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SriRachaShark
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« on: July 08, 2009, 12:05:25 PM » |
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There have been some very encouraging signs for Thai football this season, and things look set to get even better. After years of being largely ignored by everyone, apart from a few, it's suddenly become really popular.
Personally, I think that this is fantastic. It's so nice to see people flocking to games at all levels and also the fact that many non-Thais have got into the local scene.
My question is - Why now? What are the contributing factors in this increased interest?
I have my own theories and ideas but I'd like to hear what other people think.
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lokomotive
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« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2009, 05:48:02 PM » |
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Well, hard for me too say from that distance. But I think, points like more Clubs from outside of Bangkok. More non instituational Clubs than before. Regular presence in the Media even the games itself are not availabe in free TV. Many small things as well. Many tourists or local have not be aware of Thaifootball scene because the informations in the internet about the clubs, leagues and stadiums had been limited to informations in Thai. With a source like Wiki it has changed. Since Drury and myself had started more than one year ago to create articles, it has become a big source. If you google now, for any thai city or club, you are able to find informations about the thaifootball. Maybe that's naiv thinking, but this is how I think as a football crazy. There enough outhtere. If they make holidays in countrys outside their own, they plan their trip and checking the internet for informations. Now they can find one. Also the people which are now editing articles in the Wiki for Thaifootball has incresed. At least on the english side. Not on the German  ...it's still myself alone. Than take this board. Maybe not so many registered peops here. But I guess there are a lot only reading heare. And the board had just re-open a year ago. Not to forget the informations you can find on this website. I like this website. It has a lot of informations. But somethines I would wish that somebody could do some restructering. And add some new infos and delete the old ones. Like the Clubs. It's totally out of date. Well those are my small things. No big issues.  |
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druryfire
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« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2009, 11:44:37 PM » |
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Well, I kind of remember how I got hooked.
It was on my first visit to Thailand, must have been in 2006 and clearing out my friends condo, television channel hoping when it found Ostosapa against KTB at 4pm – my first thoughts were, why the hell are they playing at 4pm???
But, the style of football looked good, pass and move and generally good build up (if a bit one paced – probably the heat)
From there, I saw it as my personal mission to find out that little bit more and as Sven (Loko) has said, myself and Sven built up the pages on Wikipedia along with the help of Cheeta (or Megazone), this has now caught on to more Thai natives to update information I presume is correct (things like stadia which was never included, but I kind of must in football terms).
I started my blog, after seeing Jakarta Casual’s and slowly built up my knowledge of the Thai game and even realized there was life outside of BKK – go to Pro League, Div 1 & 2.
But other interest from people with no links to Thailand was when Chonburi turned Melbourne over in the ACL.
That’s what in my opinion has really made people sit up. Melbourne certainly knew what they hoped they would have known before the game and are slowly using Chonburi to their benefit.
This kicked off the interest from outside of Thailand, but inside interest on the domestic leagues didn’t happen until this year. I would say that most times I have been negative of FAT, but they’ve turned it around for this season after getting told off by AFC.
The full structure is now working well and native Thai’s are getting behind their local teams, which some would never have had before – media interest seems good in thai print – just lacking on the English front (FAT to change to dual Thai/English).
Improvements have been made, other websites have cropped up giving opinions and fans in general are helping in taking a friend to a game. It also helps that the league is competitive – a couple of years ago I would have said Chonburi were out of this league and being held back.
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lokomotive
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« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2009, 02:17:31 PM » |
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just lacking on the English front (FAT to change to dual Thai/English).
I agree with you. That should be really fixed asap. As well as some other Clubpages are tough to navigate if written only in Thai. Not to mention the player names in the squadlist. Sometimes I have the feeling, the Thais are like to level with France. They don't want to speak and read other languages either.  ...and some pages are simply dissapear right after the season starts like Chula, or not updated in any case. |
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lokomotive
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« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2009, 05:44:18 PM » |
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Sorry Vinnie, can't follow you. Why this article is remarkable for you?
