Here's issue 11 of our popular 'Five Asides' feature (maybe I should have made it 'Eleven Asides'). Take five Thai football fans, share five contentious opinions with them and let them all have their say. Nice and simple. Our panel today is Steve (Neutral), Jamie (Buriram Utd), Stephen (Muang Thong Utd), Mark (Chonburi) and Clive (Bangkok based Leicester City fan).
1. A Thai team will win the AFC Champions League within the next five years.
Jamie: Sadly, vey little chance. While one or two teams may get into the knockout stages, any team getting into the final 4 in East Asia would be doing exceptionally well. There are just too many good teams in Japan and South Korea. There was more chance when the whole confederation was in the pot together.
Stephen: Sadly, only for some of the rice in Thailand can this happen. Investment in grassroots football has barely made a dent in needed upgrades. The nascent Thai Youth League disappeared during Covid-19, and it has only now come back to life. While there's a small army of dedicated people who volunteer their time to youth football, the infrastructure to harness and develop this energy requires proper investment. This means a system of community-based football clubs, one for each of the 7000+ Tambon in Thailand. These clubs run teams and offer skills clinics, including coaching certifications. Each club needs access to decent facilities and equipment. Moreover, to be eligible for funding, certification standards must be met.
This is how football is encouraged and developed in most nations, and the English FA is an excellent example to emulate. The good news is, due to community volunteers' passion, many community-based clubs do exist. I'm reminded of an open trial for Muangthong United held in southern Thailand. More than 500 young footballers were showing off their skills for the academy coaching staff, brought there by their community team, and each hoping to be offered a contract with the club.
Each local club, however, works in isolation and wholly depends on volunteers' goodwill and energy. There are no guidelines, incentives, recognition or systematic process for organising and running them. Instead, we have a handful of professional clubs across all divisions that run academy systems: Muangthong United, Buriram, BG, Port, Chonburi, and others. They seek out young talent in a hit-and-miss way, often finding players from school teams or who have been found by word-of-mouth. There's nothing systemic to talent development, and for every Chanathip and Teerasil, ten others of like potential are lost in the reeds.
Mark: Thai football still seems a long way off reaching these heights at present. After watching the HK league of late I was quite surprised by the Thai teams results against the likes of Kitchee.
Clive: Sadly until the league has a level of consistency in its schedule and the TV money can somehow be restored to pre-covid levels, then any Thai team simply getting out the group stage would be an achievement. Thai Port woefully crashed out a few years back to a side from Philippines!
2. A Netflix style "behind the scenes" documentary filmed at a Thai club would be a ratings winner.
Jamie: I like the idea but is it in the Thai culture to do such a thing? If it ever happens, please start with Port FC. I’d also love to see what happens at the smaller teams and how they run their clubs, day to day.
Stephen: It would have to be a mockumentary, and it would be called "The Thai of Thrones" and star Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) as Madame Pang and Marlon Brando (The Godfather) as Newin Chidchob. It would be directed by Madame Pang and The Godfather, and both would feature prominently in every shot as advisors to themselves (think Peter Dinklage). The first episode has Ted Lasso appointed to manage Port FC.
Mark: The Sunderland documentary will take some real beating but if any country/league can rival that drama then I think Thailand is it. I’m sure interviews with Bangkok taxi drivers will make equally great viewing….. “Tory bastards”
Clive: Netflix fans would lap up the shenanigans of Madame Pang at Thai Port. Or even Mario at Muangtong! It would also give an insight to English based football fans that owner involvement elsewhere in the world is far more prevalent in Asian football.
3. The Thai League should do more to promote the game globally. eg free streaming of matches for overseas viewers.
Jamie: Totally agree. When I travel abroad I want to see the games. There should be much more promotion in SE Asia particularly as, right now, the Thai League is by far the strongest. How many teams even have multi language websites?
Stephen: There's tremendous potential for OTT (over-the-top) broadcasting to the world. Why do you think both K.League and J.League have implemented this? Who loses out in such an endeavour?
The benefits are clear:
The global reach will be welcomed by club sponsors.
Thailand's tourism gets a boost.
Clubs gain some revenue, both directly and indirectly.
The Thai League gains prestige and a new level of professionalism, attracting more talent and interest.
The league was on a pathway of OTT adoption, but then changes at the FA saw that idea, and many others, vanish. This brings us to #4:
Mark: Yes most definitely. As I currently reside overseas I find it almost impossible to watch the games. But not many brands can compete with the EPL.
Clive: The Thai league is seriously lacking in overseas TV exposure. Partly due to a lack of quality foreign talent. If they could attract some CSL players that may help. All J-league and K-league matches easily accessible for free on TV in UK. Even Singapore league has a free YouTube channel. But it's impossible to watch live Thai football outside of the country. A weekly English highlights show would also help.
4. Thai domestic football will always be held back by behind the scenes politics.
Jamie: Yes, yes and yes again. But it’s the culture here and is unlikely to change. It gives us an endless amount to chat about. Imagine if everything was above board. It’d be so dull.
Stephen: See - "The Thai of Thrones" on Netflix.
Mark: I think recent events show that corruption/politics is prevalent right to the top of world football. I most definitely feel these issues are hampering the development of grass roots football in Thailand. Money never seems to be directed entirely appropriately in Thailand.
Clive: Until owners reduce their ego, many football clubs will always fall under the political umbrella.
5. The tradition of supporters applauding and singing to the opposition players at full time should be stopped.
Jamie: Nah. It’s rather nice to see, especially when a team has ex-players involved. The tradition of playing loud music to try and drown out away fans when they’re singing should be punishable by a loss of game!
Stephen: Why? It's just being good sports and recognising that, in the end, it's just a game to enjoy.
Mark: This is one thing I most definitely don’t miss about Thai football! Whilst there doesn’t need to be the hatred found in some parts I certainly don’t feel the need to applaud the ‘enemy’ when I often don’t feel like applauding my own team!
Clive: Thai football is far more respectful than other leagues. That being said I've seen Port fans regular hound their own players. I doubt you'll see many applaud when Muangtong visit Thai Port at the weekend.
Please note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of each individual and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the blog. Thank you.
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