Thailand Division 2 Thread

[wolfman]

Am looking at getting to a few of these games too. Samut Prakan's home games are listed as being at 'Customs Samutprakan'. I read (and posted) recently that they'd be in Bang Plee for the rest of the season. Is 'Customs Samutprakan' the ground usually listed as 'Lat Krabang 54 ' when Suwannaphum-Customs play there, or is it somewhere different?

Any Fortressians out there who can help?

Also, Chai Nat's home ban looks to have been reduced to just 2 matches - they play Loei in Uthaithani, then return to Chai Nat for the other 4 home fixtures.

Either that, or the ban included away games too (not beyond the realms of possibility in Thai Football )

[lokomotive]

SP most probably will play their first two matches in the stadium of Thai Summit, and the rest at Customs Stadium.

[BangkokGlassBunny]

Rose Asia Pathum Thani, Thai football's worst team?

In 2009 they came bottom of the Central/East Division.
2010 came bottom of the Bangkok Division.

How about Sa Kaew? 1 win and 4 draws from 30 games. Though Rose-Asia and North Central run them close (2 wins, 7 draws from 24). The fans of these three clubs ( if they still have any) deserve medals for putting up with that. The positive for Sa Kaew fans they got to see their team get all 7 points at home.

I'm just thinking along the lines of Rose Asia coming bottom two season's running in two different leagues.

Would be great to see an end of season tournament featuring al lthe wooden spooners!!

This time of year I start to get twitchy as to who will play next season. I just think that some clubs won't like coming last and look to pull out. Especially when these clubs probably don't have any backing or support and the trauma of coming last makes you want to hide!

I feel a little sorry for Rose Asia. They only dropped to last place after the final match.
I went to see them play a few times and they were truly awful, but they have improved a little since last season.

I really hope they continue.

Teams like Rose Asia do just show the spirit of football really. I've never really understood there name? Are they another company team?

As we were discussing Rose Asia a couple of weeks back, it certainly does seem like they will be around next year.

Apparently a Korean company has just bought them and is going to build them a 300 million baht new stadium in Pathum Thani with 20 million team budget for next season.

Seems strange that they would buy 'the worst team' in Thailand and why they'd spend so much on a new stadium, when the one they use is fine and probably the only half decent thing about the club any way.

http://www.thaileagueonline.com/news.php?id_news=3128&page=1

[druryfire]

Interesting news about Rose Asia. I'm with you on this one BGMan, can't see the logic behind it. The Korean firm has gone mad.

So, next season, it will be Hyundai Pathum Thani then?

[wolfman]

Football Siam's Report on Division 2:

Most Fans Fewest Fans Prettiest Fans Most Goals For Fewest Goals For Most Goals Conceded Fewest Goals Conceded Most Coaches Most Improved Most Impressive Match

North Chiang Mai (฿2,200,000 in ticket sales) Payao FC (฿150,000 in ticket sales) Chiang Mai FC Phichit FC (73) Tak FC (29) Payao FC (79) Chai Nat FC (13)

North-east Buriram FC (฿3,500,000 in ticket sales) Nong Bua Lamphu ฿120,000 Buriram FC (73) Ubon Tigers FC (28) Nakon Panom FC (63) Loei City (27) Yasotorn United

Central & East Rayong FC (฿50-60,000 in tickets/match) Pathum Thani (฿3-5,000 in tickets/match) Ayuthaya   Saraburi FC (71) Sra Kaew United (24) Sra Kaew United (80) Samut Prakan (16) Lop Buri FC Rayong FC vs Samut Prakan (1-1)

Bangkok & Surrounds Kasembundit University Bangkok Christian Bangkok FC (49) Nth-Central/RoseAsia (17) Rose Asia United (50) Rangsit University (14) Nontaburi FC vs Rachawithi (4-3)

South FC Phuket Nakhon Sri Thammarat Hatyai, Phuket FC Phuket (51) Yala FC (20) Nakhon Sri Thammarat (42) FC Phuket (18) Phang-nga (5) Ranong FC

[wolfman]

That took forever to get looking right.

I think it's amusing that there's no "Prettiest Fans" for Isaan, but 'every ground in Bangkok has pretty fans and it is difficult to choose just one', but this isn't the forum for that discussion. Perhaps they don't have cheerleaders in the Northeast. (They often have photos of Loei's female fans, so I'll give it to Loei by default). Saraburi were 2nd in Central/East.