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SriRachaShark
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« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2009, 05:46:13 PM » |
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Sorry Vinnie, can't follow you. Why this article is remarkable for you?
The word beginning with "c" is a very rude word in English. |
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Vinnie
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« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2009, 07:03:13 PM » |
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Definitely something that got left out of history class!
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Nigb
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« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2009, 10:59:47 AM » |
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Few comments from thaileaguefootball.com Thai Football - It's The Latest Craze!
There have been some very encouraging signs for Thai football this season, and things look set to get even better. After years of being largely ignored by everyone, apart from a few, it's suddenly become really popular.
Personally, I think that this is fantastic. It's so nice to see people flocking to games at all levels and also the fact that many non-Thais have got into the local scene.
My question is - Why now? What are the contributing factors in this increased interest?
I have my own theories and ideas but I'd like to hear what other people think.
SriRacha Shark
Post bySriRacha Shark ( ) ::Date 07-07-2009 19:49:02
Opinion No. 1 (11594)
More money better players better stadiuams chonburi doing well in afc andsetting the bench mark for other teams to follow .I think it is going in right direction looking forward to second half.
Byalldo ( ) Date 07-07-2009 20:54:55
Opinion No. 2 (11597)
I think it just because there is a better show on now when you watch a Thai Premier League match.
I think we need to ask - how do we let other farangs know about this? because I think the majority of them are hungry for this type of entertainment in Thailand.
ByNik ( ) Date 07-07-2009 22:39:10
Opinion No. 3 (11598)
There are 11 games on tv second half of the season thats a start and just keep spreading the word .
with the Liverpool game coming up there is suddenly lots of awareness of Thai football among foreigners in Thailand. Maybe this is an opportunity to get the word out that there is a league worth following here too. |
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the_englishman
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« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2009, 06:36:14 AM » |
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But I think, points like more Clubs from outside of Bangkok. More non instituational Clubs than before. Regular presence in the Media even the games itself are not availabe in free TV.
I think you have covered some crucial points here. When I first looked at the Thai league (a few years back) it had names like "Krung Thai Bank". Now, in the UK, can you imagine having 'Natwest Bank' as a team? Who would support them? Thai fans feel the same need for affiliation as we do and the move to give teams real names and identities must surely help. Also, as you said, football is a regional thing, and having more regional teams will build up support. |
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jakartacasual
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« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2009, 07:44:44 AM » |
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TPF
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« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2009, 04:51:40 PM » |
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I enjoyed reading this article very much. You are spot on about fans supporting teams from the community, rather then corporate sponsored teams. |
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SriRachaShark
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« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2009, 05:51:45 PM » |
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This is a copy of a letter I sent to the BKK Post on a similar subject in March, 2008. "I was heartened to read Kn Ravipan Pavasuthipand's article entitled, "Chonburi FC success sets a great example" in Wednesday's Post. As someone who has followed the club, both home and away, for the past five seasons it is nice to see us getting some recognition in your newspaper. Our rise, under the guidance and continued support of club chairman Kn Wittya Kunpluem, has been meteoric and we have enjoyed some great experiences along the way; winning the Pro-League title in 2005, contesting the final of the Singapore Cup in 2006 (the first non Singaporean side to acheive this), winning the TPL in only our second season in the top flight and now making the whole of Asia sit up and take notice as we lead our AFC Champions League group after two rounds of matches. We are now averaging crowds of 3,000+ at home and regularly take 200+ fans to away games, mostly on free buses provided by the club. It is a great time to be a Chonburi FC fan but, as Kn Ravipan points out in her article, the rest of the league is being left behind. And this does concern me. A