NEW!! My Favourite Match by Neal Oliver: 2021

TPL

Police Tero FC vs Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC

Boonyachinda Stadium

30th September, 2018

This game was at the back end of our first season supporting the Dragons.  The club had been sitting quite comfortably in mid-table at the mid-season break, but some strange transactions during the mid-season transfer market had left the team floundering in the relegation zone with just a few games remaining.  It was so critical; the following poster appeared on the Hua Hin Dragons Facebook Page.

 

The mathematics going into this game posed quite a conundrum.  If we could beat Tero I think they would be relegated and we would live to fight another day. If we lost Tero would still not be safe and neither would we. Sukhothai had to play Muangthong but they had recently beaten Pattaya and Bangkok United and were due to play us on the following Wednesday. Their final game was against an already relegated team - Air Force Central whilst our last game was against league leaders Buriram, who were seeking a record point’s haul.  Chainat and Bangkok Glass were also in the equation somewhere.   If my calculations were correct we had to win at Tero and beat Sukhothai. We had to hope Sukhothai did not beat Muangthong.  This was truly a relegation battle, and survival was paramount.

Hua Hin Dragons were not really into away travel at this stage (home games were already a 4 hour round trip), but Ratchaburi Mitr Phol needed as much support as they could get.  A few of us decided to do the trip.

I’d been to Boonyachinda Stadium before with Hua Hin City, and knew it wasn’t the easiest stadium to find, so we decided to travel via the club’s supporter’s bus.  For anybody who hasn’t travelled on a football supporter’s bus in Thailand, it is an experience.  The buses are usually sound, although our regular Hua Hin City bus was a white knuckle ride, with 50% of the wheel nuts missing, but a very powerful sound system that vibrated right through every passenger, with a set of disco lights to match.  We used to illuminate 4 lanes of the carriageway with our disco lights on the way home.  Of course, Ratchaburi being a T1 club are a bit more sophisticated, and the supporter’s buses have a full set of wheel nuts, but don’t have the disco lights.  It seems the TV/sound system on football buses are attuned to Carabao at maximum volume.  For Farangs travelling on their first away trip, it can be a tad daunting.

 

Well, I’m not sure if the driver was killing time en-route to the game, but he seemed to be travelling in ever decreasing circles into Bangkok.  The journey took 4 hours.  My ears were ringing by the time we arrived, but this is part of the football experience in Thailand.  Unlike travel to away games in the UK where it was a continual  sing song all of the way singing football chants, very badly, on a Thai football bus you are brainwashed with Carabao music, and maybe the occasional Thai game show.  I guess that’s entertainment.

We decanted from the pleasure bus at Boonyachinda Stadium, and still had a few hours to kill.  There is very little to do as I think the stadium is inside the police college.  If not a college, it is very police orientated.

We wandered about a bit, and bought our tickets.  There was a lovely surprise with our ticket.  Each ticket came complete with a football programme.  An essential money spinner in the UK, but the only time I’ve seen one in Thailand, and it was free. What a novelty it was.

 A bit more wandering and we found a neat little coffee shop, where we topped up with several Lattes.  It was now time for the main event – we moved to the away supporter’s enclave.  Just as when I’d been there with Hua Hin City, supporters here were treated like human beings, and the accommodation was half decent.  At least we could see the pitch without the use of binoculars, which is always a distinct advantage for a football supporter visiting another stadium in Thailand.

As the game started, we had a good indication of what was to come.  On the horizon was a pretty impressive electrical storm.  Of course, this was Bangkok in September – torrential rain is the law, and who was going to break the law in the Police’s own back yard?

The game got off to a terrible start when Michael N’Dri gave the home side an early advantage.  This was not what we had travelled all of this way to see.  However, it wasn’t too long before my hero at that time. Kang Soo-il had leveled Ratchaburi’s account, converting a penalty kick.  At half time, the score remained 1-1, and both teams were fighting for survival.

The second half started, and the tension was unbearable.  In true relegation battle mode, both teams missed chances that would have been a guaranteed goal for a mid-table side.  This was truly squeaky pants time.  A point was no good to either side.

About 10 minutes from time, the heavens opened.  It was rain like you only see in Bangkok.  In the Western world, I am sure 60 seconds of that kind of rain would have seen the match abandoned.  However, they make them tough in Thailand, and both teams continued as if it was normal.  The 90th minute came, and it was still a stalemate at 1-1.  The 4th official braved the elements and displayed there would be 3 added minutes.  It was as Ratchaburi made their final counter attack of the game that Nerijus Valskis found the net to make it 2-1 in the third minute of added time.  I was never a fan of Nerijus Valskis, but he was every Ratchaburi supporter’s hero that night.  Ratchaburi supporters were quite emotional, and the team thanking the supporters after the match was amazing.

I think it was probably because of the rain, but nobody moved from the protective cover of the stadium roof.  Everybody was buzzing after such an important victory achieved with the last kick of the match.

After a while, our club Chairperson, Boonying Nitikarnchana came across to the elated supporters with Kang Soo-il.  Initially, she posed for a photo in front of our very wet Hua Hin Dragons flag.

 

Photo opportunity taken, she moved into the crowd with Kang, and organized a free raffle of 15 club shirts to the travelling supporters.  Unfortunately, no Hua Hin Dragons came out of the hat.

Then the biggest shock of the day, Boonying requested an audience with the Hua Hin Dragons.  Hmmmm….. Hua Hin Dragons had been on National TV a few days earlier after being interviewed at the FA Cup semi-final – had we said something wrong?  Diplomatic Jan had been our main spokesman during the interview, so anything was possible.  It was OK, nothing to worry about, she had noticed the group travelling from Hua Hin each week, and wanted to thank us personally for our support.  She told her little helper to arrange a club shirt for each and every one of us – a very nice gesture, which was gratefully received.  

We now had to endure the journey home on the ear drum numbing express.  Even that was a bit special.  The Ratchaburi team bus always has an escort with a flashing light on top.  Basically, people see the flashing light, and get out of the way.  Our bus was part of the convoy, so we got back to Mitr Phol Stadium extra quick.  On the way back we stopped at a motorway service station.  While were there, Lassaad Chabbi (Ratchaburi’s Head Coach that week) came to talk to a couple of Dragons.  Of course, he couldn’t tell us everything that was going on at the club, but in a roundabout way he confirmed a lot about the club’s management structure, which was very enlightening.

