleeve and saying, "Come on, boss. Let me at 'em!"

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

Therdsak gets a game.

 

What Will Probably Happen

Therdsak doesn't get a game

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

Therdsak got a game. He showed flashes of his genius and inspired those around him but was obviously suffering from not getting a regular run out. He was replaced by Pipob midway through the second half.

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

We really turn on the style and this kick starts our trophy winning season.

 

What Will Probably Happen

We lose and our season is effectively over...in April!

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

We won in less than convincing fashion. The first half was dire but I felt we played much better in the second half and deserved to go through. The less said about extra time, the better. The home team seemed to be playing for penalties from the outset and their players spent about twenty five of the thirty additional minutes going down "injured".

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

I get away from work on time and enjoy a smooth drive straight to the stadium, courtesy of SatNav. We arrive an hour before kick off, refreshed and in good spirits.

 

What Will Probably Happen

I get delayed at work, there are traffic jams on the motorway, we get lost a few times, the SatNav gets thrown out of the window and there's lots of effing and jeffing. We arrive totally stressed out twenty minutes after kick off and miss what turns out to be the only goal of the game.

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

The journey was pretty straightforward and we arrived reasonably refreshed, thirty minutes before kick off. One or two minor hold ups due to rush hour traffic - the biggest one as we approached the stadium - but nothing I wasn't expecting. The SatNav made it home in one piece.

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

As it's a midweek cup tie against lower league opposition, the host club only charges us B50 to get in.

 

What Will Probably Happen

As it's a midweek cup tie against higher league opposition, the host club puts its prices up and charges us B200 to get in.

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

It was B150 for away fans in the stand (a long way) behind the goal. However, it was only B100 in the main stand, where you had a proper seat and a decent view of the match. We chose the cheaper option. A wise decision.

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

We arrive nice and early and find the perfect parking space - just outside the ground but well positioned for a quick getaway at full time.

 

What Will Probably Happen

We arrive nice and early and find the perfect parking space - just outside the ground but well positioned for a quick getaway at full time. However...we're at the wrong ground!

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

We arrived in good time (see above) and parked on the official car park, about fifty yards from the ground. It looked like chaos - cars seemingly abandoned in strange places -  and I was expecting big problems after the match. However, we managed to get away quite quickly and without too many problems - apart from having to drive about thirty yards through a flood caused by a burst water pipe.

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

We turn on a professional, polished performance and wrap the whole thing up with plenty of time to spare. Therefore, I'm able to get home at a reasonable time, when I can climb into bed with a cup of Horlicks and a good book (The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler).

 

What Will Probably Happen

We play like drains and the match goes to extra time and penalties. Therefore, I arrive home really late, get a mouthful from the G.L.W. and have to sleep in the car, with only the Toyota Vios manual for company!

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

We played like drains (for the most part) and the match went to extra time and penalties. I arrived home just before midnight. The G.L.W. was still awake but in a good mood - she even asked the score! I had a bite to eat before crawling into bed. Too tired to read. Sorry, Raymond.

 

 

 

What I'd Like To Happen

We are allowed to take food and drinks - including beer - into the stadium.

 

What Will Probably Happen

There's a local election taking place in the nearest school hall and all alcohol is prohibited within a fifty mile radius of the ground.

 

WHAT DID HAPPEN

We were allowed to take food and drinks - including beer - into the stadium. The only problem was that the beer stall was located outside the stadium grounds and was quite a trek from where we were sitting. Thankfully, young Malky from BKKFootball Blog was on hand to make regular alcohol runs to keep us refreshed. Oh, and the sausages we bought from the stall outside the main stand entrance were cold. They also gave me a funny tummy.

Chonburi 4-1 Thai Port - Highlights: 2015

 TPL

Chonburi 4-1 Thai Port

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 5,020

Wednesday 29th April, 2015

Bangkok Glass v Chonburi - Away Days Photos: 2015

TPL

Bangkok Glass 2-2 Chonburi

Leo Stadium

Sunday 26th April, 2015

AFC Cup Chonburi 4-1 Persipura Jayapura - Match Report: 2011

AFC Cup

Group H

Chonburi 4-1 Persipura Jayapura

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 6,821

Tuesday 26th April, 2011

MATCH REPORT 

by www.the-afc.com 

Pipob On-mo scored twice as Chonburi moved to the top of Group H in the AFC Cup with a 4-1 win over Persipura Jayapura on Tuesday, a scoreline that easily could have been more emphatic.

The Sharks are now level with Persipura Jayapura with seven points with both teams having two games to play.

Talismanic 37-year-old midfielder Therdsak Chaiman was again the best player on the pitch, relentlessly picking apart the Indonesian defence with through-balls or keeping possession and movement with short passes.

Both sides struggled to find a rhythm early on with Persipura enjoying an equal share of the possession although they did not threaten the Chonburi goal.

Defender Suree Sukha broke the deadlock for Chonburi in the 16th minute but both sides were still tense and Anucha Kitpongsri earned a yellow card for Chonburi on the half-hour mark with a tackle from behind.

Persipura forward Boas Salossa broke away in the 32nd minute after a mistake by the Chonburi defence but his heavy first touch allowed the keeper to deflect the ball for a corner.

The Sharks doubled their lead three minutes later when Arthit Sunthornpit fired a pinpoint cross to Pipob that he volleyed in from close range.

Chonburi eased away and in the 40th minute Anucha set off on a mazy run through the penalty box, eluding two players before he was hacked from behind by Titus Bonai.

