This is good news for the Thai football community as we enter a new era.
This follows the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) officially publishing the 2025 global rankings of men's football leagues.
The results show that the Thai football league has risen to 47th in the world and 5th in Asia.
It trails only Saudi Arabia (13th), Japan (20th), South Korea (38th), and the UAE (42nd).
As for the ASEAN region, there is no doubt—Thai League has been number one for many years.
But does being number one make the Thai national team stronger?
The saying ‘strong league, strong national team,’ like in the past, still applies to the Thai league—this remains an open question.
Because the current adjustment allowing 10 foreign players to be registered and 7 to play on the field
does make the league more entertaining, but it likely hinders the development of Thai players progressing to the national team in the future without doubt.
This is the challenge that the executives of the Football Association of Thailand and the Thai League company must resolve.
They should not be overly influenced or defer too much to certain powerful individuals.
Because ultimately, the negative consequences will fall on “our national team” in a way that cannot be avoided.
Moving from the Thai men's league, let's now turn to the Thai women's league.
Earlier this week, the Football Association held a major press conference announcing the 2026 seasons of Thai Women's League 1 and 2.
Under a slogan similar to before but extended: “Battle of the Iron Flowers—beautiful on the grass… stronger than they appear.”
This aims to make the tournament more interesting than before, as it has remained relatively unpopular among football fans.
With WINGZ Sports Company Limited coming in as the main sponsor of Thai Women's League 1,
the competition is expected to be livelier and more colorful as the “WINGZ Thai Women's League 1” 2026 season.
The competition format will initially remain the same.
But starting next season, “President Pang” Nualphan Lamsam will introduce a new format to increase intensity, engagement, and benefits for female footballers.
From the previous two-legged competition to a three-legged format—beginning with Leg 1 and Leg 2,
and Leg 3 as the Final stage to determine the champion again, providing more matches for the players.
There are also plans to establish a cup competition to add another level of continuity.
In this season, Thai Women's League 1 clubs will receive 500,000 baht each in support and travel expenses for 8 clubs (totaling 4 million baht).
The champion will receive 600,000 baht and the right to participate in the Champions League qualifiers.
The runner-up gets 450,000 baht; third place 300,000 baht; fourth place 150,000 baht; fifth place 75,000 baht; and sixth place 50,000 baht.
Meanwhile, in Thai Women's League 2, 8 teams will receive 300,000 baht each in support and travel expenses (totaling 2.4 million baht).
The champion receives 150,000 baht along with promotion rights.
Similarly, the runner-up gets 75,000 baht with promotion rights, while third place receives 50,000 baht.
The 2026 Thai Women's League 1 season Matchday 1 schedule is as follows:
Saturday, 31 January 2026 GMT+7.
At 16:00, Chonburi Sports School will face Bangkok at Chonburi Training Ground.
At 16:00, Nakhon Si Thammarat Sports School will play Kasem Bundit University FC at Nakhon Si Thammarat Sports School stadium.
Sunday, 1 February 2026 GMT+7.
At 16:00, BGC-Bundit Asia will play BRU Burirat Academy at Unif Park; at 16:00, Nakhon Sawan FC will face Chonburi Women's Football at Nakhon Sawan Central Stadium.
The 2026 Thai Women's League 2 season Matchday 1 schedule is as follows:
Saturday, 31 January 2026 GMT+7.
At 16:00, LPGSS Khelang United will face Sisaket Women's Football at the artificial turf field of Lampang Sports School.
At 16:00, Khon Kaen Sports School will play Bangkok Sports School at Khon Kaen Sports School Field 1.
Sunday, 1 February 2026 GMT+7.
At 16:00, Phra Nakhon Women's Football will face BG PTU Thakhlong at Chonburi Sports School artificial turf field.
At 17:00, Na Luang School will play Surin Hinkon United at Bangmod Chalerm Phrakiat Sports Center.
The 2026 Thai Women's League matches will be broadcast weekly on the AIS PLAY and Monomax applications.
Last year, ratings for Thai women's football dropped significantly because the Chaba Kaew team did not succeed in Asia and missed out on the SEA Games gold medal.
But this year, we start anew by fully supporting our women's football league.
We believe everything can improve if all parts of Thai football work together seriously!
- Bee Bangpakong -