I think we were buzzing about this game for weeks afterwards.  Yes, it was a dogged relegation battle, but we had taken 3 very valuable points, which helped to secure our T1 status for another season.

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Grant Aitken: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Grant Aitken

Thai Premier League

Bangkok United v Muangthong United

Thammasat Stadium

3rd May, 2017

The 2017 season will be remembered fondly by Muangthong supporters for our ACL. Whilst there were some great memories of us tearing into the continents finest, I’m actually going to focus on a domestic encounter that provided me with some of the strongest visuals in my 7 years following Thai football.   

The Kirrens were crowned league champions in 2016 after holding off a very impressive Bangkok United side. The two matches played out that year were highly competitive and the quality was amongst the best I’ve seen out here. 

However, it is the season after that I am going to focus on, because of the tactical prowess on display. Bangkok United is one of the few away fixtures I can routinely honor, primarily due to the traffic flowing in the opposite direction to Phatum Thani were the stadium is based. I know Thammasat has its detractors, I am one of them, but in fairness the architecture always gives me the “big game” feel, even if attendances only approach half capacity when more popular visiting sides fill out their ticket allocations. 

At the time Muangthong were top of the league having won 9 of their first 11 league fixtures that year. We were also undefeated 5 matches into the aforementioned champions league campaign. Confidence was understandably high, but we had reason to be weary given how closely Bangkok United had run us on route to winning the league title the season before. 

We lined up with a resolute back 3 that had served us so well on our continental travels. Aoyama was in the middle, with Celio Santos and Adison either side of him. Previously, when this system was deployed it had had allowed Theerathon and Tristan Do to menacingly roam forward with impunity. I nodded approvingly whilst digesting Totchawan’s team selection via my phone as I settled into my seat. 

Thammasat Stadium is often cited as having the worst away stand view in the league, however, one benefit it does provide is being able to take in the full pitch within a single gaze. It was from this position that I could appreciate the strategy that the opposition coach, Mano Polking, had put into place. 

Correctly anticipating that we would line up with an extra centre back as opposed to our customary back 4, he’d clearly had a little word in Brazilian wizard Marchena’s ear and told him to very purposely drive at Celio on his unfavoured right hand side. Time and time again in the opening 10 minutes he got the better of his countryman forcing, Aoyama, the central of the 3 defenders to cover out of position as Marchena merrily danced his way to the byline. 

One small blessing was that at the time we boasted Thailand’s greatest export, Theerathon Bunmathan, in our ranks. A man capable of turning the game on its head, even as a defender. However, Mano also had a cunning plan prepared for one of Asia’s best defenders. League stalwart, Mica Chunuonsee, had been placed at right back on the team sheet, but in reality he was man marking his opposite number. Totchawan put in the ground work to help Theerathon the dangerous inverted full back we know him as today, preempting this Mica barely left his side, and seriously thwarted our chances of successfully playing out from the back.

We were 1-nil down inside 15 minutes. If memory serves me correctly, Marchena skinned Celio and flashed a ball across the face of the goal which was promptly turned into his own net by an uncomfortable Aoyama. In truth it could have been 2 or 3 at that point. 

Thankfully, there was a chink in the BU armor. A dodgy keeper, who must have been an asset to the changing room as his erratic keeping had let the side down numerous times previously. We won a corner on one of the few occasions we were able to get out of our own half. Theerathon took it and scored directly from it. We didn’t warrant an equalizer at this point, Polking must have been swearing blindly at those water bottles he was so keen to converse with, whilst Totchawan would probably have been too concerned about the way Muangthong had played thus far to take relief at the equalizer. 

We gained a little confidence with the fortuitous goal without making any inroads but still took deep breaths whenever Marchana got on the ball. After half an hour played, Totchawan had decided he’d seen enough. Channeling his inner Mike Bassett, he took off Adison, put Peerapat on the left wing and switched to a back 4. The effect was immediate. Mica, having persistently shadowed Theerathon so far in the match, was forced deeper to deal with the wide man. 

Literally a minute after the substitution, Theerathon picked up the ball in ample space, carried it 10 yards before lobbing a ball over the Bangkok United backline and into the path of legendary striker Terrasil Dangda. The opposition keeper again made an error, coming out to challenge Terrasil, only to arrive too late and allowing the forward to dink the ball over him. Terrasil then outmuscled the last defender to get chest the ball into an empty net. Great goal, great substitution, advantage Totchawan. 

We went in at half time leading in a match we had no right to. Bangkok United must have still had their heads spinning from the events of the first half, as we were 3-1 up within one minute of the restart. The midfield had clearly not yet realized the implication of leaving the right back outnumbered, as Peerapat cut in from the left and evaded a couple of challenges before smashing the ball home. Totchawan could now smile, he deserved to after averting a disaster and turning the game on its head against a very capable opposition. 

The result was a formality after that. Cue a rare collector’s item as Lee Ho sprang the offside trap to race through and square to Terrasil to tap into an empty net, followed by a late conciliation goal and muted celebration by future head coach Mario Djorovski.   

Great game, not the first or the last between those two sides either, and a contributing factor as to why I always look out for this fixture when the schedules are released.  

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Rob Bernard: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Rob Bernard

During the summer I headed to Germany to escape the ban on supporters in England at football during the pandemic by watching a few lower league friendlies. I was sat at a game in Duisburg between sides from the seventh and eighth tier without a care in the world.

I received a text from a pal saying, “you do watch some crap.” Now the irony of such judgement from a Middlesbrough season ticket holder wasn’t lost on me, but he did have a point.

Which nicely ties into the conundrum I have faced while trying to select a favourite Thai match. I thank Dale for taking me back to my mediocre days as a scholar sat in front of a multiple choice exam, when not entirely sure of the definitive answer, so giving it my best guess.