Therdsak, MVP in the inaugural AFC Champions League when playing for BEC Tero Sasana, calmly dispatched the penalty to make the scoreline 3-0 before half-time.

Pipob had two one-on-ones with the goalkeeper in added time but shot directly at the opposition custodian before attempting to chip him but instead, put the ball over the bar.

The second-half was mostly one-way traffic, but Persipura did manage to spurn a fine chance in the 50th minute when Sinthaweechai Hathairatthanakool fumbled a cross, dropping it at the feet of Yustinus Paew but he could not react quickly enough.

Nine minutes later the Black Pearls were reduced to 10 men when Ortizan Salossa received his second yellow card for a studs-up lunge at Kazuto Kushida.

Pipob and substitute Suppasek Kaikaew both missed chances before Therdsak beat the offside trap to feed Suppasek in the 71st minute, who fed in a cross that Pipob glanced home.

Defender Bio Paulin earned a consolation goal for Persipura with a towering header from a corner in the 75th minute, but Chonburi had three more excellent chances in the box that they squandered before the final whistle.

The result draws Chonburi level with the Indonesians at the top of Group F on seven points, two ahead of third-placed South China.

CHONBURI ROUT PERSIPURA 

by Tor Chittinand 

FA Cup winners Chonburi FC put their AFC Cup campaign back on track after they defeated Persipura Jayapura of Indonesia 4-1 in their Group H game at Chonburi stadium yesterday.

The Sharks lost 3-0 to the Indonesian club two weeks ago in Indonesia.

Chonburi moved up from third place to top their group with seven points from four games. Persipura also have seven points but the Sharks have a better goal difference.

Defender Suree Sukha headed home a Jetsadakorn Hemdang cross from the right flank to put Chonburi ahead after 16 minutes.

The Sharks grew increasingly confident after that early goal.

Captain Pipob On-Mo made it 2-0 to the home side in the 35th minute when he pounced from close range following a fine delivery from the left side by Arthit Sunthornpit.

Chonburi continued to press for the third goal and eventually got what they deserved with five minutes left before half-time. Anucha Kitpongsri was fouled in the area and veteran midfielder Therdsak Chaiman put away the penalty to make it 3-0.

Chonburi maintained their pressure after the re-start with the lively Pipob a constant threat up front.

The matter got worse for Persipura who were reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute when Ortizan Berthilon Salossa received his second yellow card after a foul on Chonburi's Japanese star Kazuto Kushida.

The Sharks got their fourth goal in the 71st minute. Suppasek Kaikaew beat the offside trap as he charged down the right flank before sending in a fine cross to Pipob who punished the visitors' sloppy defence with his second goal on the night.

Persipura pulled a goal back via defender Bio Paulin who headed home from a corner kick in the 75th minute.

In the other match of the same group, South China of Hong Kong drew 3-3 with India's East Bengal at Barabati stadium in India.

PEA Ayutthya 2-2 Chonburi - Match Report & Highlights: 2009

TPL

PEA Ayutthya 2-2 Chonburi

Ayutthya Province Stadium

Attendance: 3,600

25th April, 2009

Match Report

A match that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Both sets of fans let themselves down badly today and the images shown on TV and in the newspapers will have done neither club any favours. Particularly upsetting was the photo of one young girl being lead away to an ambulance, after being hit on the head by a glass beer bottle.

On the pitch, Chonburi threw away a two goal lead, against the reigning champions, when they had looked in complete control for the vast majority of the match. A disappointing result, but not as disappointing as the actions of a minority of so called fans.

Nakorn Ratchasima 0-0 Chonburi - Match Report: 2016

TPL

Nakorn Ratchasima 0-0 Chonburi

80th Birthday Stadium

Attendance: 13,260

Sunday 24th April, 2016

Match Report

by Peter Reeves

So a slightly different approach to the match report this week. Every week I bang on about the lack of defensive capability and understanding, the ‘D’ word, but I’ve decided there is no point bringing it up. They can’t, won’t or just will not bothered to make any improvements to let’s leave them to it.

 

Let’s talk about the ‘football experience’ instead. Matchday. A group of us had planned to meet up at a coffee shop on the approach road to the stadium but I inadvertently met up with Russ adorned in his Swatcat shirt. I in my Ajax club shirt, at a 7-11 (as you do) on my way there. We travelled the short distance down, him jousting with the traffic on his motor bike and me in the relative safety of four wheels. There’s the coffee shop…shut. Oh dear. Never mind, drinks place next door and we ensconced ourselves outside waiting for the webmaster to show up.  

We had arrived at 3pm and I checked the kick off time on the banner poster on the way in to make sure the marketing people at Swatcat hadn’t cocked it up again and changed the kick off time, but no 6pm, so good. Fans already beginning to drift around. Various topics of football conversation evolved as Russ and I immersed ourselves in the ‘matchday’ experience. Memories of former days returned as we discussed and agreed on many issues as we baked in the sun. 

Russ made the comment that the lack of a certain issue (the ‘D’word we are not going to mention) will cause the downfall of the national team because they haven’t got one either, and we talked about the impending hammerings they might get in the next group stage which can only be a good thing because then someone might actually wake up. (Doubt it). Talked about the wonderful performances of the Thai teams in the ACL and how the gap is widening not closing as some would have us believe. We discussed the new ‘police infiltrated’ leadership and the quality or lack of it on show every week here. Some over-rated foreign imports and the lack of ‘quality’ of most of the Thai players.