lot of the people who attended last Wednesday night's match at Supachalasai Stadium were neutrals or recent converts to the Chonburi cause. But, as much as we were grateful for their support against Melbourne, I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage them to go and actively support their local clubs. OK, so cheering for TOT (the current league leaders) or Bangkok Bank might not be "appealing to fans" but it would certainly help Thai local football and, who knows, you might enjoy yourselves and get "hooked". I have been extremely critical of FAT in the past but, in their defence, they do seem to be making more of an effort to promote the Thai domestic game these days. And, I'm sure that Chonburi's success has been the catalyst for a lot of their renewed vigour. (Maybe they've already been to Chonburi to "learn how things should be done.") I'd love to see a strong competitive Thai League (with Chonburi at the top of course!!) which is watched by large passionate crowds. And, it can be done. If you would have told me five years ago, when I was sitting in a crowd of about 200 people and was afraid to clap in case I disturbed the person sitting next to me, that the Chonburi FC match day experience would be on a par with any I've had in England (without the bitterness), I wouldn't have believed you. So, come on Thai football fans, get out there and support Thai football. It's much better than watching overpaid prima-donnas in the European leagues on TV! The full fixture list can be found here : www.fat.or.th" |
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« Last Edit: September 11, 2009, 05:56:39 PM by SriRachaShark »
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Limbo
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« Reply #13 on: September 15, 2009, 06:21:20 AM » |
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I agree and I am not the only one as I see here at the home games of Chiangrai United.
An about 2500 crowd on a regular base and a group of let's say on average 18 foreigners.
Great atmosphere!
Okay, you know how most foreigners are: They know everything best, because they are foreigners and specially about football because 'the Thai don't know aything about football', but I got a group together of which on average more than half shows up.
The complainers and suprematists will drop out, I am sure and at the end we have a new attraction for foreigners in Chiang Rai: be with the Thai, do as the Thai, join ranks with the Thai, become a Chiangraier with the Chiangraiers! Men become boys again and jump enthousiastically up after the goals!
I notice also that the Thai people appreciate that foreigners sheer the team.
Many foreigners were convinced that Chiang Rai had bought the referee two weeks ago, because he gave a penalty because of a ferm shoulder (he didn't give one some minutes before, when he should haven given one, which might have influenced the wrong decision). Anyhow the goaly of Sukhotai created the most beautiful football action of the match by saving the point (end result 2 - 2).
Then suddenly 5 or 6 don't show up
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SriRachaShark
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« Reply #14 on: September 15, 2009, 12:54:09 PM » |
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I know what you mean, Limbo. I've been watching Thai league football for years and I hardly saw any non Thais at matches until this season. And if I did they were usually members of the coaching fraternity.
I used to have one English friend who accompanied to games during the 2004 and 2005 seasons but he moved to Vietnam. I've also dragged along various work colleagues and visiting friends over the years. My parents became minor celebrities when they were shown on the tv whilst in the crowd at a Chonburi match a couple of years ago.
I think that there are certain things that take some getting used to where Thai football is concerned but the positives far outweigh the negatives so, my advice to new converts would be, stick with it. It is nice to see more ex-pats following the local game and posting on here. Long may it continue.
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Vinnie
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« Reply #15 on: September 16, 2009, 01:23:24 PM » |
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TPF
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« Reply #16 on: September 16, 2009, 05:00:50 PM » |
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Good idea Vinnie! I'll see if I can portray the same thing for PAT Stadium: Vs Nakhon Pathom - 03/06/09 - The match had already kicked off, and the stand was far from full (See if you can spot Nigb  )   Vs TOT - 13/09/09 - The same stand was full, well before kick-off...   as was the stand behind the goal which was not in place for the Nakhon Pathom match.   |
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« Last Edit: September 16, 2009, 05:07:01 PM by มาร์โก้ Marco »
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Vinnie
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« Reply #17 on: September 16, 2009, 05:06:24 PM » |
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How does one go about getting photos to appear in threads as you've done? Be warned, please explain how to do it using the simplest language you possibly can!