There was a fuller financial report last week, with ticket sales and merchandise figures for each club in Div 2, and if I'm feeling up for another battle formatting the table, I'll post the numbers.

[BKK73]

There are a lot of 2nd division Bangkok teams associated with universities. That will explain why they have younger prettier females in attendance.

When I went to watch North Bangkok Uni a few weeks ago, there were quite a few good looking girls at the game. I'd say the home support was 50/50 between male and female. That's fairly unusual for a football match.

[Vinnie]

That took forever to get looking right.

I think it's amusing that there's no "Prettiest Fans" for Isaan, but 'every ground in Bangkok has pretty fans and it is difficult to choose just one', but this isn't the forum for that discussion. Perhaps they don't have cheerleaders in the Northeast. (They often have photos of Loei's female fans, so I'll give it to Loei by default). Saraburi were 2nd in Central/East.

There was a fuller financial report last week, with ticket sales and merchandise figures for each club in Div 2, and if I'm feeling up for another battle formatting the table, I'll post the numbers.

We don't have cheerleaders; we have a band at half time.

Strange choice for most improved team: Yasothon were pretty consistent throughout the season. Roi-Et are clearly the most improved team in the entire Regional League.

[wolfman]

There are a lot of 2nd division Bangkok teams associated with universities. That will explain why they have younger prettier females in attendance.

When I went to watch North Bangkok Uni a few weeks ago, there were quite a few good looking girls at the game. I'd say the home support was 50/50 between male and female. That's fairly unusual for a football match.

True, and I think the article does mention that. Funny how they opted for Bangkok Christian though; an all boys high school. However, I have seen photos of some of the BCC fans, and wish they'd been around during my time at the school. Would have made life far more pleasant. 

[wolfman]

Ticket and merchandise sales from Division 2 (figures in Baht)
 
NORTH (in league finishing order)

Team Chiang Mai Chai Nat Phichit Singburi Phrae Nakhon Sawan Phitsanulok Phetchabun Sukothai Utaradit Chiang Rai FC Kamphaeng Phet Lampang Tak Uthai Thani Phayao

Tickets 2.200,000 315,600 509,000 98,300 170,000 230,000 203,800 67,000 ? 130,000 128,000 180,000 350,000 ? 42,800 150,000

Merchandise 1,500,000 224,780 316,000 59,000 60,000 211,040 109,000 42,500 ? 75,000 125,000 120,000 400,000 ? 25,500 75,000

TOTAL 3,700,000 540,380 825,000 157,300 230,000 441,040 312,800 109,500 140,000 205,000 253,000 300,000 750,000 1,330,000 68,300 225,000

[wolfman]

Northeast (Teams listed in order of total takings)

Team Buriram Loei Nong Khai Sakon Nakon Roi Et Yasothon Nakon Rachasima Mahasarakam Udon Thani Nakon Panom Ubon Tigers Mukdahan Chayapum Surin Kalasin Nong Bua Lamphu

Tickets 3,500,000 1,500,000 475,000 180,000 228,000 150,000 160,000 156,000 130,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 140,000 145,000 120,000

Merchandise 3,000,000 1,005,000 75,000 170,000 100,500 150,000 130,000 130,000 130,000 75,000 60,000 50,000 45000 50,000 40,000 40,000

TOTAL 6,500,000 2,505,000 550,000 350,000 328,500 300,000 290,000 286,000 260,000 225,000 210,000 200,000 195,000 190,000 185,000 160,000

[wolfman]

Central & East (in order of takings)

Team Lopburi Samut Prakan Meung Kan Saraburi Prajinburi Ayutaya Rayong Rachaburi Samut Sakon Petchburi Ang Thong Sra Kaew Patum Thani Chachoengsao Kabinburi Nakon Nayok

Tickets 670,000 380,000 1,800,000 475,260 350,000 340,000 490,000 450,000 534,000 300,000 200,000 150,000 60,000 120,000 85,000 45,000

Merchandise 1,400,000 1,650,000 150,000 540,050 500,000 480,000 320,000 350,000 255,000 470,000 150,000 75,000 137,000 70,000 70,000 37,000

TOTAL 2,070,000 2,030,000 1,950,000 1,015,310 850,000 820,000 810,000 800,000 789,000 770,000 350,000 225,000 197,000 190,000 155,000 82,000

[wolfman]

Bangkok, etc. (Listed in final league order)

Team Bangkok FC Rangsit U. Nontaburi Bangkok Christian Thai Summit Luk Isan Thai Air Kasetsart U. Rose Asia

Tickets 320,000 40,000 450,000 314,960 150,000 60,000 45,000 60,000

Merchandise 200,000 Unavailable 350,000 173,000 100,000 50,000 25,000 50,000

TOTAL 520,000 ? 800,000 487,960 250,000 110,000 70,000 110,000

* Figures for Rachawiti, North Bangkok, North-Central, Kasembundit U., and Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University were unavailable at time of publishing.
** Rangsit Uni's ticket sales are lower than others, because tickets at their ground are 20 baht each (I'm also not sure if 40,000 is the final figure).  