I haven’t really been to too many games that I would call really good. But I’ve always had fun and never regretted going. If that makes sense. Maybe it’s because I’ve only ever attended while on holiday, when everything in the world seems good. Maybe it’s because I’m easily pleased? It’s probably because the football is only ever part of my adventure. 

I always ensure that I surround it with travel or socialising, so even the worst game doesn’t really matter. I still grab plenty from being somewhere different and watching the people. The same as anywhere I watch a game.

Anyway, after much deliberating, I’ve gone for the following:

Thai Premier League

TOT SC 1-2 Port FC 2 

ToT Stadium

Attendance: 1,580

Saturday 31st October, 2015 

The last of my pals had gone home after a successful Beer Battered Seadogs cricket and sightseeing holiday after playing in a Sixes tournament in Bangkok. I had a sense of liberty. It had been fantastic fun but quite tiring organising and making sure everyone was comfortable. I needed a few hours of “me” time.

I had taken a few of them along with three ex-pat locals to Port’s home 2-0 defeat to Army United the previous Wednesday as they battled against relegation. Port, my favourite Thai side, had been awful in all honesty. The TOT game was about the last chance to start their serious challenge to stay up. The hosts sat bottom of the table, getting close to the point of requiring a miracle.

This was my second game of the evening and it had something to live up to. I’d earlier ventured to the north of the city to Thupatemee Stadium by Skytrain and then bus. I know my adventures don’t appeal to all, but this was heaven as I mixed in with the locals not fully knowing where I was or what I would find.

The 2-2 second tier game between Air Force Central and Police United had been very good. I was slightly reluctant to leave it before full time, but Port needed all the support that they could muster.

My taxi driver from Thupatemee Stadium spoke English and knew the way to the TOT Stadium, which was good news. He was honest enough to admit we would struggle to make kick off, but I told him that was no problem and just to do his best.

Unbelievably, we hit a standstill near Don Muang Airport underneath the tollway. Surely there hadn’t been an accident? My pilot told me that he’d seen on the news that there was some kind of official visit to the airport over the weekend. Perhaps we’d found it?

After nigh on ten minutes of not moving at all we suddenly went back to normal speed. It did look to be some kind of controlled blockage for access further up. Sure enough, my driver did know the way. 

However, the main gate on Chang Watthana was closed to the TOT. I paid the driver up and set off with blistered feet back along and down Chang Watthana past the stadium. Vendors in the street were selling their wares to fans over the wall inside the ground.

The game was still 0-0 as I approached the away fans entrance behind the goal. I was turned away and told that I had to buy a ticket. Instead of having a ticket office nearby for away fans I had to go all the way round behind the Main Stand, past the away end and half the far side.

TOT had the nerve to charge 150 Baht (£3) for away fans. While that doesn’t sound much, it was to Thais, especially those who struggle in Khlong Toei. It was the most expensive ticket I’d paid for at a standing ticket in Thailand. They wanted 300 Baht to sit down the side!

Finally, I managed to get inside, and got myself a place on the back row of the rickety wooden stand. The unused TV gantry in the centre and netting didn’t help the view, the mud at the front was causing dust and mosquitos were biting hell out of me, but I was loving it.

This was a proper do or die relegation battle. My team had a great following and cared passionately. Full families, all in orange and blue, were cheering on Port, from babies to grandparents. The noise from the Khlong Toei Army was incessant, especially from the youths with the drum on the flat standing behind the goal. There must have been around 400 in the spartan away section.

Both teams were giving it everything; despite neither being very good. TOT played with the intensity of a Champions League side in a vital home leg, rather than a desperate bunch propping up the league. Port defended and broke like lions.

The home players Anucha Taiwong and Dutchman Luciano Dompig were causing problems to the visiting defence, but they held strong. On twenty-one minutes the away end went wild when the ball was fed wide. A great cross from the right came in to where an unmarked Wuttichai Tatong headed home.

Despite attacks from the home side, Port looked relatively solid and had plenty of play up the other end. Sadly, just like the previous match, there was far too much procrastination around the box without an end product. TOT were there for the taking, but Port lacked ambition and belief.

At half time I was hugged by several Thai Port fans and even asked to be in a couple of photos. I’m not sure who they thought I was? I enjoyed my first beer of the day, with smiles all around. It’s amazing how happy fans can be when their side are winning away from home.

After the break I stood up against the fence to catch the better atmosphere and because I didn’t trust the stands! An expat Englishman had a chat and made me very welcome. There was a small group of three or four others further along.

The bloke and his wife by me at the front had their junior daughter with them. I stepped aside so that she could stand on top of the fence and hang on to the netting. A girl behind was giving the ref some deserved stick, letting him know that she thought he was ‘mao’ (drunk!).

Inevitably Port’s attacks became fewer as TOT threw men forward. The tension was building in the away end. The occasional break wasn’t been capitalised on as the vital final ball was going astray. The home side bought on Bas Savage with twenty five minutes remaining.

I was lucky enough to have met Bas at the end of the previous season with Chonburi fan Dale as TOT staved off relegation and helped deprive the Sharks of the title. He was a smashing bloke, but I was less than pleased to see him again. 

His pace, height and strength immediately changed the dynamics of the game. Why TOT manager, Tewet Kamonsilp hadn’t started with him was a mystery?

Nobody was massively surprised when TOT equalised with just eight minutes to go. It was Dompig who scored with a low shot. The home fans down the open side were going crazy. Port’s followers began the noise again after a few seconds of stunned silence.

Suddenly it dawned on the Port team and manager Masahiro Wada that a draw was no good. Fortunately, the home side could sense the chance of a winner and were also going for it. Play was end to end and not of great quality.

In the final minute of normal time a decent pass gave Port’s Hironori Saruta a chance of a shot. His first touch was awful, taking the ball away from goal, but he took a tumble as he looked to turn. Referee Taweechai Supatwan pointed to the spot. The place went mad.

After what seemed like a long delay as home players kept time wasting and encroaching into the area, David Rochela stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom corner of the net as bedlam broke out all around. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, or what standard; there’s nothing like a last minute winner away from home.

