Congratulations to “King of the Monkeys” Rasi Salai United, the leader of Thai League 2.
They have secured promotion to the top-tier Thai League as the first new team from the lower northeastern region.
After an away victory over Kasetsart FC 1-0, they now have 63 points.
They lead the third-place team by 16 points, with only 5 matches left for the chasing teams.
This means Pattani FC and Nongbua Pitchaya cannot catch up in points anymore.
So at this point, the young Rasi Salai team has already achieved their goal.
They now await their senior teammates, the “Lamduan Phloeng” Sisaket United, the runners-up, to also secure promotion.
If this goal is fulfilled, it will truly be a “golden year for Sisaket football.”
Because not only will two teams from the same province shine together in the top league for the first time in history,
this year, Sisaket’s Provincial Sports Association President, “Big Tong” Dr. Siripong Angkasungkiet,
has submitted a proposal for Sisaket Province to host the 52nd King's Cup football tournament.
Whether they succeed in hosting this major national event?
That decision will be made by the Thai Football Association in April.
Thus, Rasi Salai is confirmed as one team promoted from the second tier to Thai League 1.
But the teams destined to be relegated and travel across Thailand next season,
are still fiercely battling at the bottom of the table.
Including “Sawat Cat” Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC, who remain at the bottom.
Followed by “The Kirins” Muangthong United, currently 15th place.
And the “Iron Horses” Phrae United, who recently won two consecutive matches.
They now have 22 points, equal to Lamphun Warriors, but their goal difference is worse, so they remain in the relegation zone.
At the Thunder Dome, Muangthong United edged out “Huai Kha Khaeng Elephants” Uthai Thani FC 1-0.
The lone goal was scored by “C4” Kakhana Kamyok last Saturday.
This victory marked a major breakthrough for Muangthong United, ending a 10-game winless streak.
Importantly, this was their first home win in 7 months or 195 days in the Thai League.
Their last home victory was on 31 August 2025, a 2-0 win over Phrae United.
That was under the former coach “Coach On” Rangsan Wivatchai Chok.
Although Muangthong’s league standing still requires intense effort, as they remain second from bottom,
their 18 points from 29 matches have reduced the gap to safety to 4 points.
They still have a chance to fight against relegation, though hope is slim.
At this point, most Muangthong fans probably think as I do,
that if the experienced Brazilian coach Jose Alves Borges had been brought in earlier,
the former Thai League champion might not be in such a precarious position now.
Everyone regrets the time lost when the management took a risk hiring Croatian head coach Mario Ivankovic,
who was unfamiliar with Thai football and spent two months trialing since early 2026.
His tenure included seven consecutive games without a win, leading to his departure.
This forced the club to play their last card by appointing the experienced coach Borges to help keep the team alive.
Whether the Brazilian coach can keep Muangthong in the Thai League remains unknown.
But since Borges took over as head coach, Muangthong has earned 4 points from 3 matches.
The overall play may not be impressive, given the squad’s quality.
However, Borges understands the team's situation and knows how to avoid relegation.
Most importantly, he knows how to play each match to secure points.
This gives Muangthong fans some hope to survive relegation in the remaining 6 matches.
Starting with the next match on 22 March, an away super big match against leaders Buriram at Chang Arena.
After the FIFA break, they return home to host Chiang Rai United on 5 April.
Then after Songkran, on 18 April, they host bottom team Nakhon Ratchasima.
Next, they travel to face Chonburi FC on 24 April.
Then back home on Labor Day, 1 May, to face “The Rabbits” BG Pathum at the Thunder Dome.
The final match is away against “The Fire Bat” Sukhothai FC at Talay Luang Stadium on 10 May.
Looking at this schedule, it’s clear the challenge will be tough.
But with the DNA and fighting spirit of every Kirin player,
they hope for one more push.
Maybe there will be a “miracle” from P’Kob – Songsit,
to favor the Kirins… who knows!?
- Bee Bangpakong -