Saturday 11th February
Srindhorn Stadium
TPL Prachuap 3-1 Chonburi
After breakfast, I popped over to Srindhorn Stadium, SriRacha - the spiritual home of Chonburi FC. I managed to take some photos, have a nose around and reminisce. I spent many happy times here during the Pro League era - and a brief return when we were in the TPL. However, looking at the place today, it was hard to imagine that this modest little stadium ever hosted top flight football.
In the evening, I settled down to watch Prachuap v Chonburi on TV. I wish I hadn't bothered, but felt relieved I hadn't made the effort to travel. My Tweet (below) - posted at full time - sums it up nicely. Oh well, there's always next week...
Sunday 12th February
Pluak Daeng Utd 0-3 Marines - CK Stadium
Muang Thong Utd 4-4 Buriram Utd
I had a choice of three matches today: Baan Football Pattaya v Ang Sila (Semi-Pro League, at the old SriRacha FC stadium); Banbueng v Assawin Kohkwang Utd (T3) or Pluak Daeng Utd v Marines (T3). In the end, I plumped for the latter, as it was the only ground of the three that I'd never been to - I've also played on the other two. Following a pleasant drive down, we looked around the local market - which was very busy - and then headed to the game. It was an entertaining ninety minutes, with the away side running out deserved winners. Then back to the market - which was now even busier! - and home in time to watch the incredible 4-4 draw between Muang Thong Utd (Chonburi's next opponents) and Buriram Utd, on TV.
Monday 13th February
Saen Suk Municipality Stadium
Chonburi 0-1 Terengganu
During a very busy day, I managed to squeeze in a trip to Saen Suk Municipality Stadium near Bang Saen to take some photos. Many years ago, this ground was rumoured to be the site for the new Chonburi Stadium and "boutique hotel". Sadly, nothing came of it. In the evening I met up with Tim and Marco (who'd come down from Bangkok) to watch a youthful Chonburi team play Terengganu from Malaysia. It was an enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.
Saturday 18th February
BG Pathum Utd 2-1 Prachuap
Chiang Rai Utd 3-1 Khon Kaen Utd (Second half)
Watched the BG v Prachuap match on the tele. Not a great game, played in front of what looked like a very small crowd. I'm still trying to fathom how we lost to Prachuap last week. They're a poor team. Then switched over to watch the second half of Chiang Rai Utd v Khon Kaen Utd. It was entertaining in a crazy sort of way. The home side took their chances and the visitors didn't. That seemed to be the biggest difference between the two teams. Another low crowd.
Sunday 19th February
Chonburi 0-1 Muang Thong Utd
Got a lift with Matt and met Tim, Clare and Osman at the usual pre match meeting place. Plenty of lively discussion - which included comments on how nice it was to see a big crowd again. After a few drinks, we made our way into the stadium. I was stopped from taking my bar of Kendal Mint Cake in (?!). However, Clare was waved past with a full sewing kit, including a large pair of sharp scissors (??!!). Not to be deterred, a quick sleight of hand saw me get my snack through the gate. Sneaky me!
The match was OK. Nothing special. Matt had predicted a 1-0 away win so I'm blaming him. If he hadn't have been driving, I would have left him at the ground. Most post match discussion centred on Gjurovski's fence climbing antics. What a prat. Henceforth, he shall be known (by me) as Shughie McPhee. A hefty fine and long touchline ban should follow. But the FAT are too weak to do anything about it. We now have plans to run on the pitch at Muang Thong next season. A case of two wrongs making a right!
Thursday 23rd February
80th Birthday Stadium, Korat
An overnight stop in Korat meant I was able to pop along to the 80th Birthday Stadium to take a few photos. Outside the ground everywhere looks a bit tatty and neglected. However, the inside looked quite nice and the pitch appeared to be in decent nick. It was quite a strange experience being the only person - apart from the man cutting the grass - in such a large arena. I certainly enjoyed myself, although the climb to the top of the main stand nearly killed me!!
Friday 24th February
Khon Kaen Provincial Stadium
An earlyish start and a short drive across town from the hotel to the Khon Kaen Provincial Stadium. This is more like it. None of the pomp of yesterday, this is a "proper" Thai ground; falling apart and desperately in need of some care and attention - or demolition. I loved it! I spent a good hour or so poking around and taking photos then went for coffee with Isaac (@Khon Kaen Utd English on Twitter) and his wife. We had a smashing chat and put the (Thai football) world to rights. Shame he can't make it down for the match next Saturday.
Saturday 25th February
Muang Thong Utd 1-0 BG Pathum Utd
I caught the last forty minutes or so on TV back at our hotel. From what I saw, MTU totally dominated and deserved to win. However, they are a shadow of their former selves and I still can't comprehend how we lost to them last weekend.
Not Thai football, but I ended the day by watching Oldham Athletic's 84 minute defensive masterclass to earn them an unlikely 1-0 away win at Chesterfield. I slept well after that.
Sunday 26th February
Nongbua Pichaya 2-1 Chonburi
A very enjoyable trip to the Pichaya Stadium, ruined only by the result. All day I'd had a feeling in my bones that we would lose so, unusually, I wasn't that disappointed with the final score. Read my Tweet (below) that I posted as we were absolutely battering them with twelve minutes to go. And if you want this week's winning lottery numbers, please DM me. Still, it was a great day out and a highlight of our week away. I can't guarantee there'll be a pre-match buffalo show every week, but a trip to the Pichaya Stadium comes highly recommended.
Monday 27th February
Suranuree Base Central Stadium, Nakhon Ratchasima
We arrived back in Korat just before 5:00pm and I headed straight to the Suranuree Base Central Stadium to take a few photos. This was an emotional return for me, as this is where I saw us win the Pro League title on the last day of the season, in June, 2005. The only real change I noticed from 18 years ago, is that they've added some nice blue seats in the main stand. Otherwise, it looks exactly the same. I did venture to the top of the big open stand on the far side. Never again! It was a terrifying ascent and coming down was even worse. Not for the faint hearted!
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