After a few minutes of stoppage time and no great alarms, the ref brought a halt to proceedings and further celebration. The home players came to the away section and were given a great ovation. I really love that feature at Thai games. 

An attractive young lady had been taking photos just in front of the away end as well as a video when the winner went in. She tried to grab my attention for a photo amongst the celebrating fans at full time. 

I eventually found the pictures on line six weeks later at the Klongtoey Army Facebook page. I was sent the originals within the hour and told that it was Judy who took the pictures. What brilliant service and fantastic photos.

I was away before the Port players came over, with other fish to fry! Within a minute I’d hailed a cab outside and once again the driver knew where I wanted to go. He was pressing the metal to Soi Cowboy. I was in a great mood, especially when he told me Chelsea had lost at home again! It’s great to see big clubs get a bloody nose.

I met my tired and emotional mate Steve at the Queen Victoria, where a couple of newly arrived pals from Melbourne arrived. We went round to watch the Rugby World Cup Final and other assorted entertainment. 

The open portion of chips and battered sausage rounded off proceedings perfectly on the walk back to my hotel. It was a great end to a fantastic day!

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Jamie Pinder: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Jamie Pinder

AFC Champions League

Buriram Utd v Brisbane Roar

i-mobile Stadium

13th February, 2013

It's hard to pick one. There have been so many wonderful days, winning titles on our ground on the final day of the season (sorry!), winning at Bangkok Glass, cup finals, away days, but I'm going back a while for my most memorable. 

February 13th 2013 and the I-Mobile Stadium (as it was then) was newly open with a 24,000 seat capacity (the corners were still open allowing for a cooling breeze to drift through the stadium). We were hosting Brisbane Roar in an AFC Champions League Qualifier which should have been hosted in Brisbane but due to their ground being used for the Rugby League World Cup, we got to play at home. 

The stadium was far from full but it seemed like every fan was going to cheer their hearts out. Over the 90 minutes of normal play and the 30 extra minutes, Brisbane probably had the better chances and their solitary fan in the away end thought he was in for a good night out after the match. Sorry, cobber, it doesn't always work that way. 

It all came down to a penalty shoot out at our end of the ground and, let's be honest,unless you're some kind of masochist, nobody enjoys them. I've not been to many games where they've gone to a shoot out but it's very nervy and the crowd make the atmosphere quite spooky. As each player approaches the penalty spot., there's either cheering or booing and abuse and I truly wouldn't want to be in their shoes. 

On the night, as often happens, the Buriram goalkeeper was magnificent. I can recall the level of noise as their first player prepared to take his keep. I don't think I've heard such a noisy stadium since then, and it was only half full. Their first guys strolls up and it's acrobatically saved by the keeper. Up steps our skipper Osmar Ibanez to bury his in the corner. Unbelievably, the Buriram keeper saves the first three penalties and it's up to a rather young looking Anawin (I think) to finish it off. 3-0 to the Thunder Castle and the keeper was absolutely mobbed.

What made it all really special was the players, who usually approach one section of the crowd to sing the club song, moved to the center circle, faced all corners of the ground and the song was belted out at a volume which would have blessed the disco truck at a Thai wedding. 

 

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Paul Hewitt: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Paul Hewitt

Regional League Division 2 play-offs, Group B

Nakhon Ratchasima 1-0 Lamphun Warrior 

Sunday 27th November, 2011

My most memorable match was a pretty poor game. In fact it was terrible. This was matchday 7 out of 10 in the Regional League play-offs and Korat were faltering. The previous six games had yielded three wins, two defeats and a draw, but one of those victories was a 2-1 defeat on the pitch which was overturned as opponents Roiet had fielded an ineligible player. The reverse fixture against Lamphun had been the dullest of stalemates imaginable whilst a week before this match Korat had gone down 3-2 at Rayong FC. A win was urgently needed to get Korat's promotion bid back on track particularly as this winnable looking match was to be followed by a daunting away trip to Krabi who had won 1-0 at Korat a few weeks previously.

The feeling that storm clouds were gathering over Korat's promotion hopes wasn't helped when the floodlights went out whilst the players were warming up. I wasn't too concerned initially. It had happened before and the lights had come back on quite quickly. Besides, the system was only four years old. But this time they didn't come back on. After an hour of darkness the players had long since left the pitch, the crowd had thinned considerably and Russ and I made the decision to trudge back to the car. 

I wasn't sure what decision the league would make but I assumed three points would probably be awarded to Lamphun. It wouldn't quite be a killer blow but we would probably have to win all three of our remaining matches to go up. But with extraordinary, poetic, movie-esque timing - and I'm sure this is how it happened - the floodlights flickered back on precisely as I put my hand on the car's door handle. Like giddy school kids we ran back to the stadium only for the lights to go off again. Then on. Then off. Then on. And at 19:40 the match that should have kicked off at 18:00 finally got underway.

And what a stinker it was! Korat had been such a swashbuckling, free-scoring side during the regular season but had looked inhibited and overly cautious in the play-offs. For 89 minutes here Korat again put in an inexplicably tepid and unadventurous performance on home soil against a very limited Lamphun side who were bottom of the six-team play-off group. Most of the crowd had drifted off, the players were drifting through the game and promotion hopes were drifting away when a pin-point cross beat a tiring Lamphun defence and was nodded home by midfielder Marcel. Manic celebrations followed as Marcel and David Lebras made a bee line for the heaving Korat hordes. 

There's nothing like a last-minute winner. But given the situation, given the circumstances, given the importance of the match, this was a last-minute winner turned up to eleven. Korat's promotion bid was firmly back on track and they never looked back. They won that tricky match at Krabi 1-0; promotion was clinched with a 2-0 win at North Bangkok the week after that, and they were confirmed as group winners with a 1-0 home win over Roiet in the final game. 

Korat have subsequently played in higher divisions in much bigger matches against much better opposition in front of much bigger crowds, but for sheer exhilaration and ecstasy, nothing beats that match in my opinion.