[Vinnie]

Baffling figures. Some clubs are clearly cooking the books. 

[wolfman]

Baffling figures. Some clubs are clearly cooking the books.  

I know. Even allowing for possible errors in my translation, how do you sell 1.8M in tickets, but only flog off 150,000 in shirt and scarves?

[Vinnie]

I guarantee you Surin are the third best supported team in our division.

[SriRachaShark]

Baffling figures. Some clubs are clearly cooking the books. 

I know. Even allowing for possible errors in my translation, how do you sell 1.8M in tickets, but only flog off 150,000 in shirt and scarves?

It is possible that they don't have that much merchandise to sell.

[SriRachaShark]

Thanks for posting these figures, wolfman. It will be interesting to see how those clubs who also have a TPL team in the same town compare with their illustrious neighbours.

[Vinnie]

Bangkok, etc. (Listed in final league order)

Team Bangkok FC Rangsit U. Nontaburi Bangkok Christian Thai Summit Luk Isan Thai Air Kasetsart U. Rose Asia

Tickets 320,000 40,000 450,000 314,960 150,000 60,000 45,000 60,000

Merchandise 200,000 Unavailable 350,000 173,000 100,000 50,000 25,000 50,000

TOTAL 520,000 ? 800,000 487,960 250,000 110,000 70,000 110,000

* Figures for Rachawiti, North Bangkok, North-Central, Kasembundit U., and Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University were unavailable at time of publishing.
** Rangsit Uni's ticket sales are lower than others, because tickets at their ground are 20 baht each (I'm also not sure if 40,000 is the final figure). 

Most teams in the RL charge 20 baht. Korat charge a silly 50 baht so our figures are actually worse than they look, attendance-wise.
Thanks for the data. 

[SriRachaShark]

Korat charge a silly 50 baht so our figures are actually worse than they look, attendance-wise.

And they don't have XXXL shirts in stock so their merchandise figures are also lower than they could be.

[wolfman]

I'm translating from a Football Siam article. I've yet to break my 2nd Division duck, so have no idea how much tickets are. I didn't really read the whole thing once I worked out it was just quoting figures, so there may well be gaps in my info. The Southern League is a bit mystifying, as it's giving ranges of figures, and I think it may be estimates per match, rather than the whole season. I'll make Mrs. Wolf's evening and get her to clear up a few things.

As for the TPL, I remember they published figures at halfway and at the end of last season. However, there's been less emphasis on the top league in FBS this season, so who knows.

[wolfman]

While online, looking for directions to Div 2 grounds for the Champions' League, I've discovered a couple more friendlies as teams warm up. Samut Prakan beat Trang 2-1 yesterday, and Bangkok FC will play Krabi tomorrow (14th)

[wolfman]

Chumporn FC have named a new head coach for next season. He is former Thailand U-16 coach Somchart Yimsiri.

For anyone who's interested, the club are holding trials for next season at Chumporn Stadium beginning at 10am on November 6th & 7th.

[Vinnie]

Play-off results:

Saraburi 2-2 Chiang Mai
Rangsit Uni 1-2 Buriram
Trang 1-2 Phichit

[wolfman]

Today's results (All Group B)
Bangkok FC 1-4 Chai Nat
Samut Prakan 0-0 FC Phuket
Loei City 1-4 Rayong FC

Not a good start for home teams - 2 draws and 4 losses from the weekend.

[wolfman]

Went to the Bangkok v Chai Nat match. Arrive about 20 minutes in, and the main stand was full  - half orange, half pink. It was the only stand open. I know this because I arrived at the ground on the opposite side, and had to walk all the way around to find an entrance. Arrived just in time to see Chai Nat go up 2-0, and stood in the away zone. The pink zone was heaving the whole match, and it looked like the Bangkok fans were doing the same. I thought it was a fairly even match, and at the end was trying to work out how it finished 4-1. I guess Chai Nat were more effective at the attcking end of the pitch. It didn't rain, but the pitch was boggy and muddy, with passes regularly stopping dead on the surface. Despite the 16:00 kickoff, the game finished in near darkness, with the floodlights not used.
Kudos to the fans for good day out, particularly the BKK fan who was yelling congralutory comments to the Chai Nat fans as they walked past on the way out. As I mentioned, Chai Nat fans turned up in numbers - I counted about a dozen double-decker coaches in the car park after the game.