 

 

At 3.30pm, the Chonburi team bus enters the stadium. Excitement goes up a notch, followed by half a dozen pick up tracks crammed with Swatcat fans flying flags the size of the club owners ego’s, drums, horns and anything else that would make a noise. They really are great supporters. Our discussions continued and the webmaster arrived, straight from a wedding he was attending next to the stadium. Now we are talking football, punk rock and a few beers, water and Sprites washed down a variety of issues. A ‘boys’ day at the football. I’d missed this. 

People are beginning to arrive and a pick up with about 12 Chonburi fans hanging from every corner, leaning tragically to one side and looking like it was about to expire and die on the side of the road, with their flags etc, age range about 6 years upwards goes by. Surely they hadn’t come all that way in that! Probably. 4.15 the Swatcat bus arrived. A little late in my view. Probably detained by their pre-match Som Tum. As we all know, an essential pre-match meal for the professional player. 

The talk continued. Wolves, England, Holland, Oldham Athletic, The UK leaving the EU, Millwall fans. The webmaster’s wife arrived by taxi and as it is now 4.40 I go off to pick up ‘er indoors’, a Swatcat fan. We arrive back and the talk continues with the girls making an attempt to contribute but not really understanding the ‘walk of death’ for away fans into Millwall’s old Den stadium, they hardly can be expected to understand what that felt like.

 

I go off to the stadium with my other half and to join the Chonburi fans, Russ goes off to join the expected, we thought, 17,000 (attendance actually 13,000) orange clad fans and lead the ‘Nakhon Ratchasima massif’ in song and the webmaster and his wife go back to the wedding they had slipped out of to meet us later.

 

I get my tickets. 200 bloody baht each for away fans and meet up with Brian and we talk more football sitting with a few hundred ‘blues’ outside the ground. 5.30 in we go. Brian said if I take the top off my water bottle they will let me in with it, but if I leave it on they will take it away from me. What?? He was right. I’m still trying to work out the logic of that one but it is Thailand isn’t it. 

Had my bottom fondled by an enthusiastic security guard, a male one unfortunately, to make sure I wasn’t carrying any explosives and as my other half went through I gave him a look that said if you do that to her I shall insert your medals up a well know orifice. She was allowed straight through. Got my stamp to say I had been in already but insisted it was placed on my forehead not my arm. She obliged with a look that said bloody stupid farang. I was in football mode now, I didn’t care. 

15 minutes to go, stadium less than half full, atmosphere very flat except where we were. Packed with noisy Chonburi fans, flags, horns and screaming girls. About a thousand of them. Fans that is not girls. The webmaster and wife - resplendent in their party clothes - joined Brian, myself and partner and we settled down for an exciting match between two teams both coming off defeats who should be eager to win.

 

A lovely afternoon and early evening spent having the ‘football experience’ ruined by only one thing. The football. It was absolutely awful. Both teams. At half time I went out to see if a policeman would lend me his gun to shoot myself. Before the match Russ and I had discussed that football was after all entertainment. So what was this I wondered?

 

Can’t really comment on the ‘D’ word it wasn’t needed (by either team). Creativity…John Prescott on a bad day. Consistency…something resembling lumpy custard. Ah but we must remember standards are improving. I had watched Ratchaburi against BG the night before and whilst the ‘D’ was as usual appalling and the goalkeeping at times resembling something from Billy Smart's Circus it was entertaining, but this? 

It took Chonburi half an hour against a very poor Swatcat to raise a meaningful effort on goal. Dos Santos was commanding with his play but he had little to stop and there was a little midfielder whose name I don’t know doing a lot of work. In the second half Chonburi began to threaten but every time the ball was in a promising wide position the cross was terrible. Couple of shots from wide on the left and a few scrambles in the box and that was it. 

10 minutes to go I’d had enough. Said my goodbye’s and left. I was amazed how many others had done the same. Just sitting outside with bemused expressions. The Chonburi fans, still inside shouting, flag waving, girls still screaming, guy still shouting through a megaphone but not actually watching the match. That was NOT 200 baht’s worth each. In fact if it was free I don’t think it would be worth it. My partner, a Swatcat fan, looked at me in the car and said she didn’t want to go there again, it was boring and rubbish. A nice football day, great as it was, ruined by the football. Something wrong here. I hope the leaning tower of Pisa pick up made it home.

AFC Cup Chonburi 1-0 Yangon Utd - Match Report: 2012

AFC Cup

Group G

Chonburi 1-0 Yangon Utd

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 5,148

Tuesday 24th April, 2012

Match Report

by the-afc.com

Therdsak Chaiman fired home a superb winner as Thai side Chonburi confirmed their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Cup for the third time in four seasons after edging Yangon United of Myanmar 1-0 in a feisty encounter on Tuesday.

The inaugural AFC Champions League MVP rifled a shot into the top corner of the net just after the hour mark at the Chonburi Stadium to secure a deserved victory for the home side, who dominated the match but squandered a number of chances.

Yangon United adopted a physical approach and had few opportunities as they remained bottom of Group G with two points from five games. Chonburi stayed top of the group with 11 points, one ahead of second-placed Home United of Singapore, who beat Hong Kong side Citizen 2-1 in the night's other group game to advance alongside Chonburi into the last 16.

The top two teams will meet in Singapore in a fortnight's time to decide the top spot in the group.

Yangon threatened early on with David Htan making a strong run down the left flank before he centred the ball into a dangerous position in the Chonburi box where goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool dived low to gather.

But it was a rare foray for the visitors who spent much of the game camped in their own half as Chonburi piled on the pressure. Ludovick Kengne and Kroekrit Thawikan were both off target with free headers in the box while Therdsak went close on the half-hour mark when he curled a free-kick from 25 metres just wide of the left post.