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Jake: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Jake @LamphunFanatic1

AIS Regional League Division 2 Northern Zone

Chiang Mai FC vs Lamphun Warriors

Wednesday 27th November 2013

Approximate attendance: 9,000

I first got into Thai football back in 2012. At the time, Chiang Mai’s best team was Chiang Mai FC who were playing in the third tier of Thai football. I wasn’t much of a regular, but my father was over following the birth of my daughter and I thought I’d take him to experience a Lanna Derby, Chiang Mai FC vs Lamphun Warriors. Lamphun is a small town about 20km south of Chiang Mai and home to my wife. A few months later it was to become my home town and Lamphun Warriors were to become my Thai team of choice. In March 2013, however, I was firmly on the Chiang Mai side of the derby.

We headed off towards the 700 Year Stadium with my good friend Brian. Disaster struck about halfway to the stadium, a rear puncture. My father jumped on the back of Brian’s bike whilst I tried to get the puncture repaired. By the time I’d arrived at the stadium, my father was calming his nerves on his second beer. He was adamant that I was never to get onto the back of Brian’s bike. He was right, Brian couldn’t, and still can’t, ride. He’d crashed over the curb and come down in the dirt, with my Dad jumping off. But they’d managed to get tickets and the all important beers.The 700 Year Stadium was packed. At the time, Chiang Mai people were really into their local team and it was tough finding somewhere to sit with about 9000 packed in. In the following few years, support has not been so great and I doubt they’ve had an attendance that large again.

Chiang Mai FC captain Anecha Masamak returned from suspension, powerful winger Ousamane Toure was one of Chiang Mai’s best players and Angelo Machuca had been dictating play from the centre of the field. Lamphun’s lineup included former Chiang Mai players Victor Mensah and Rungrat Phumjantuek. They were managed by former Chiang Mai FC assistant manager Kriangkrai Petkul. This was gearing up to be a heated Lanna Derby. And it didn’t disappoint. 

We were on the open concrete slabs and for the first half we sat behind the goal Chiang Mai were attacking. From the first whistle, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a game played by gentlemen. The stadium was lit up with flares in the colours of both teams. The aggression on the pitch was persistent, elbows flying in, studs up, seemingly deliberately. The referee didn’t seem too fussed, both teams went in at half time with a full complement of players, at 0-0.

Second half we’d had a few more important beers and moved around to a more central seating position. It didn’t take long for the aggression to pick up again and a mass brawl broke out early in the second half. Players were chasing each other around the pitch, rugby tackles, Muay Thai and Lamphun player Nopporn Serbpru saw red, though there’s no doubt the referee could have dismissed multiple players. As Nopporn walked off, most of the crowd stood up chanting “Monitor Lizard” at him, I’m sure most readers will know the insult, one best avoided at all costs! This was all quite a contrast to the polite applause and wais all around I’d previously experienced, the atmosphere is what made this game memorable, it was on edge throughout.

Chiang Mai FC were in control from there on in and scored the winner when Chatchai Nakwichit. After all the aggression, the final whistle blew and the Lamphun players came around and thanked the crowd, who in turn stood up and applauded them off the pitch. I think this is the reason it is then safe to leave a Thai football match, the end of game protocol brings everyone back to being at peace with each other.

This was to be the final match I watched as a Chiang Mai FC supporter. I moved down the road to Lamphun in June 2013 and am now, even living in Bangkok, a Lamphun Warriors man. Hopefully we will soon be meeting Chiang Mai FC again. Lamphun Warriors are shortly to begin their Play Off campaign which you’ll be able to stream live through their Facebook page.

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Stephen Romary: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Stephen Romary

TPL

SCG Muangthong United 3-2 Buriram United

SCG Stadium

July 24th, 2016

There are memorable matches from the seven years I've been with Thai football.  All contain some degree of the formula that makes for a great game, games that are rich in drama and controversy, the quality of play, and the thrill of a packed and boisterous stadium.

The match that first popped to mind was MTUTD away against Bangkok United early in the 2018 season, where youngster Chenrop's hattrick lead to a 3-2 win in a game that was quality throughout.

The game that beautifully combined all three elements of football, however, was matchday 24 of the 2016 season.

For many reasons this game was a watershed moment, for both club and country.

The Kirin entered the match leading the league, a position held since matchday 11.  It was the "dream team" season, and perhaps the greatest collection of players the club had ever assembled. Indeed, MTUTD went on to win the league, finishing with 80 points, five ahead of Bangkok United.  This was the season that ended three games early, following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Many of the names are no longer with the club, and some set precedents for Thai football.  As a Muangthong fan, looking back to this team brings great pride, but greater regret, as afterwards we entered a period of rebuilding from which we've yet to emerge.

In the years following 2016 the dream was denied, with Chanathip, Teerasil, and Theeraton moving to the J.League, keeper Kawin Thamsatchananan (16 clean sheets that season) to Europe, and other key players such as Tristan Do, Adisak, Tanaboon, Sarach, Peeradon, and Cleiton Silva (league top scorer), to rival Thai League clubs.  

Datsakorn would retire, Xisco would return to Spain, and Naoaki Aoyama to Japan, where he only just hung up his boots a few days ago.

The only player still with SCG Muangthong United from that time is current team captain, Wattana Playnum, who featured as a substitute in this game.

On Sunday July 24th, 2016, however, the future looked very bright, and the fans knew it.  MTUTD averaged almost 10,000 fans per game that season, and this particular night the SCG Stadium had sold out.

As well, the drama of this rivalry match had been taken to a whole new level. This was to be Theerathon's first match against his former club. A few months before, Muangthong United had signed Theerathon away from Buriram in a record 35 million baht deal.

   

In this way it was a match of epic proportions for both SCG Muangthong United and Buriram United, and it was the Kirin who were to emerge victorious.

Heading into the match MTUTD were without key centre back Mario Abrante (injured), and new signing Xisco Jimienz not yet ready to join the starting XI. Buriram were strong, with Diogo fit and ready for action, and coming into the fray on a winning streak.

 

With a packed stadium cheering them on, SCG Muangthong United had the better share of the ball, however, Buriram United striker Diogo scored the first goal of the match at 17 minutes.  A cross in from the left side found Diogo unmarked, and he made no mistake with a glancing header that saw Chairman Newin leap from the bench and the crammed away supporter contingent explode.