[the_englishman]

Well as the club doesn't have its own thread I'll use this space to express my sympathies to Vinie's hometown and the terrible floods they are having.

Has it/will it affect the club, Vinnie?

[Vinnie]

Well as the club doesn't have its own thread I'll use this space to express my sympathies to Vinie's hometown and the terrible floods they are having.

Has it/will it affect the club, Vinnie?

I've had questions from many quarters regarding my and my family's welfare so I've put a brief update on the website. http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/koratfc/club_news.pl?news=435015

As for the club, I suspect the club shop/offices (nowhere near the stadium) have been flooded out as they are in a very high risk area which seems to be forever flooding.

[the_englishman]

I can't remember the password for your forum so I'll have to ask here:
Why is the flooding so serious this year? Is it due to volume of rainfall or something else?

[Vinnie]

I can't remember the password for your forum so I'll have to ask here:
Why is the flooding so serious this year? Is it due to volume of rainfall or something else?

Most of it is indirect flooding caused by two reservoirs which are dangerously above capacity. Dams have been opened causing rivers to burst their banks. In other words, it's a controlled, intentional flooding which is supposed to be the lesser of two evils; the greater of which being the horrific prospect of two dams bursting. That's why the flooding is most serious in the districts of Pak Thong Chai and Pak Chong: both are located near major reservoirs. A lot of the localised flooding in the city was caused by two days of constant heavy rain on Friday and Saturday.

[lokomotive]

an interesting short interview with Dr. Sumet Suwanaprom (Chairman of the RL) on thai-fussball.de. Credit to my local mate for doing the interview.

Dr. Sumet Suwanaprom and his plans for the future of the Regional League

[druryfire]

an interesting short interview with Dr. Sudet (Chairman of the RL) on thai-fussball.de. Credit to my local mate for doing the interview.

Dr. Sudet and his plans for the future of the Regional League

Interesting interview Loko.

I don't particularly like the sound of a super Regional Champion being played in January.  Includes RL champions and Hat Yai the host and even more teams from the south. So, we ae not really claiming a champion in the playoffs, but a champion at the beginning of another campaign.

[wolfman]

More trials for budding semi-pro footballers. If you can't get down to Chumporn (see post #872), Lamphun Warriors are also trialling on November 6th & 7th from 9:00am, at Lamphun Provincial Stadium, Muang, Lamphun. (aka Mae Gwang Stadium)  

Please bring your ID, a 1 or 2 inch photo, and a 'resume' detailing your footballing history.

For more details contact the club on 081-882-5143 or 082-615-4321

[Vinnie]

an interesting short interview with Dr. Sudet (Chairman of the RL) on thai-fussball.de. Credit to my local mate for doing the interview.

Dr. Sudet and his plans for the future of the Regional League

Interesting interview Loko.

I don't particularly like the sound of a super Regional Champion being played in January.  Includes RL champions and Hat Yai the host and even more teams from the south. So, we ae not really claiming a champion in the playoffs, but a champion at the beginning of another campaign.

A strange competition as four of the competing teams will no longer be RL teams.

I note he confirmed the one team - one province rule.

[wolfman]

an interesting short interview with Dr. Sudet (Chairman of the RL) on thai-fussball.de. Credit to my local mate for doing the interview.

Dr. Sudet and his plans for the future of the Regional League

Interesting interview Loko.

I don't particularly like the sound of a super Regional Champion being played in January.  Includes RL champions and Hat Yai the host and even more teams from the south. So, we ae not really claiming a champion in the playoffs, but a champion at the beginning of another campaign.

A strange competition as four of the competing teams will no longer be RL teams.

I note he confirmed the one team - one province rule.

The way I read it is that it will be the 5 RL winners, plus those southern sides. What if a runner up comes through to win a group/promotion?

Which brings me to another question: Last season, Rajpracha-Nonthaburi were crowned Division 2 Champions after winning the mini-league. How will this be decided this year? There doesn't appear to be a 'final' scheduled between the 2 Champions League group winners, and with those groups playing until Christmas, we probably don't want one.

