TPL: The seven clubs of Bangkok

THAILAND’S Premier League is booming in popularity. Money is pouring into the game, media coverage is improving, and teams are snapping up international players. Hardcore fans are flocking to the city’s stadiums on a weekly basis and more and more expats are joining them. Yes, the referees can be dodgy, and yes, the footy standard is not a patch on the Barclays Premier League. But watching a game (tickets range 80 – 150 baht) is great fun, and for anyone missing the weekly ritual of going to watch a team play on a weekend – well, you’ll find all you’re missing and more.

Of the sixteen Thai Premier League clubs just three play in Bangkok-proper, whilst a further four play in the outlying areas of Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani. Listed here is more information about each of the seven and also details about a few of the capital’s clubs playing further down the pyramid.


Bangkok

Thai Port F.C

THE Port Lions used to go under the name of Port Authority of Thailand F.C, and were formed back in 1967. The Khlong-Toey-based club was a major beneficiary of the 2009 relaunch of the TPL as they managed to attract thousands of new fans and won the FA Cup in that season. Their PAT Stadium home has been expanded over the past two years – from just one stand at the start of 2009 to a neat four-sided ground today in which the Khlong Toey Army can generate a formidable atmosphere. Sometimes those fans can go too far, though. Incidents of crowd trouble have occurred several times since 2009, the most recent being at Pattaya in February. Trouble only seems to happen away from home, though, and the club has become a favourite with foreign fans looking for their live-football-fix in Bangkok.

BEC Tero Sasana F.C

TERO used to be the moneyed Big Boy of the TPL before 2009, and stunned the Asian football world in 2003 by reaching the Asian Champions League final. Nowadays, Tero aren’t the force they used to be, but a host of close-season signings has provided hope that the good times could soon return to the club. Their small but fiercely loyal support appears to be on the increase, too, and they play at one of the easiest stadiums in the capital to reach by public transport. Their Thephasadin home is the smaller ground next to Suphachalasai Stadium and can be seen from the platform of the National Stadium BTS station.

Army United F.C

THE club claim to have formed in 1916 and as such are the oldest football club in Thailand by far. They were known as Royal Thai Army F.C up until 2010 when they became Army F.C, and then renamed again to Army United for the start of this season. They finished bottom of the TPL in 2010 but survived relegation after the decision was made to expand the division from 16 teams to 18. Relegation struggles certainly don’t seem to be on the agenda in 2011, though, as two wins and two draws – including a 3-0 home drubbing of champions Muangthong United – have ensured Army are among the pacesetters at the time of writing. Just as surprising has been the dramatic rise in their home attendances. Thousands have been flocking to the Army Stadium in Din Daeng as the Soldiers launch an unlikely assault on the title.


Nonthaburi

Muangthong United F.C

THE rise and rise of Muangthong United has been quite remarkable. The club formed in 1989 but only joined the league pyramid in 2007. They promptly gained promotion as champions from Division 2, and the following season won the Division 1 title, too. Not finished there, they went on to win the TPL at the first attempt in 2009. And in 2010 they made it four championships in four years as they retained their TPL crown. Their ‘Thunderdome’ Stadium home has become the ‘Yamaha Stadium’ and has been redeveloped beyond recognition. One of the best-supported clubs in Thailand, Muangthong are backed by the Siam Sport Syndicate and have a wealth of talented players. Despite these advantages, the team has had a poor start to the season. When you also consider the emerging power of Buriram PEA, it appears that winning a fifth title in five years is MTU’s greatest challenge yet.

TOT S.C

TOT have a long history, but they have a tiny support and are currently ground-sharing with Muangthong – where the away fans often outnumber the home. A close-season power struggle (see last month’s issue) ended with the club’s name changing from TOT-CAT to TOT S.C, but it certainly didn’t end their prospects as a relegation contender. Not the most attractive proposition for foreigners looking for a club to nail their colours to, but at least you’ll have plenty of elbow room! To be fair, TOT claim that they will be moving back to their true home stadium just over the border in Lak Si later this season.


Pathum Thani

Bangkok Glass F.C

THE Glass Rabbits played non-league football until 2009 when they bought out Krung Thai Bank F.C of the TPL and so fast-tracked themselves to the top flight. Off the pitch, they have certainly achieved a lot more than KTB ever did and enjoy large home attendances. On it, they flirted with the title race in 2009 and eventually came third, and the disappointment of a fifth-place-finish in 2010 was softened by winning the Singapore Cup. They’ve looked less than impressive so far in 2011 and it’s difficult to imagine them launching a title bid. Famously, BG’s mascot is ‘BG Man’ – an English guy who dresses up in a green Lycra superhero costume. Yes, seriously.

Police United F.C

THE Police play at the magnificent Thammasat Stadium at the Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University. The club used to be known as the Royal Thai Police F.C, but, as is the case at many clubs, was recently renamed and relaunched. Owing to a sponsorship deal, they are officially known as ‘Insee Police United.’ They haven’t had quite as much success in attracting new fans as most of the above clubs have, but a decent team has been put together up in Pathum Thani and the coppers should enjoy a fairly comfortable season.


Significant others

• Bangkok United, formally known as Bangkok University, were relaunched to great fanfare in 2009 but struggled to make an impact in the TPL and were relegated to Division 1 last season. The club currently plays at a small ground at Bangkok University in Pathum Thani but plan to return to the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng in May.

• Bangkok F.C can trace their history back to 1999 when they were formed as Bangkok Bravo. They adopted their present name in 2010 and moved from Minburi to the Bang Mod Stadium in Thonburi, and they found instant success as they were promoted from the Regional League to Division 1 last season.

• Air Force United are a well-supported Division 1 club – and one of the oldest having formed in 1937 – and play their home games at the Thupatemee Stadium just to the north of Don Muang Airport.

• Bangkok Christian College F.C play in the Bangkok & Vicinity division of the Regional League (Division 2) and ground-share with BEC Tero Sasana at the Thephasadin Stadium.


Check out Paul’s website at: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/koratfc
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