 

SCG Muangthong United were not to be denied. With plenty of ball possession, the Kirin looked to find the equalizer. MTUTD played close passes, preferring to keep the ball in possession rather than turn it over. There were many advances forward, and then back passes and switching the play side-to-side.

Chanathip (man-of-the-match) was playing fantastic football that eventually caught the eye of the J.League. A moment before halftime, he made it 1-1 with a precise finish from inside the box after eluding three defenders.

The game was thus even at halftime and it wasn't clear to anyone who was going to come out the winner, but momentum was on the side of the home club with the late equalizer.   

The second half began with intense pressure from Muangthong, and whatever coach Totchtawan had to say in the locker room bore fruit. At the 53rd minute Sarach Yooyen scored his first goal of the season, following a brilliant set up from Chanathip, who pulled fours defenders towards him before feeding the ball back to Sarach at the edge of the box who hit the near side top corner.

 

SCG Muangthong United were the better team in the second half, and at the 77th minute sealed the game. Tristen Do's pressure on the ball led to a turn over, and his cross into the box was found by Cleiton Silva. His header was just under the bar for SCG Muangthong United's third goal.

 

Buriram United got one back on a penalty kick, a shocking call from the referee that left fans stunned in disbelief.  Kawin blocked Diogo's attempt, but the rebound came back to the charging Anon who was able to finish.

 

Yet this was not enough to allow for a comeback, and SCG Muangthong United suppressed the pressure applied in the final minutes to emerge victorious.

The stadium had been electric and alive throughout the match; another reason this game stands out.  The tight connection between the fans, players, and the action on the pitch made for a true thriller.  Every touch of the ball drew some kind of reaction from the crowd, who stood and cheered and sang, and loomed over the touchlines to intimidate their nemesis and boost their heroes.

This has been the greatest blow to football brought on by the spectre of Covid-19.  It's the fans in the stands that creates the atmosphere and drives the game forward.  Let's hope we can quickly get back to exciting football, and pick up the shattered pieces of the dream and rebuild the league.

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Robert Scott: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Robert Scott

TPL

Chonburi FC 7-5 Chiang Mai FC

Chonburi Stadium

21st April, 2019

The Rocky Horror Football Show

Starting Line-ups

Chonburi – Kampol, Kroekrit, Kim, Zaw Min Tun, Noppanon. Phanuphong, Saharat, Park, Alongkorn, Patrick Cruz, Lukian.

Chiang Mai FC – Nont, Thossapol, Suwannaphat, Pichitphong, Gionata, Yuttajak, Ekanit, Chotipat, Surawich, Eliandro, Azadzoy.

Those were the days; a weekend away; a nice hotel; dinner by the beach; no mask police in the stadium; and a game of League 1 football. 

Since this is Dale’s website, he will be too modest to write about this remarkable football match – but it does deserve a mention in any record of favourite football matches in Thailand.

Football writer Paul Murphy wrote on Twitter “Chonburi 7-5 Chiang Mai – Absolutely comical defending going on here. Not a good look #T1

Others called the game breathless, astonishing.

It was all of that. And it was not so much that the defending was comical – it was mostly non-existent.

The basics first – this was the goal sequence:

1-0 18th minute – Lukian

1-1 20th minute – Azadzoy

1-2 30th minute – Ekanit

2-2 39th minute – Lukian

3-2 41st minute – Lukian

4-2 45th minute – Lukian penalty

4-3 51st minute – Azadzoy

5-3 65th minute – Lukian

6-3 79th minute – Sithu Aung

6-4 89th minute – Wanmai

6-5 91st minute – Eliandro

7-5 93rd minute – Sittichok

Without the injured Evson Chiang Mai were likely to be exposed in defense. Worse was to come when the injured Thossapol was replaced after 55 minutes. He appeared to be carrying an injury. 

Lukian opened the scoring stretching for a smart volleyed finish to a cross from Kroekrit; with Thossapol and Suwannaphat looking lost on the six-yard line.

Azadzoy’s equalizer was almost immediate and in front of the away fans. Eliandro bossed two defenders; the ball falling for Gionata whose shot was half-saved and Azadzoy was quickest to react for a simple goal.

Ekanit, such a fine young talent, danced passed four defenders (with a little good fortune as well) to slide his shot home for 2-1.

Chiang Mai then lost the experienced, and terrier-like, Pichitphong to injury after 35 minutes. It marked the beginning of the away team’s collapse.  In the confusion of reorganization Chonburi scored 3 times in the ten minutes before half time all from Lukian. 

Patrick Cruz outjumped the leaden-footed Yuttajak to release Lukian for a pacey, composed finish. 2-2.

Lukian’s 3rd was just as good; a neat pass from Kroekrit and buried inside Nont’s far post. 3-2.

Lukian’s fourth was from the penalty spot after Yuttajak’s off-the ground tackle took both Lukian and the ball.

Half time and Chonburi led 4-2. As an aside Lukian is now at Júbilo Iwata currently playing in the J2 League. 

Early in the second half and a Chonburi attack breaks down – Ekanit bursts forward – and his perfectly timed and weighted pass is driven home by Azadzoy from 20 yards for 4-3.

Lukian’s fifth was why you do not leave him unmarked in the D of the penalty area. Too easy. 5-3.

Sithu Aung’s first action as substitute was to sprint from half way and blast an unstoppable left foot 15-yard drive into Nont’s top corner. 6-3. 

89th minute and Wanmai unleashed his 25-yard strike for 6-4. What a goal that was. Kampol got a hand to it. It probably still hurts.

4 minutes of injury time (was it always 4 minutes when True were televising the game?)

92nd minute. Ekanit’s measured pass into the run of Eliandro – the big Brazilian has three defenders converging on him. He slides the ball passed Kampol with the outside of his right foot. 6-5. Eliandro runs to pick up the ball. We are still, bizarrely, in this. There was time for one final attack.

93rd minute. Chonburi break forward. Sithu Aung’s cross is met first time, on the volley, by substitute Sittichok. 7-5.

