Next Saturday evening is probably the biggest game in the history of Chiang Mai FC. Final game of the season, away against Khon Kaen FC, with both teams competing for the final promotion place to Thailands equivalent of the Premier League ( not the same standard of course). Chiang Mai have 49 points, Khon Kaen have 48 so a draw will promote Chiang Mai. If promoted, next season will see the richest clubs in Thailand including Buriram FC and Muangthong FC, packed with Thai International players and a sprinkling of International players from other Countries visiting Chiang Mai.

 

On Saturday, where there are normally about 2000 supporters in the 700 Year Stadium which I think can hold over 20,000, there were around 7000 supporters for a game against this seasons Champions PTT Rayong. A win would have given Chiang Mai promotion but it was a 1-1 draw with Rayong hanging on at the end just surviving with 10 men, having had one sent off.

 

Saturdays game will be televised live, not sure which channel, Chiang Mai will have the best part of 1000 supporters making the long journey to Khon Kaen. The passion shown by Thai supporters for their team is great, and the football is also played with great passion...not as skilful as European Leagues, but to be honest, a lot of it is preferable to me when compared to the overpaid, over pampered attitudes of a lot of Premiership players these days!

Negative deflecting posts and response removed.

Off topic post reported and removed also a reply

I live in Khon Kaen Province however, being an ex-football referee I am impartial so may the best team win.

I don't like to be pedantic but a win against PTT wouldn't have given CMFC promotion !

1 hour ago, alfieconn said:

I don't like to be pedantic but a win against PTT wouldn't have given CMFC promotion !

Agreed! My mistake! "Its Complicated" if 2 teams finish on level points its the "head to head" record of the two matches against each other, not goal difference. I often wondered if my school maths would ever be any use for anything....now I know !!

Hopefully you get promoted, will give me a reason to visit next season with Port FC.

2 hours ago, Bangkokhatter said:

Hopefully you get promoted, will give me a reason to visit next season with Port FC.

Port FC? No, we wont meet, we re football not Water Polo!

I have a few friends going to Khon Kaen this weekend, they were telling me that the owner of the club has put free transport on for any fans wanting to go. You wouldn't get that in the UK. They were also saying that they had heard a lot of regular western fans are setting off at various times from Thursday - Saturday morning via plane. Sounds like a good weekend away. Hope all goes well and I might be tempted to start going again. Not been since 2013.

I think there used to be a decent facebook page in English which kept you up to date on fixtures etc, any idea if thats still going? I dont use Facebook anymore.

6 hours ago, stillhereandlovinit said:

I have a few friends going to Khon Kaen this weekend, they were telling me that the owner of the club has put free transport on for any fans wanting to go. You wouldn't get that in the UK. 

Stoke City praised for free Premier League away coach travel initiative

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jul/19/stoke-city-free-away-travel?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard

6 hours ago, stillhereandlovinit said:

I think there used to be a decent facebook page in English which kept you up to date on fixtures etc, any idea if thats still going? I dont use Facebook anymore.

Yes it is https://www.facebook.com/cmfcenglish

UPDATE ! CHIANG MAI FC PROMOTED! After a memorable and very tense game, Chiang Mai FC secured a draw 2-2 away at Khon Kaen, guaranteeing the final promotion place on the final day of the season against the only team that could have overtaken them! Chiang Mai supporters packed one end of the ground, something over 500 people made the very long trip to Khon Kaen, and the Chiang Mai supporters outshouted and outsung the KK supporters throughout the game. Passion, intensity and tension were all on display and the Chiang Mai team were remarkably humble. Most of them even stopped by at the bar where we were celebrating to thank us for our support! You wouldnt get that from most sports teams! Roll on next season, when the very best teams in Thailand will be visiting Chiang Mai! 

2 hours ago, EL159 said:

UPDATE ! CHIANG MAI FC PROMOTED! After a memorable and very tense game, Chiang Mai FC secured a draw 2-2 away at Khon Kaen, guaranteeing the final promotion place on the final day of the season against the only team that could have overtaken them! Chiang Mai supporters packed one end of the ground, something over 500 people made the very long trip to Khon Kaen, and the Chiang Mai supporters outshouted and outsung the KK supporters throughout the game. Passion, intensity and tension were all on display and the Chiang Mai team were remarkably humble. Most of them even stopped by at the bar where we were celebrating to thank us for our support! You wouldnt get that from most sports teams! Roll on next season, when the very best teams in Thailand will be visiting Chiang Mai! 

I watched the game on TV and yes, it was very exciting. Khon Kaen could have won the match in the 88th minute from a cross which was met by an unmarked player who shot wide. From then on stalemate! Congratulations. For me, the best result of the day was West Ham 3 Man U 1

Looked a great day out, well done too all involved.