This is the third installment of Coconuts’ multi-part Thai Premier League preview. Check here and here for earlier segments of our team-by-team breakdown and check back later for commentary on the remaining clubs in the TPL.
The void in Thai football fans lives will be filled tomorrow when the Thai Premier League kicks off. Supporters will find out whether or not their team has what it takes to challenge the dominant force that is Muang Thong United, who will be aiming for a fourth league title. Teams that spent last season languishing mid-table will be hoping their new signings can add the impetus needed for a push up the standings. Meanwhile, fans watching their club fight relegation season after season will hold out hope that this is the year their club moves away from the relegation dogfight. Coconuts Bangkok is taking a look at the 18 Thai Premier League teams in order to help you make sense of the field in anticipation of this year’s blockbuster season.
This final installment covers the last set of six teams in alphabetic order.
Chiang Rai United
Last season: 9th
FA Cup: Semi finals
Club info: The Northernmost club in the TPL, Chiang Rai United were formed in 2009 and won the Northern Regional League the same year. The next year the club finished third in Division 1, gaining promotion to the Thai Premier League. Somehow, the club managed to persuade a number of Brazilian players and a Brazilian manager that the Chiang Rai province is the place for them to showcase their samba skills.
Key player: Teerasak Po-on
Nickname: The Fighting Beetles
Stadium: United Stadium
Prediction: 9th or 10th again
Chonburi
Last season: 2nd
Thai FA Cup: Third round
Club info: Chonburi managed to break the monopoly Bangkok-based clubs had on the TPL by becoming the first team from outside of the capital to win the title in 2007. The club has failed to repeat that success, finishing second place four times and remaining in the shadow of Muang Thong United. Chonburi won the FA Cup in 2010 and they’re also undefeated in the Kor Tor Cup, having won it four times.
Key player: Pipob On-Mo
Nickname: The Sharks
Stadium: Chonburi Stadium
Prediction: Top three
Sisaket FC (replaced Esan United)
Last season: 6th
Thai FA Cup: Fourth round
Club info: Esan United were formerly known as Sisaket Football Club. Sisaket gained promotion to the top tier of Thai football in 2010 where they have remained ever since. In 2012, the local Sisaket government decided they wanted to support the newly formed Sisaket United instead of Sisaket FC. This decision forced Sisaket FC to change their name to Esan United and relocate to Ubon Ratchathani. Earlier this week, Sisaket FC took Esan United’s place in the TPL.
Key player: n/a
Nickname: Dangerous Koupreys
Stadium: Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium
Prediction: 12th
Muang Thong United
Last season: Champions
Thai FA Cup: Quarter finals
Club info: Muang Thong, owned by Siam Sport Syndicate, are probably the most professionally run, famous and dominant club in the TPL. At the start of the 2012 season, Siam Cement Group (SCG) signed a five-year deal for the naming rights of the stadium and an inclusion in the clubs name. Muang Thong finished last season undefeated on the way to their third TPL title.
Key player(s): Teerasil Dangda, Roland Linz
Nickname: The Twin Qulins
Stadium: SCG Stadium, Nonthaburi (also known as Thunderdome Stadium, which is a much better name)
Prediction: Champions
Osotspa Saraburi
Last season: 5th
Thai FA Cup: Third Round
Club info: The club’s name comes from the company that makes M-150. Osotspa are one of the most consistent performers in the league and one of the longest serving teams in the TPL. The team’s highest finish was second place in 2001 and 2006.
Key player(s): Tangeni Shipahu
Nickname: M-Power
Stadium: M-150 Saruburi Stadium
Prediction: Top 5
Pattaya FC
Last season: 15th
Thai FA Cup: Third round
Club info: Hailing from the infamous seaside hotspot, Pattaya FC was formed in 2008. In order to gain a licence to play in TPL the team took over Coke-Banphra FC. While the team finished in a respectable fourth place in 2011, it flirted with relegation last year. The mayor of Pattaya is the club’s chairman.
Key player(s): Niweat Siriwong
Nickname: The Dolphins
Stadium: Nong Prue Stadium
Prediction: Relegation fight