22 players and substitutes gave everything for 90 minutes; in great spirit; two teams just going for it; a day when being a defender was a fairly miserable experience; when the best form of defense was offense. Great entertainment for everyone who was there. 

Ekanit looked back to his best scoring one with two assists. Azadzoy looked sharp. Eliandro, as he so often did, ran for 90+ minutes and his injury time goal for 5-6 gave Chiang Mai fans unexpected hope.

Even a classic deserves a brief rant. What a miserable place Chonburi’s stadium is for away supporters. Though I should not complain given how visitors to Chiang Mai FC have been treated this season!

After the game I did bump into Dale for a chat on Thai football and a bit of Watford (who?) Oldham and Leeds.

Chiang Mai’s Coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira was also outside the stadium; his apology for the defeat was humble but not necessary. He mentioned the injuries.

But really who cares – this was a game that everyone who was there will remember and talk about. Twelve goals – the result not certain until 3 minutes into injury time. The players (from both sides) gave everything. Comical, dramatic, breathless. You had to be there to appreciate it. We were, and it will live long in the memory.

NEW!! My Favourite Matches by Antony Sutton: 2021

My Favourite Matches

by Antony Sutton

So when I got a message from Dale asking me to write a few lines about a particularly memorable Thai game I must admit I was stuck. I’ve seen a few over the years but I don’t think any particularly stand out enough to write more than a few lines, so I thought sod it, I’ll do a compendium, a Now! That’s What I Call Thai Football, a selection of memories from a number of games seen over the years in various places.

 

Thailand 1-3 South Korea

Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok

2nd March, 1997

To paraphrase the Cockney Rejects, I wanna go back to where it all began. Except it didn’t. I’d been in Bangkok a good few years but despite telling myself to catch a local game, at various times I lived within a goal-kick of PAT Stadium or the Army Stadium or even the Thai-Japanese Stadium, I never got round to it. Like many a poor English teachers in those distant days I worked weekends and lived a hand to mouth existence the rest of the time where my meagre earnings would be divvied up between a few local bars and, eventually, rent on my box like rooms. Eventually I managed to drag myself to a game but as with much of the 1990s I remember little about it. I would find out later from Dale it wasn’t the first time we’d been at the same game though!

                                                                Thailand v Arsenal 4-3 

Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok

22nd May, 1999

Arsenal in town? Couldn’t miss that, could I? I even finished work early and called into Bobby’s Arms for a few before meeting a mate closer to kick off but in them days there was no such thing as a few and by the time my pal arrived I was gone. I don’t recall leaving the air-conditioned bar in Patpong, getting hit by the moist humidity in the car park or getting in the taxi. I certainly don’t remember the fight with the taxi driver! I do remember the steps inside the ground and ripping a poster off the wall and I remember seeing some Arsenal faces in Nana after the game but it wasn’t till the following day I learned the score!

 

Thai Port v Chonburi 

PAT Stadium, Bangkok

20th June, 2009

Three years after I’d started Jakarta Casual I thought it would be a jolly wheeze to add some Thai football content to my portfolio so I convinced my pregnant wife that yes, a few days in Bangkok for me would be a great idea. For me. I checked myself into my old manor off Sathorn Road and headed down to Chonburi. For some reason I thought it would also be a good idea to meet Dale in his backyard and then travel back into Bangkok with the Chonburi fans. The game was kind of fun but the lowlight was doing an interview with Kosin, the Chonburi keeper who had played in Indonesia, and not pressing record! My natural incompetence was preventing me from becoming a vlogger!

Muang Thong United v Chonburi

Impact Arena, Muang Thong

4th October, 2009

Ok so my second game in June hadn’t been so good, Chula United v Pattaya United, but I’d enjoyed myself enough to book a return visit just two weeks before my son was born! This promised to be massive and it was so massive I met up with Dale early doors and we were in the ground some three or four hours before kick-off which was just as well…the crowd was just shy of 16,000, a record at the time for the Thai league. Who’d have thought having football clubs representing communities would have been more popular than a game between a bank and a company that monopolized tobacco? Exciting times in Thai football!

SAFFC v Muang Thong United 

Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore

6th February, 2010

Muang Thong were fun and a far cry from the alphabet spaghetti of Thai football in the 90s when SET v TFB or RTAF v BBC failed to arouse my interest. Yes, the subtle Manchester United imagery was boring but they were doing what so many clubs in Indonesia weren’t and that was creating a bond with supporters. They also had some bloody good players! 

When I saw they’d been drawn with SAFFC I knew I had to make the effort to go there. I wrangled a pitchside press pass and was talking with SAFFC coach Richard Bok while the players were warming up when the fun started. This puffed up little fellow in a suit told me to leave the pitch. I replied, politely I thought, I was talking to my mate but he was having none of it. ‘Leave or I’ll throw you out!’ 

Kawin was warming up nearby and he noticed my little altercation. Match commissioners eh? That wasn’t the end of it. I was standing behind a line taking my photographs opposite the main stand and bugger me he comes over again and starts berating me for not being in the right place. I was standing with other local press types but he was only picking on me and I knew why but I wasn’t going to get thrown out of a football ground for calling an official racist! 

It was a good game, SAFFC won on penalties and the next day while I was at Changi waiting for my flight back to Jakarta I spotted Kawin and he smiled at me! No, I didn’t ask for a selfie or an autograph! Three months later I would be back in Singapore to see SAFFC take on Bangkok Glass and again I made the short hop, hoping to catch the bunnies but they never showed.

Thai Honda v Bangkok North 

KMIT Stadium, Lad Krabang

22nd July, 2012

Back in the 90s I had a teaching job at KMIT. I used to take the train from Din Daeng and alight at Phra Chom Kao I think it was where I would be picked up by the company. It was a long old trek back then and of course little did I know almost 20 years later I would be returning. Much changed of course in Bangkok, I had sworn I would leave if a skytrain ever got off the ground, and of course there was a new airport and guess what? My old stomping ground was close by and there was a football ground right in the flight path. I mean, I had to go didn’t I? I went for a few days and booked a flight for Jakarta timed to leave after this regional league game had finished!

