What to Expect at a Premier Football Match in Thailand
Football, known to many as soccer, is a globally captivating sport capturing the hearts of millions, and Thailand is certainly not an exception to this global trend. The opportunity to witness a premier football match in Thailand presents an exhilarating sensory journey, drawing you into the very pulse of its dynamic football culture.
With every cheer, every chant, and every play, the vivid and vibrant culture of football in Thailand comes alive, creating an experience that extends far beyond the 90-minute gameplay. This article delves into the electrifying world of Thai football, giving you a comprehensive guide on what to expect when you step into a football stadium in Thailand.
Before we kick off this article, allow me to preface it. I’m not a football fan. I don’t support any football teams, and the only game I ever watched was Lincoln City FC vs who knows who around 40 years ago. Man, that makes me old! 55
However, I did support Liverpool FC when I was a kid, and my school topic book was about the team. My headmaster sent it to Anfield, and all the players under Bob Paisley’s management, including legends like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Emlyn ‘Horse’ Hughes and Phil Thompson signed and returned it to me. I was a happy 12-year-old but then I hit my teens and discovered music and girls. I had no time for running around after a bag of wind from then on.
So in this article, I catch up with football four decades later, having attended the local team, Trat FC vs Nakhonpathom United match.
Pre-Match Atmosphere
Even before the whistle blows, signaling the start of the match, the atmosphere outside the stadium buzzes with an almost tangible sense of electrifying anticipation. Fans, a lot younger than I expected, draped in an array of colours representing their chosen teams, form a sea of enthusiasm, inching their way towards the stadium.
The air is filled with a potent mix of team chants, drums, and anthems, each note contributing to an atmosphere that is both infectious and inspiring. This pre-match ambiance acts as the perfect backdrop for the main event, setting the tone for the thrilling experience that awaits within the confines of the stadium.
Parking at Trat Province Stadium was convenient, with easy entry and exits. We also got a convenient parking space close to the main entrance, which we didn’t expect at all.
Entry to the game is by ticket only, sold outside the stadium from the official kiosk, and priced at a very reasonable 150 baht. Not bad for a Premiership game, right?
The pre-match atmosphere also provides a glimpse into the camaraderie and unity that exist amongst the fans. Temporary food and beverage stalls selling the sponsor’s beer (Chang), soft drinks, and an array of foods line the pathway leading to the stadium.
The official team merchandise shop sells obligatory items like team jerseys and other goodies. A shirt will set you back around 650 Thai baht. These symbolic items, worn with pride by the fans, serve as a thread that weaves the supporters into a unified community, further amplifying the pre-match energy.
Stadium Facilities
Thai’s love their football, and the sun visors and bumper stickers of many cars sport English Premier League teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. So it’s not surprising there is support and investment in the beautiful game here too.
With the constant evolution of football in Thailand, the stadiums have seen massive upgrades to ensure that they offer the best facilities to both the players and the spectators. Thai football stadiums are architectural marvels, boasting modern facilities that set the benchmark for comfort and convenience.
You will find ample seating arrangements designed to provide a clear, unobstructed view of the field. Moreover, the cleanliness maintained in the restrooms guarantees a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Trat Provincial Stadium has a capacity of 6,000 seats, a running track, excellent flood lighting, as many if not all games are played in the evening due to the heat and humidity in Thailand. There is also a big screen to remind you that your new favourite team has just scored a goal. GOAL!!!!
Thai stadiums are not just about the game; they are about providing a holistic experience. I can’t speak for all teams and stadiums, but in Trat, you can leave the stadium and re-enter by showing security your stamp you received on entry. This allows you to pop outside to get more supplies of drinks and snacks.
Outside the stadium, a range of food and beverage stalls allow spectators to treat their taste buds to local and international delicacies. Whether it’s the traditional Thai Satay or the universally loved burger and beers, there’s something to satisfy every palate. This addition enhances the overall experience, making every match a celebration of not just football but also Thai culture and hospitality.
Passionate Fans
Football (known as footbon in Thailand) is not just a sport; it’s a passion that unites people across the country.