The hosts intensified their attacks after the interval with Kazuto Kushida firing just over the crossbar from 30 metres, substitute Pipob On-Mo shooting wide when he was sent clear by Therdsak's deft pass and Geoffrey Doumeng hitting the base of the post with a long-range volley.

But the home side's pressure finally told in the 62nd minute when Pipob slipped a through pass to Therdsak who fired a superb shot into the top right corner of the Yangon net which gave goalkeeper Naing Zayar Tun no chance.

Nurul Sriyankem should have added a second two minutes from time when he went clear on goal after defender Aung Thaik had slipped and lost possession. But the striker drove his effort against the base of the post as yet another Chonburi chance went begging.

Chonburi coach Withaya Laohakul was pleased with the result but lamented his team's profligate finishing.

"Of course, many of our players did not take their opportunities and we were too extravagant in front of goal. They should have done better, especially Nurul Sriyankem at the end, although he was just trying do his best but simply shot at the post," said the Chonburi boss.

"But this is football and whether it is five-goal or a one-goal win, we still have three points."

Yangon United coach Eric Williams was left to rue his side's third defeat in five games although he lauded the spirit of his side.

"Of course this result means that we cannot advance in this competition but we have demonstrated that we can battle hard and create difficulties for other teams," said the Australian

Al-Shorta 2-4 Chonburi - Highlights: 2012

AFC Cup

Quarter Finals 2nd Leg 

Al-Shorta 2-4 Chonburi (AET)

(Chonburi won 5-4 on aggregate)

26th September, 2012

Chonburi 2-2 Chunnam Dragons - Highlights: 2008

AFC Champions League

Chonburi 2-2 Chunnam Dragons

Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok

23rd April, 2008

Chonburi 1-0 Chiang Rai Utd - Match Report: 2011

TPL

Chonburi 1-0 Chiang Rai Utd

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 6,077

Saturday 23rd April, 2011

MATCH REPORT 

This was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. True, Chiang Rai United made it difficult for us by getting ten men behind the ball every time we had possession, and we had a couple of nervy little moments late on, but overall I felt we were in total command of the game. Our passing was good, which was some achievement considering the amount of water on the pitch, and everyone performed their jobs well. 

We defended with ease when we had to and it was particularly pleasing to see Phaisan Pona in such commanding form. He was one of our better players during the 2006-2007 period and has become something of a forgotten man since returning to the club from Pattaya United at the start of last season. However, his displays in the last couple of matches have surely done enough to earn him a decent run in the team.

Therdsak Chaiman returned in midfield, which made up for the absence of Ekaphan Inthasen. He wasn't his usual self and the fact that he limped away after the final whistle with strapping on his troublesome ankle is cause for concern. I'd be tempted to leave him out on Tuesday, especially if Ekaphan is fit enough to play. Persipura Jayapura didn't impress me particularly when we played them the other week and it would be foolish to risk him if there's any doubt that he's 100%. We should be able to beat them on our own patch without risking the veteran, who is so important to our season.

Back to yesterday's game. Adul Lahso worked tirelessly and seemed to relish the challenge of breaking down the stubborn resistance offered by the visitors. He ran for the full ninety minutes and pretty much covered every inch of the energy sapping wet surface. It's obvious that he's highly rated by Coach Heng and is keen to repay the trust that has been put in him. He was unfortunate to pick up a yellow card for what looked like a fairly routine tackle but he wasn't discouraged and continued to get stuck in.

Up front we had Ribic and Pipob. The former looked a little off the pace, which surprised me considering his performance last week, and the later was his usual ebullient self. His goal was a joy to behold. He received the ball with his back to goal, controlled it and turned all in one movement and laid it out to the left wing, before continuing his run into the box. When the ball came in, he rose majestically to out jump three or four defenders, who are a good bit taller than he is, to finish with aplomb. Surely it's only a matter of time before he gets the call from Bryan Robson.

At the end of the ninety minutes there seemed to be a slight feeling of disappointment around the stadium. I think a lot of people were expecting a repeat of last week's scoreline. However, these are the kind of results that can win you league titles. The players kept playing their football, against a well organised team, and we ground out a result which took us back to the top of the table. And I'll settle for that.

Interview With A Chiang Mai FC Fan: 2019

T1

Chonburi 7-5 Chiang Mai (HT 4-2)

Scorers: Lukian (5), Sittichok, Si Thu Aung

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 3,390

Sunday 21st April

My pre match interview with Chiang Mai FC fan, Robert Scott.

Q – Please can you introduce yourself

Robert Scott; born in the UK – left there in 1988 for Canada, then Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and back to Thailand. Ex Reuters (though not a journalist); still do some consulting work – mainly financial, corporate, m&a.

Q – How long have you been supporting Chiang Mai FC?

We moved back from Dubai to Chiang Mai in late 2017 so 2018 was my first season watching Chiang Mai and our promotion run.

Q – What first got you into supporting the club?

It is a long way to go to watch Watford!  I used to play reasonably seriously so finding a team that I could connect with has been a great part of living back In Thailand. It is also a fun way to explore the country. Why else would anyone go to Suphanburi – and the folks there were very welcoming!

Q – What have been the highlights of your time supporting the club so far?

The away win at Lampang last season –  in an overcrowded, makeshift stand that had been set aside for away fans and which would fail health and safety inspections anywhere else in the world. A crazy 6-5 win at Angthong – which was the Hiziel Soares show. The game of the season. Promotion after a nail-biting 2-2 draw at Khon Kaen.

Q – Have there been any low points?