Is Dr. Sudet's tourney to decide Div 2 overall champion? If Hat Yai win & are crowned champions, but 4 other sides are promoted, isn't it all a bit ridiculous?

[Vinnie]

There was a similar competition held in late Jan, early Feb this year called the 'Super Champ Regional Cup' in Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok. The sides from the two host cities took part as well as the top two from each 2009 region. I don't know who won the competition but Korat went out at the first round stage.
Even though the tournament has a silly name and is all rather illogical, the games just function as pre-season friendlies so it's not too much of a problem.

[wolfman]

Ok.

Still - how are they deciding the overall Division 2 champ? The group winner with most points?

Also, given how long this season has gone, I really pity the Champions' League teams who play until Christmas, then this Cup in Jan, and then begin in Div 1 or 2 in mid-Feb. Not much of an off-season, let alone a pre-season.

I think those 4 promoted teams might really struggle next year due to lack of preparation.

[Vinnie]

Ok.

Still - how are they deciding the overall Division 2 champ? The group winner with most points?Also, given how long this season has gone, I really pity the Champions' League teams who play until Christmas, then this Cup in Jan, and then begin in Div 1 or 2 in mid-Feb. Not much of an off-season, let alone a pre-season.

I think those 4 promoted teams might really struggle next year due to lack of preparation.

Why do they need an overall champ?

[66svein]

Results yesterday (Group A):

Buriram 2-2 Phichit
Trang 0-2 Saraburi
Chiang Mai 2-0 Rangsit University

After 2 rounds four teams have 4 points each on top of the table. Trang and Rangsit Uni do not look like going up as they don`t have any points yet. But 8 more games to play...

[wolfman]

Ok.

Still - how are they deciding the overall Division 2 champ? The group winner with most points?Also, given how long this season has gone, I really pity the Champions' League teams who play until Christmas, then this Cup in Jan, and then begin in Div 1 or 2 in mid-Feb. Not much of an off-season, let alone a pre-season.

I think those 4 promoted teams might really struggle next year due to lack of preparation.

Why do they need an overall champ?

I think there's a trophy (and probably some extra dosh) for Division 2 Champion. 

[wolfman]

Results yesterday (Group A):

Buriram 2-2 Phichit
Trang 0-2 Saraburi
Chiang Mai 2-0 Rangsit University

After 2 rounds four teams have 4 points each on top of the table. Trang and Rangsit Uni do not look like going up as they don`t have any points yet. But 8 more games to play...

Trang in particular look like they're in trouble. That's 2 home games they've lost.

[66svein]

Results on sunday (Group B):

Samut Prakhan 2-2 Bangkok FC
Chainat 4-0 Loei City
Rayong 1-1 FC Phuket

Chainat tops the grop with 6 points, Rayong 4 points and Loei at the bottom with 0. The others have 1 or 2 points each.

[BangkokGlassBunny]

Results on sunday (Group B):

Samut Prakhan 2-2 Bangkok FC
Chainat 4-0 Loei City
Rayong 1-1 FC Phuket

Chainat tops the grop with 6 points, Rayong 4 points and Loei at the bottom with 0. The others have 1 or 2 points each.

Not looking good for Loei, I really thought they'd do well and come up with Phuket.

[Vinnie]

Staggered by those two Loei results.

[lokomotive]

Staggered by those two Loei results.

yeah looks like you will have to face them again next season.

[66svein]

Why were Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University F.C. playing in Divison 2 Bangkok this season? After what I can see they stay 250km north of Bangkok.

[wolfman]

Why were Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University F.C. playing in Divison 2 Bangkok this season? After what I can see they stay 250km north of Bangkok.

The 1 province, 1 club rule in the Regional League?

Nakhon Sawan were relegated from last season's Division 1 and played in the Div 2 North this season.

[wolfman]

Saturday (Round 3 results):
Loei 2-1 Bangkok FC
Phuket 1-0 Chai Nat

Loei on the board at last, and Chai Nat brought down to earth after scoring 4 goals in each their first two matches.

[Vinnie]

Saturday (Round 3 results):
Loei 2-1 Bangkok FC
Phuket 1-0 Chai Nat

Loei on the board at last, and Chai Nat brought down to earth after scoring 4 goals in each their first two matches.

Good to see they're making a fight of it and only three out of ten games have been payed so they can stil do it. A shocking goalkeeping error was the only difference between Chainat and Phuket.

[Vinnie]

A Phuket player had a heart attack on the pitch!! Saw the footage this morning, it was an African player. I think he's going to be ok.