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TPF
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« Reply #18 on: September 16, 2009, 05:09:13 PM » |
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The only way i can do it, is by uploading the photo to: www.imageshack.comupload the photo - you can change the size of the pic easily (640x480 seems best). Once it's done you'll see a thumbnail of the photo - click on that, and just copy the code from the box that say's "embed this image" - then paste that here. Hope this helps! |
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« Last Edit: September 16, 2009, 05:14:32 PM by มาร์โก้ Marco »
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Vinnie
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« Reply #19 on: September 16, 2009, 05:25:18 PM » |
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Cheers. It's just every so often there's the odd photo I come across that's better suited on here than on my website and I never knew how to do it. Ta very much. |
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SriRachaShark
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« Reply #20 on: September 17, 2009, 10:17:56 AM » |
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Click on the "Reply" button. Then click on "Additional Options". Where it says "Attach", click on the "Browse" button. Then choose your photo. Open and finally click "Post". If I can do it anyone can. |
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Vinnie
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« Reply #21 on: September 17, 2009, 12:08:54 PM » |
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Thanks, that sounds easy. There were some photos on the Korat FC forum of members of the Korat squad unwinding after Saturday's match in a bar that caters for, er, 'gentlemen's entertainment', including a very interesting one of Promphong that I'm sure he'll hope never sees the light of day if he becomes a household name.  Unfortunately, some spoilsport removed the offending/entertaining images within a few hours of them being posted! |
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the_englishman
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« Reply #22 on: October 16, 2009, 07:34:40 AM » |
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Thanks, that sounds easy. There were some photos on the Korat FC forum of members of the Korat squad unwinding after Saturday's match in a bar that caters for, er, 'gentlemen's entertainment', including a very interesting one of Promphong that I'm sure he'll hope never sees the light of day if he becomes a household name. Unfortunately, some spoilsport removed the offending/entertaining images within a few hours of them being posted! Vinnie I owe you two apologies mate. First, I just realised my links to your site from my blogs were actually pointing to a Korat web board by mistake, secondly I accidentally clicked 'report to moderator' next to one of your posts! Mr Moderator, please ignore the_englishman, it's too early in the morning and he has not had his first cup of tea yet. |
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SriRachaShark
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« Reply #23 on: October 16, 2009, 08:44:14 AM » |
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Thanks, that sounds easy. There were some photos on the Korat FC forum of members of the Korat squad unwinding after Saturday's match in a bar that caters for, er, 'gentlemen's entertainment', including a very interesting one of Promphong that I'm sure he'll hope never sees the light of day if he becomes a household name. Unfortunately, some spoilsport removed the offending/entertaining images within a few hours of them being posted! Vinnie I owe you two apologies mate. First, I just realised my links to your site from my blogs were actually pointing to a Korat web board by mistake, secondly I accidentally clicked 'report to moderator' next to one of your posts! Mr Moderator, please ignore the_englishman, it's too early in the morning and he has not had his first cup of tea yet. Vinnie's posts were responsible for getting this board shut down a couple of years ago. He's used to controversy. |
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« Last Edit: October 16, 2009, 09:52:39 AM by SriRachaShark »
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Vinnie
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« Reply #24 on: October 16, 2009, 10:33:34 AM » |
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Vinnie I owe you two apologies mate. First, I just realised my links to your site from my blogs were actually pointing to a Korat web board by mistake, secondly I accidentally clicked 'report to moderator' next to one of your posts!
Don't worry about it. Vinnie's posts were responsible for getting this board shut down a couple of years ago. He's used to controversy. You'll be hearing from my lawyer. |
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SriRachaShark
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« Reply #25 on: November 26, 2009, 12:45:06 PM » |
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bon-nirnam
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« Reply #26 on: November 27, 2009, 09:10:42 AM » |
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Anyone know how much does it cost to pass a regislation banning political figures from participating in football. Football culture prohitbits - off-side, - fondling the balls - tackle from behind - jump allover opponents into an opponent. - use of offensive langue(s) and - hiding behind the wife and FIFA does not mean Financially Inclined F...ers Association  |
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