Last week’s loss to Chiang Rai Utd was bad – for lots of reasons which had little to do with how the team actually played.

Q – What are your thoughts on how you performed last season?

I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect with a new coach and mostly a new squad. Promotion became a real possibility around mid-season. These were heady times. Chiang Mai had never played in the Thai first division. We even had the team parading around the moat to celebrate promotion. It was a team that worked really hard for each other. And that made them fun to watch.

Q – What are your thoughts on how you’ve started the season?

Back to back wins at home to Ratchaburi (in appalling pollution – that game should have been postponed) and away at Suphanburi showed that we can hold our own against some teams in this league. There are a couple of teams that look strong – Port and of course Buriram Utd. It is hard to separate the remainder all of whom appear capable of beating each other on their day. We lost to Chiang Rai Utd last Friday night but they looked a very average side.

Q – What are your expectations for the rest of this year?

Anything other than relegation would be a successful season. Sorry to sound pessimistic but that is the reality. Sadly the owners appear unconcerned by an immediate return to the Championship.

Q – How do you think the postponements have affected your start to the campaign?

I don’t think there is a choice here. It is nonsense to be playing football or any other sport when the air quality is hazardous. The day after the Ratchaburi game K Thossapol (my favourite defender) posted a picture on social media after he had been awake all night with his young son in hospital. The boy had breathing problems because of the air. Forget football, tv rights etc. The health of players, officials and supporters has to be the priority.

Q – Would you be happy to see fixtures switched so you can keep playing rather than missing games?

There have only been two postponements so far. And the postponed Chiang Rai Utd game has already been played. I doubt there will be more postponements. But I think as soon as the AQI is forecast at 150 or worse then the league and the clubs need to be flexible. Switching fixtures makes sense to me.

Q – What can you tell us about the recent resignation of the chairman and the effect it might have on the remainder of the season?

I don’t know enough of the details. And by kick-off he may even be back at the club. I think it will be tough for him to walk away from Chiang Mai in its first year in the top division.

What did happen is that two days before Friday’s home game against Chiang Rai Utd, the away team, also owned by Boon Rawd, told Chiang Mai that most of their loan players at Chiang Mai (there are nine in total at last count) could not play in the game. Of course it makes little sense to have so many loan players from one club. The Thai FA allows this chaos by permitting  one owner to own a number of clubs. The problem comes when one club is clearly seen as senior to the other. Effectively Chiang Rai Utd (or the club owners) picked our team for us. The Chairman quit.

How destabilizing this is I really do not know. It feels rather like a Thai soap opera. And I never understand those.

Perhaps what is most frustrating about this is that the fans want, and are paying, to see the best players and want to see a competitive match.

Q – So with all this in mind, what are your overall thoughts on the way your club is run?

We were at SCG Muangthong Utd a few weeks ago. It felt like professionals versus amateurs. Muangthong Utd have everything from a real football stadium, to an academy, to vip and corporate hospitality, to an up to date website. It feels like a football club that is connected to it supporters and its sponsors.

By comparison we are amateurs without any of the infrastructure on which the growth of the club can be built. We were poor country cousins on a day out in the big city. Buriram Utd will no doubt be much the same on an even bigger scale.

Just as an example the official Chiang Mai website shows last season’s squad and fixtures. This is the sort of thing that is so easy to fix and requires little investment; just commitment.

Q – What would you like to see introduced to improve things?

Where to start…An official web site that works, is current and is informative – in Thai and English and ideally given the number of tourists in Chiang Mai with fixture and access information in Chinese as well. This applies across all social media.

Pre-match announcements of both teams starting line ups – in Thai and English – and posted on the score board. How hard can that be?

A club store that is in one of Chiang Mai’s main malls rather than out in a distant moo baan.

Removing all the tattered 2018 club banners that are around the city pronouncing “Great on Red” – last season’s rather strange tag line. This year’s tag line is the equally strange “Rise for the City” which makes us sound more like a bakery.

Employ pr/marketing talent to help promote the club in every community in Chiang Mai.

Invite Happy FM – our local English language radio station – to provide an English language match commentary.

Build up an effective football academy and a scouting network that looks for talent across the North.

In my ideal world we would also knock down the 700th anniversary stadium and build a modern football stadium. No running tracks. No jumping pits and fans a few yards rather than binocular distance from the pitch.

At a very minimum invest in renovating the stadium which simply looks tired. Put seats in the three stands with concrete benches. Little things like repairing the perspex and removing the bird crap off the home dugout shelter would suggest that someone actually cares about first impressions!

Q – How do you expect the club develop from here?

It probably won’t. Not while it is part of the Boon Rawd group of clubs. There is no new investment. There is an over –reliance on loan players. The best hope for the club is a change of ownership with new ideas and real investment. However, I do not see a queue forming.

Q – How important is it for clubs from big cities like Chiang Mai to be involved in the TPL to help its development?

The rise of JL Chiang Mai United – and a number of other clubs around the city suggest that there is plenty of enthusiasm for the sport in the city. There is also plenty of precedence for smaller cities (basically anyone outside of Bangkok)  in Thailand to produce very competitive football clubs – Buriram, Chiang Rai and Chainat are good examples.

Q – If you could give your owners one piece of advice, what would it be?

Embrace and connect with your supporters. Social media that talks to the fans and is timely and informative. Better transport connections on match days – run buses from the city’s main malls to the stadium. Chiang Mai is a tourist town; make watching a match a part of that holiday experience. The Chinese, for instance, love their football. But have probably no idea when CMFC has a home match. Make them welcome.

Q – What are your thoughts on your coach?

