The Thai New Year festival, known as Songkran, is about to start. This year, counting Saturday and Sunday, there is a continuous 5-day holiday.
Some have asked why Thai football does not hold matches during Songkran.
Some compare Thai football to foreign leagues, citing examples like the English Premier League's 'Boxing Day' games.
The idea is that during the long holiday, Thai people could have football as an additional recreational activity.
However, in reality, Thai football cannot follow foreign models because many environmental factors are very different.
It's not just football; in many countries, watching sports is a culture that has been practiced for hundreds of years.
But in Thailand, we must accept that the country is not yet deeply engaged with the culture of watching sports to that extent.
Nevertheless, the Thai League has previously discussed this issue and concluded that holding matches during long holidays is not suitable.
The main reasons are problems with travel and accommodation, which every club would definitely find troublesome.
That is why Thai football tries to avoid scheduling matches during long holidays such as New Year and Songkran.
But this Songkran, Thai football fans will not be lonely; there are matches to watch almost every day, involving both clubs and the national team.
Starting with the Thai League's final phase, there are four rescheduled matches to be played, all very significant.
On Saturday, 11 April, there are three matches: Lamphun Warriors, fighting relegation, face Ratchaburi, who are competing for an AFC Champions League Elite spot.
Next, Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda, also battling relegation, meet True Bangkok United, who are also chasing Asian tournament qualification.
The day ends with a Northern derby: Singha Chiang Rai United versus Sukhothai, both clubs fighting to avoid relegation.
On Sunday, 12 April, the highlight is Buriram United versus Ayutthaya United at 7:00 p.m.
Buriram United needs just one point to secure their 11th Thai League championship. We'll see if they can close it out then.
Besides the Thai League, Thai fans can also support the national teams. Starting with the 2026 ASEAN Futsal Championship, Thailand plays the semifinals today (10 April) and the final on Sunday, 12 April at 8:00 p.m.
A thrilling event is the women's U20 Asian Championship, known as the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
The Thai women's team is scheduled for the quarterfinals against South Korea on Sunday, 12 April at 8:00 p.m. at Thammasat Stadium.
If Thailand wins, they will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 in Poland immediately.
Additionally, there is the FIFA Series 2026 women's football tournament, which Thailand is hosting for the first time, held in Ratchaburi.
This tournament features teams from different continents competing, making it an interesting event.
The first matches on 12 April are Indonesia vs. DR Congo and Thailand vs. New Caledonia, with the final scheduled for 15 April.
The final match during Songkran to not miss is the AFC Champions Two semifinal second leg on 15 April. True Bangkok United moves to Rajamangala Stadium to face Gamba Osaka from Japan at 7:15 p.m.
In the first leg, the 'Angel Warriors' won 1-0 away. This time, a draw will send them directly to the final.
Looking at the schedule, it must be said that Thai football fans will not be lonely this Songkran. They can choose matches to watch and cheer for at their convenience.
Bubble