Football in Thailand

Football in Thailand is organized by Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

Football is the most popular sport in Thailand.[1][2] Although the professional football leagues are new to Thai people, football was introduced to Thailand as far back as 1897. Many Thais also watch football on local and paid-cable TV. Many matches, especially those in the English FA Premier League can be watched free on local channels. Thai channels broadcast every match of the 2006 World Cup.

In 2007, Thailand co-hosted the Asian Cup 2007 with three other countries. This was the second time the event had been held in Thailand, the first being in 1972.

History

Football was introduced into Thailand in 1897. In 1916, King Vajiravudh founded "The Football Association of Thailand under Patronage of His Majesty the King." After that the association joined the FIFA in 1925 and AFC in 1957.

Thailand national football team joined Olympic Games first time in Australia in 1956.

The first football stadium, Suphachalasai Stadium, was built in 1935. King's Cup, the first football cup was introduced in 1968. And then two years later, Queen's Cup, a national cup competition, started in 1970.

Thai football competitions

Leagues and tournaments

League competitions in Thailand include :

(See also: Thai football league system for the additional detail about league system.)

Domestic Cup competitions

International Cup competitions
  • King's Cup - an annual international football competition for national teams.
  • Queen's Cup - an annual international football cup competition for football club teams.

Other competitions

Youth football

Youth football is very popular in Thailand, with several competitions and clubs being active. Bangkok Youth League provides the top level of youth football in Bangkok with a membership that includes teams from Thai Premiership Academies, such as BEC Tero and Chonburi Sharks, as well as local and International Academies such as iPlay Soccer Schools. It provides a structured, competitive environment for over 1000 players aged 6–16 years. Bangkok Soccer League is a youth football club organised for children attending international schools in Thailand and provides regular football for over 500 kids, both Thai and expat. 555

Thai notable players

See also

References
  1. Murray, Leigh (2011-03-06). "Managing in Asia: Bryan Robson Brings His Game to Thailand Soccer - WSJ.com". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  2. "The rise and fall of Thai soccer - The Nation". Nationmultimedia.com. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
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