I like Carlos Parreira a lot. Genuinely decent guy. Has time for the fans. Respectful but committed. And is making what he can out of limited resources. I was happy he stayed on for the 2019 season. I doubt he will be here next year. He will be at a bigger club.  

Q – If you could give him one piece of advice, what would it be?

Bring back Soares. Play three up front with Eviason as the central striker; Soares playing off him as a number 10; and Azadzoy free to go to either wing.

Q – What are your thoughts on your squad?

Sound. Committed. Fit. A bit short on pace. But plenty of heart.

I have no idea why Soares is out on loan at JL Chiang Mai. For many of us he was our player of the season in 2018. Real pace. A goal scorer. And gave 100% plus every game. David Bala was brought in as a replacement and has already left and is not missed.

As for the current team :

Brave young goalkeeper in K. Nont

Solid at the back. Usually a back three of Evson, Thossapol and Suwannaphat.

Expect five across the middle – including the veteran Pichitphong (his fitness is remarkable), the young U-23 international Ekanit (who I don’t think has quite found his form this season) and Gionata.  Chotipat and Surawich are the likely wing backs. There are not enough goals or goal attempts coming from midfield.

Leaving Eviason and Azadozoy up front. Both scored at Suphanburi.

Q – What do you know about Chonburi FC?

You are by the sea – after two months of Chiang Mai pollution that makes me happy.

This is a strange league – you lost badly at Suphanburi and then go and win at Bangkok United. Lukian is clearly the man to stop and that should be a good all Brazilian scrap with Evson.

You are leaking goals at 2 a game this season – worse than any team in the league.

Your crowds are lower than I expected – though no doubt away supporters will as usual be relegated to some distant corner of the stadium.

Q – What are you expecting from the match on Sunday?

It does look like there will be goals. I would take a point.

Q – Would you care to make a score prediction?

2-2. Because I want that point and there should be goals.

Q – How many Chiang Mai fans can we expect to see in “some distant corner of the stadium”?

It is a weekend by the sea – so we may have 200+

Q – Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks for asking me. I fear I have done a disservice to others who know far more about Chiang Mai FC than I do, or ever will. I hope they forgive me!

SriRacha 0-1 Chonburi - Match Report: 2009

TPL

SriRacha 0-1 Chonburi

Princess Srindhorn Stadium

Saturday 18th April, 2009

Match Report

Three more points for Chonburi after our victory in the derby. A strange game - both teams played some decent stuff, but Chonburi were, once again, guilty of failling to capitalise after taking an early lead. We really should be winning these matches a little more comfortably. Kone & Pipob were both guilty of glaring misses that any one of my U11 team would score. Please sign a striker, Zico.

It wasn't a particularly dirty game, but we saw three red cards in the last ten minutes. Kone was a little unfortunate - his first yellow was deserved, but the second was more clumsy than malicious. Likewise Anucha (SriRacha), was very unlucky to go. The referee also forgotten that he'd already cautioned him and there was about a minutes play before someone pointed out his mistake! On the other hand, Drame's straight red for a vicious assault was the correct punishment.

Kiatprwaut played well at the back and scored. It's great to see him back after such a long time out of the game. I really hope that he can stay fit and make up for lost time. He's a talented player.

Interview With Nicolas Popis: 2018

My August, 2018 interview with Nicolas Popis, who runs the Thai League FR Twitter account.

Q - Please can you introduce yourself 

I’m Nicolas, 34 years old. I come from Marseille - as any guys from this city, I’m of course a fan of Olympique de Marseille. I have been living in Bangkok for 4 years and I’m working in an IT company here.

Q - How long have you been following Thai football?

I’ve been following Thai football and T1 for the last 3 seasons.

Q - What first got you interested in Thai football?

I would mainly say it was two things that caught my attention:

1- Muangthong Utd’s campaign in the AFC Champions League 2 years ago, with some outstanding players like Chanatip and Theerathon. This is the strongest team I’ve seen here so far. 

2- The World Cup qualification campaign for the Thailand national team. I remember a decisive game - Thailand vs Taiwan - to qualify for the final round. Even though it was only Taiwan, Rajamangala was full. The same thing against Slovakia in the King’s Cup this year. Can you ever imagine would would happen if a top national team would come here, even if just for a friendly game? I'm sure the national team has an important role to play to develop the interest in local football, including T1. I’m secretly hoping for a good AFC Asian Cup campaign in January, 2019.

Q - What aspects of the local game do you most enjoy?

The atmosphere in Rajamangala when the national team plays. I also like the fact that I’m following a league that is not well known in the “west”. People here always like to see foreigners coming to the games.

Q - And is there anything you don't like?

Of course, many things could be improved and there are already interesting debates on social media about this: marketing, game schedule, stadiums, physical training... 

Thing that are particularly negative for the T1 image are the attendances and the quality of stadiums. These are not helping the promotion of Thai soccer, even if there are some exceptions.

Q - Which are your favourite local teams? 

I would say Muangthong Utd because they were playing very attractive football when I started to follow the game, but this has unfortunately gone.

I don’t really support a particular team, but I enjoy watching teams such as Bangkok Utd, Port and Buriram Utd. In fact, any team that plays quality football. 

Q - And who are your favourite players?

As a Frenchman, I particularly follow Tristan Do. But I have also been impressed by other players in the last couple of seasons: Heberty, Cleiton Silva, Chanatip, Theerathon, Boskovic, Tunez, Teerasil, Kawin…

Q - Which are your favourite stadiums?

Rajamangala, for the atmosphere when national team plays, SCG (Muang Thong Utd) for the match day experience and PAT (Thai Port) for the fans. 