 

Malaysia v Thailand 

Bukit Jalil Stadium, KL

20th December, 2014

I’m no fan of international football but I would crawl over broken glass for the AFF Suzuki Cup. For 2014 I’d gone to Vietnam to see the Indonesia group stage games in Hanoi and on the way back to Jakarta stopped off in Singapore to see the Lions take on the Thais. Thailand won that game 2-1 and went on to reach the final. I didn’t bother going to Bangkok but some Malaysian friends said I really should make the effort for the second leg in KL so I got permission from wife and son and headed north. 

What a game. What an experience. Malaysia won 3-2 and came oh so close to winning the trophy but the Thai side was something special. But so were the Malaysian fans who put on a show of their own. A great trip and a fantastic advert for all that was great about south east Asian football.

Since then, my interest in Thai football has waned. They still produce an amazing conveyor belt of talent but the league lacks the sheer strength in depth or the history, traditions or passions of the game in Indonesia. Plus, my son was growing up and I needed to spend more time at home, especially as I was spending more and more time working overseas. It would be nice to get back there and spend a couple of months bouncing around the provinces watching games, if only to put the finishing touches to a book I originally began some 14 years ago!

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Russ John: 2021

My Favourite Match

by Russ John

TPL 

Nakhon Ratchasima FC 1-1 Buriram Utd

11th July, 2015 

Attendance 34,659.

Introduction

A hot day, and one of those "I was there" moments. I remember well the shock and horror of entering the 80th Anniversary stadium at my customary one hour before kick off only to be confronted by a stadium completely bereft of empty seats...

10th July

The story began the day before. Rumours of a big crowd for the local derby began to surface and talk of tickets on sale at a certain time later that day.

Panic and a 70 km drive to the stadium. Inevitably upon arrival, no tickets on sale but a swirling mass of confused punters. I resignedly trudged back to the car. The fact that I was about to miss out on the very match that I have been dreaming about began to dawn on me. Pissed off, ticketless and an unfortunate reminder of the last time I was locked out of a football match - the infamous 1972 Wolves v Leeds United match in which the home team beat Leeds to deny them the English title.

I had, in all of the confusion, become detached from my beloved other half. Unbeknownst to me she had wandered off, just as she does every week in Tesco. To my amazement she returned clutching two orange coloured pieces of paper - 2 tickets for tomorrow's game in zone W. I was absolutely gobsmacked. To show my appreciation, I pressed a 100 baht note into her hand. "Go and buy a new frock, teerak", I whispered in polite appreciation.

11th July - matchday

An hour before kick off, don't be daft, that's way too early to go in, let's have one last beer...I should have known. Tell tail signs, full car park, unusual number of fans swirling around outside the stadium.

The sight awaiting us on exit from the main concourse was truly awe inspiring. Before us, like teeming ants, a crowd of 34 000 plus had amassed, many standing, most eating. It was eerily quiet as if the fans were patiently waiting for the battle yet to come. Finding a seat was mission impossible but fortunately my ample 1.95 metre height ensured a decent view from a gangway on the half way line. 

All of a sudden, a flash appeared of myself and drunken friends cascading down the North Bank Molineux until brought to a halt, in abdominal pain, by a metal barrier. The thought quickly evaporated as I was showered by a mixture of spittle and Chang beer as the crowd erupted at the sight of the teams coming out.

Needless to say at my age and with my creaky old back being buffeted and shoved around throughout the game by burly young Thai guys meant that the actual match was uncomfortable but I suppose enjoyable, but oh how I yearned for my usual bourgeois padded seat in the VIP section!!

Oh, by the way, a nice competitive match, which ended amicably in a 1-1 draw - a day of infamy had come and gone, a point apiece and...I was there!! 

NEW!! My Favourite Match by Phil Williams: 2021

A new series of articles in which fans of the local game write about their favourite match.

My Favourite Match

by Phil Williams

Thai Premier League

Buriram Utd 1-3 Samut Prakan City 

Sunday 29th November 2020

Attendance: 9,510

Having only been a Samut Prakan City supporter for a season and a half (the club has only been in existence that long!) I don't have as many games to select from as other expat football followers who have years under their belts. So I'm still in the fortunate position of being able to remember all of the matches very clearly (with a little help from my blogs of course).

The game that sprang instantly to mind when I was mulling over this topic was the 2-1 home win against Port FC last season. Our hot shot neighbors rolled into town with hundreds of their fans in tow, a packed house, a terrific atmosphere and a great performance that saw Samut Prakan victorious in a game that had everything. However, I'm going to choose an away match simply because I enjoy away games more. Home matches tend to be a bit routine; you arrive at the ground at the same time, sit in the same seat and talk to the same people.

To quote Bill Bryson in one of his travel books - "nothing gives you greater satisfaction than a travel plan that comes together successfully". He might have added "especially if Samut Prakan win" but our trip to Buriram was, for me, the perfect football weekend. Everything came together. 

There's something slightly barmy about taking a plane to get to a football match (you wouldn't dream of doing it in England) but fly from Bangkok to Buriram I did. From Buriram's modest airport, the shuttle bus was waiting to take me to my boutique hotel in the city centre, which turned out to be very nice. And I had just enough time in Buriram to do what I wanted to do - have a stroll around the city, do a few expat bars, meet up with Jamie Pinder (one of our online football family) for lunch, and spend some time pre-match looking around Buriram's awesome Thunder Castle.

As for the game itself, not that many teams win 3-1 at Buriram and while we rode our luck at times, two brilliant long range efforts from Tardelli and Chakkit Laptrakul and another from Jaroensak meant we returned back to Bang Plee with the three points. But what made the occasion extra special and still gives me goosebumps was the noise from the 250-odd Samut Prakan supporters who made the trip. Certainly the loudest I've heard us at an away match. As we all filed out of the away zone after the game, many fans were facing a five-hour drive home but no one cared. We were just in the mood to party! I was dancing and hugging with fans I'd never said half a dozen words to.  

Catching the plane back the following day and bumping into all the players and staff at the airport gave me the chance to give them a thumbs up and say a hearty well done. That put the icing on what was an unforgettable weekend! I'm not sure a certain Mr Pinder would agree though.