The top-tier Thai League 1 has now passed its 6th matchweek.
There have been quite a few changes in the league table positions at both the top and bottom.
At the bottom, the “Sharks” Chonburi FC, who had lost five consecutive matches and had yet to earn a single point,
visited one of the top four teams in hot form, Ratchaburi FC.
Everyone expected them to fail again, especially since they conceded the first goal in the first half.
However, in the second half, Chonburi rallied to equalize 1-1 through Stênio Júnior.
But that was not all—in the final 15 minutes, the Sharks scored the winning goal 2-1, courtesy of foreign player Kike Linales.
This marked an incredible breakthrough as they secured their first 3 points of the season.
They also managed to climb away from the bottom of the table.
Hopefully, this will be a turning point for Chonburi to start collecting points more consistently.
At the top of the table this week, the “leader” position changed hands once again.
Buriram United, the “Thunder Castle” team, hosted the Isan derby match,
but surprisingly suffered their first defeat, losing 2-3 to the fierce newcomer Sisaket United.
This was thanks to two goals from Jefinho, who single-handedly led the “Lamduanpleng” to an upset victory over the Thunder Castle team.
As a result of this home loss, Buriram immediately dropped from the top spot in the Thai League.
The team that took over the number 1 position was Port FC.
They exploded with strong performances, winning three consecutive matches within one week.
Starting with a 2-0 away victory against Bangkok United, the “True Warriors,” last Sunday,
then traveling to northeastern Thailand to defeat Rasi Salai 3-1 in the Chang FA Cup round of 64 midweek knockout match,
and most recently, returning home to open Pat Stadium and thrash Rayong FC 4-1 last Saturday.
These wins brought them to 15 points, climbing to the top of the highest league table impressively.
All credit goes to their new head coach, Bozidar Bandovic.
He was brought in to replace coach Saranon Tri Phan amid fans’ doubts about the new coach.
Many wondered if Bandovic would be a “Coach Chiang Gong” figure,
since after leaving Buriram’s head coach position several years ago, he had little success with other clubs.
However, Bandovic overcame widespread criticism and began proving that he is quite capable.
Otherwise, why would the Thunder Castle boss have asked him to coach the team twice?
Bandovic started to set up the Port FC lineup more cohesively and effectively.
He utilized the strengths and potential of both Thai and foreign players with impressive efficiency.
Most notably, and deserving of praise, is his boldness in choosing Thai players as the core, fielding almost half the team with them.
This is something I have wanted our clubs to adopt as a policy for a long time.
I believe most Thai football fans want to see this as well.
Because it will have a direct positive impact on the Thai national team, both now and in the future.
Port FC’s “Thailand First” policy is serving as a model for other teams to observe.
If it achieves tangible success,
it is certain that many people in this country will support Port FC,
keeping them at the top for a long time until they truly become Thai League champions.
.— B Bangpakong —