Q - Which has been the best Thai league match you've seen and what made it special?

I would say Muangthong 3-2 Buriram in season 2016. I remember Diogo opened the scoring for Buriram Utd and finally Muangthong Utd was able to reverse the situation, thanks to Chanatip, Sarach and Cleiton. What made it special was simply the high quality of the football quality. This is the kind of big game that T1 needs on a more regular basis.

Q - How much interest is there in the Thai league in France?

Honestly, the interest is limited, but nothing has been done to increase it so far. A few media outlets started to talk about it when Sinama Pongolle joined Chainat. The media could focus on Tristan’s story: a French citizen playing for the Thailand national team is not common. But oddly this has never really been highlighted.

Q - Is this why you started your Twitter account?

Yes. I would like to make Thai football better known in France. Many people don’t know about the existence of the Thai league or think this is an amateur league, where games happen with chicken on the pitch. The English media content covering the Thai league is already there, while nothing exists in French. If we look at French unofficial accounts for other Asian leagues they do have thousands of followers (China, Korea, Japan, Australia) so why not for Thailand? 

Q - What do you hope to achieve with your account?

Nothing special. This is first and foremost a leisure activity. If the interest rises and people start following then we may have more French players/agents looking at this league and it could benefit both sides: more French players in T1, and some recruiters looking at talent here, as already happens in other Asian leagues. 

Q - Do you have any plans to start a website?

I don’t think so. I do have a busy job so running this Twitter account is already enough. But perhaps in the future if more people join the project.

Q - What would you say to someone who has never been to a Thai league match to encourage them to go?

This is a professional league. Even if the level could be better, you will be surprised. This is an exciting experience for people who are only used to following main European leagues.

Q - And what would you say to the league management to help them attract more fans to the games?

More marketing: better promotion of the big games and top players, create a stronger identity for each team (only Port and Buriram Utd have this so far). We should have some exciting derbies with so many teams in Bangkok and that does not happen, except for Port v Muang Thong Utd.

Clubs should try to sign some marquee players, as was done with Robbie Fowler at Muang Thong Utd few years back.

Improve the quality of the stadiums (lights, stands, pitch). Only SCG (Muangthong Utd), Thunder Castle (Buriram Utd) and Ratchaburi have reached a decent quality. 

Promote the AFC Champions League campaign: Buriram Utd and Muangthong Utd have recently reached the final rounds and this is a major achievement. Stadiums should be full for such games.

Q - I can’t let you go without mentioning your country’s recent triumph. How did you celebrate France's World Cup final win?

With French friends in Bangkok. The final was widely followed, but I have to admit that the Thais were mainly supporting Croatia! 

Q - And what are your thoughts on the final and their performances in the tournament as a whole?

I didn’t have the same feeling as I did after our victory 20 years ago. The first time is always the best. 

Q - Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Merci for the interview, the questions were interesting and I hope it will help bring the French speaking community to Thai footie!

 

NEW!! My Season Review: 2021

What are your impressions of the league overall this year?

It is so hard to judge it against any other season. It has been such a difficult fourteen months and a real hard slog at times. Thankfully - and thanks to everyone's sensible approach and cooperation - we got through it. I'm just pleased we finally made it to the end and the results on the field counted for something. The next one will be better. Won't it?!

Which PLT team most impressed you and why?

No one team really stood for me. Even BG Pathum Utd didn't look that impressive on the couple of occasions I saw them. They were certainly there for the taking when we played them. However, it would be churlish not to recognise their achievements this season so I'll reluctantly say them.

What are your overall impressions of our season?

FA Cup run aside, very disapoointing. More than once during that nervy final few weeks, I genuinely thought we'd be relegated. Ultimately, we did enough, but it isn't good enough. Big changes need to be made during the close season. And not just involving the playing staff. If you know what I mean? Nudge, nudge...

What did Sasom get right?

The tactics in those three FA Cup ties during that mad eight days. He got everything spot on, and geared towards being most effective against the opposition. The semi final against Buriram Utd was a masterclass in coaching and players carrying out instructions. He should get a statue for that one match alone. 

And what did he get wrong?

Everything other than I've just mentioned. And I mean everything! Letting Leesaw compete in a celebrity boxing match mid season particularly annoyed me. I honestly don't think I'll ever forgive him, the club or the player for this. The post bout celebrations stuck in my craw too. Ridiculous. On second thoughts, forget the statue idea...

What advice would you give him ahead of next season?

Always pick your strongest team, believe in your players and your tactics, don't let senior management have any involvement in team matters, look like you're enjoying yourself - it's a football match, not a funeral - keep on making those tongue in cheek remarks and replicate those three FA Cup performances over a whole season, not just one week. Otherwise, carry on as you have been doing.

Who have been our best players this season?

The two youngsters, Chatmongkol Rueangthanarot and Channarong Promsrikaew have been outstanding. It's been a real joy to watch them break into the first team and perform so well. The former's goal in the FA Cup final was the icing on the cake and just rewards for the season he's had. Just a shame it wasn't the winner. I'd also add Eliandro and Junior Eldstal. Eliandro has been immense - a potential terrace hero - and Junior has given us a glimpse of what he can do. Here's hoping they stay (no guarantee, given our crazy foreign player recruitment policy) and help lead us on to better days.

And who hasn't performed?

Pretty much everyone else. There needs to be a huge improvement all round next season.

Which players, or type of players, would you like to sign?

