The 2026/27 Thai League season has kicked off thrillingly, truly worth the wait.
The team that took the lead at the top of the premier league table early on was not the expected favorite many had predicted.
Instead, it was the "Huai Kha Khaeng Elephants" Uthai Thani FC under the guidance of the excellent Brazilian coach Alexandre Gama.
He has revitalized this provincial club, which finished 11th last season.
They transformed impressively into the "Frantic Elephants," dominating with a 4-1 away win over Lamphun Warriors, his former team.
Meanwhile, the defending champions Buriram United, who parted ways with their coach before the season started, still showed their strength as perennial title contenders.
They went to the Bat Stadium and defeated Sukhothai FC 3-1.
This was thanks to a hat-trick by Brazilian striker Guilherme Bissoli, the league's top scorer from previous seasons.
Another team to watch, which might challenge Buriram for the Thai League crown again this season, is... True Bangkok United!
True Bangkok United also had a strong start.
They opened their home at the True BG Stadium with a 3-1 win over newcomers Sisaket United last Saturday.
Goals came from "Jao New" Thitiphan Puangchan and a beautiful brace by Weerathep Pomphan.
Remarkably, "Coach Ter" has been with Bangkok United for two years but scored his first goal for the club only in this match.
This has boosted confidence among True Bangkok United fans as the new season begins with hope.
This hope stems from the rollercoaster experience the team had last season.
Under the leadership of Coach Ban Thachathawan Sripan,
the team achieved remarkable success on the Asian stage.
They made history by reaching the AFC Champions League 2 East Zone final.
They became the first Thai club to beat a J-League team on Japanese soil.
However, they faced many challenges that caused them to drop out of the Thai League top four.
Consequently, they missed out on Asian competitions, which was a great disappointment.
Nevertheless, club president "Big Khajorn Jearawun" was not discouraged.
On the contrary, he viewed past mistakes as opportunities.
He is now fully committed to challenging Buriram for the Thai League title.
For years, they have only been the "number one" challenger without seizing the crown.
This season offers the best chance yet.
Because the team has no commitments to international cup competitions, they can focus fully on the league.
Unlike other top teams juggling five to six tournaments domestically and abroad.
This is a golden opportunity for True Bangkok United to concentrate on pursuing the long-awaited league title.
If they don't seize this moment and make their dream come true now, when will they?
Especially considering the squad reinforcements, which may not be flashy but are full of quality and exactly what the team needs.
It's safe to say True Bangkok United this season is definitely a team to watch closely.
A message to Muangthong United's "Kilen Phayong" fans, who have been relegated to the second tier and must travel around Thailand.
If this year you feel lonely and unsure which Thai League 1 team to support,
I suggest cheering for True Bangkok United... the most fitting choice.
At least the team has many former Kilen players as key figures, from forwards to goalkeeper, evoking nostalgic memories.
Players like "Hia Mui" Teerasil Dangda, Thitiphan Puangchan, and Weerathep Pomphan,
as well as Picha Autra, Suphan Thongsong, Willian Popp, and goalkeeper Patiphat Khammai.
Importantly, they recently invested in young rising star forward "C4" Kakhana Kamyok.
The transfer fee helped stabilize Muangthong's financial crisis just in time.
At the same time, they generously loaned Brazilian starlet "Rowaldinho," beloved son of former superstar Rivaldo from Brazil's legendary 'Three Rs' era,
to True Bangkok United on a free loan, with Bangkok United fully covering his wages.
With such generosity, how could Kilen Phayong fans not turn their support to True Bangkok United?
To cheer them on to become Thai League champions?
- Bee Bangpakong -