The stadiums are filled with an eclectic mix of fans, each passionately rooting for their favourite team. As you step into the stadium, you will witness a spectacle of cheers, chants, and songs that create a unique symphony of support. From my experience, this sounds not unlike a Muay Thai boxing match at times. This energy is infectious, and even if you are a first-time spectator, you will find yourself swaying to the rhythm and the beat of the fans drums.
The passion of Thai football fans is reflected not just in their voices but also in their actions. From creating elaborate banners to coordinating spectacular tifo displays, Thai fans add a unique colour and vibrancy to the match. Their dedication and loyalty towards their teams are awe-inspiring and contribute immensely to the fun and electrifying atmosphere within the stadium.
Skillful Players
Over the years, Thai football has witnessed significant improvements, with their national team earning accolades on the international stage. When you attend a premier football match in Thailand, you are privy to a spectacle of skill, talent, and passion displayed by the players. The competition is intense, and the players’ dedication to the sport is palpable in every move they make on the field.
The players do not just exhibit raw talent, but their strategic gameplay often reveals a deep understanding of the sport. From intricate passes to stunning goals, you get to witness a chess game on the field where every move counts. This level of skillful gameplay keeps you riveted throughout the match, making every moment worth watching.
Unforgettable Moments
A premier football match in Thailand is not just about the outcome; it’s about the journey. A collection of unforgettable moments unfolds throughout the match that keeps you at the edge of your seat. From heart-stopping goals to remarkable saves, these spectacular moments create an indelible print on the memory of every spectator.
Trat FC is made up of a diverse range of international players from Japan, Korea, Israel, and Palestine. The later two even share a room. Little did we know at the time of attending this match what atrocities were playing out back in their countries of origin.
The joy of witnessing a well-executed play or the shared disappointment of a missed opportunity creates a collective experience that goes beyond the individual. It is this shared experience, this emotional rollercoaster ride that you embark on with thousands of other fans, that makes attending a football match in Thailand a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Full Time
You could say that attending a premier football match in Thailand is an experience like no other would be an understatement. From the electrifying pre-match atmosphere to the passion-filled stands, skillful players, and unforgettable moments, every aspect contributes to an event that is more than just a game. It’s an immersive journey into the heart of Thai football culture, an opportunity to witness the bond between a nation and its beloved sport.
So, if you find yourself in Thailand with an opportunity to witness a Premiership football match, don’t hesitate. Embrace the chance and prepare yourself for an exciting, thrilling journey into the very soul of Thai football.
TL:DR – Key Takeaways
- The pre-match atmosphere outside the stadium in Thailand is filled with electrifying anticipation and team chants, setting the tone for the thrilling experience within.
- Thai football stadiums offer modern facilities, ample seating arrangements, and clean restrooms for a comfortable and pleasant experience.
- Food and beverage stalls can be found outside the stadiums, allowing spectators to enjoy local and international delicacies, enhancing the overall experience.
- Thai football fans are passionate and create a unique symphony of support with their cheers, chants, and songs. They also showcase dedication through banners and tifo displays.
- Premier football matches in Thailand showcase skill, talent, and strategic gameplay from the players, keeping spectators engaged throughout the match.
- Unforgettable moments, such as goals and saves, create a collective experience that makes attending a football match in Thailand truly unique and unforgettable.
Extra Time and the Final Score
So, am I a born-again footy fan? Well, not really. Football in Thailand, like in the rest of the world, still has too many amateur dramatics for me. I mean, where were those magic sponges during the recent plandemic? I’m a rugby guy, and that’s not going to change any time soon.
However, it was a fun night out and a good excuse to catch up with friends, enjoy a pre-match meal at Joys Pizza, and have a few cheeky beers. Having lived in Thailand for over a decade now, I can’t believe it took me so long to attend a game and support the local team. Shame on me!
If you are visiting Thailand or have lived here for a while, I would definitely recommend going to a game to experience another side of Thai culture with lots of familiar flavours of home this international sport offers.
Trat FC are at home again this weekend and are scheduled to play PT Pratchuap FC. Am I going? Well, let’s just say my new team shirt has been washed and is good to go. C’mon the Trat!!!!
Experience the Thrilling Atmosphere of Premier Football in Thailand