My stock answer to this is always: a goalkeeper. We need a goalkeeper. A good goalkeeper. One who can keep the ball out of the net, scare opposing forwards and command hs defence. This should - as always - be our priority. We should be scouring the globe for someone who fits the bill and then doing whatever it takes to bring him here. It really is that important. Oh, have I said we need a goalkeeper?

Which was our best performance this season?

The FA Cup semi final against Buriram Utd. Nobody gave us any hope - including me! - but we turned in a performance and result that ranks right up there with some of the greatest in our history. There wasn't even a peep of complaint from our opponents. Which tells you all you need to know. It's a night we'll never forget. But what a shame that there were so few of us actually in the ground to witness it.

And our worst?

The 1-5 defeat at Bangkok Utd. It was dire, depressing and downright unacceptable. Absolutely unforgivable at any time, but especially in the circumstances. This capitulation - and lack of effort - had me convinced we'd be relegated. I was ready to burn my shirt.

What was the best thing that happened to you this season?

Without a doubt, it was the lifting of the food and drink ban at Chonburi Stadium. A glorious day for all concerned and I feel vindicated. My tireless campaigning and incessant moaning has finally paid off. Maybe I should get a statue...

Which song sums up Chonburi's season?

'Teenage Kicks' The Undertones. It's not been the best of seasons - obviously! - but this song is always guaranteed to cheer me up and is a testament to our new young breed. Who cares if it's cliched?!

What advice would you give the club management ahead of next season?

Don't let regular first team players miss matches to fuel their own ego and participate in stupid events. Don't! Also, make sure you have a workable plan to attract fans back to the stadium. Its been such a difficult time and many have now got out of the habit of going to matches. You need to convince these people to return. (Just a hint: a winning, attractive team would help). Oh, and sign a top class goalkeeper.

Finally, what message would you like to give to our fellow Chonburi fans?

Those last eight days have reminded us all of what it was like to be a Chonburi fan in the "glory days" and how much fun we had. It won't always be like that, but you have to believe that those spells of joy will get longer and longer. Keep coming, get behind the team, boo them when they deserve it and be proud of this great club. We Are Chonburi! We Are Chonburi! We Are Chonburi!

NEW!! Chonburi FC Season Statistics: 2020/21

CHONBURI PLAYING RECORD 2020/21

Overall Record

P36 W14 D6* L16 F50 A51

*Lost one match on penalties

League

P30 W9 D5 L16 F30 A47 Pts32

League (Home)

P15 W7 D1 L7 F18 A19 Pts22

League (Away)

P15 W2 D4 L9 F12 A28 Pts10

 

FA Cup

P6 W5 D1* L0 F20 A4

*Lost one match on penalties

 

League Cup

No competition

  

Home (all competitions)

P17 W9 D1 L7 F26 A20

Away (all competitions)

P17 W4 D4 L9 F21 A29 

Neutral (all competitions)

P2 W1 D1* L0 F3 A2

*Lost one match on penalties

 

Biggest Win (all competitions)    

8/11/20 FA Cup 7-0 v Kalasin Sauropod (A)                                                  

 

Biggest Defeat (all competitions)

25/2/21 TPL 1-5 v Bangkok Utd (A)

 

Longest Sequence Without A Defeat (all competitions)

5 matches

20/3/21 to 11/4/21 – dDWWD*

*Lost on penalties

Longest Sequence Without A Win (all competitions)

7 matches

4/3/21 to 28/3/21 – LdLLLdD

 

Average Goals Scored Per Match (all competitions)

1.38

 

Average Goals Conceded Per Match (all competitions)

1.41

 

Leading Scorer (all competitions)

Eliandro = 8

 

2020/21 Season Home Attendance Statistics

As many matches were played in front of reduced capacity crowds or behind closed doors, I have decided not to post figures for this season.

NEW!! Chonburi FC Squad - Photo: 2020/21

 

Chonburi FC "Hey Ho, Let's Go" Banner: 2015

 Unveiling the banner at Chonburi Stadium, on 13th December, 2015

Chonburi Fan Club FC Shirts: 2006 & 2009

 

2006

2009

2009

NEW!! The Whole Twelve Yards: 2021

Chonburi's record in penalty shootouts 2006-2021

AFC Cup

27/9/11

Quarter Final 2nd Leg: Nasaf Qarshi 0-1 Chonburi (Agg: 1-1)

(Nasaf Qarshi won 4-3 on penalties)

FA Cup

1/5/19 

1st Round: Thai Honda 3-3 Chonburi (aet)

(Thai Honda won 5-3 on penalties)

11/4/21 

Final: Chonburi 1-1 Chiang Rai Utd (aet)

(Chiang Rai won 4-3 on penalties)

Kor Royal Cup

11/3/12

Buriram Utd 2-2 Chonburi 

(Chonburi won 4-3 on penalties)

League Cup

5/6/13 

3rd Round: Chiang Rai Utd 0-0 Chonburi 

(Chonburi won 6-5 on penalties)

30/4/14 

2nd Round: Bangkok FC 1-1 Chonburi 

(Chonburi won 5-4 on penalties)

8/6/16 

2nd Round: Air Force Utd 1-1 Chonburi 

(Chonburi won 5-4 on penalties)

26/7/17 

1st Round: Chiang Mai 2-2 Chonburi 

(Chonburi won 4-2 on penalties)

1/10/17 

2nd Round: Chonburi 1-1 Buriram Utd 

(Buriram Utd won 5-4 on penalties)

Singapore Cup

23/9/06

Semi Final 2nd Leg: Balestair Khalsa 1-0 Chonburi (Agg:2-2)

(Chonburi won 5-4 on penalties)