Which Thai League football clubs are linked to political parties before the major election on 8 February 2026?','tags':['Thai League','football','political parties','election']
On 15 January 2026, with the general election for Members of Parliament approaching on 8 February 2026, Thairath Sports news team takes a look at which Thai League 1 football clubs are connected to which political parties.','tags':['election','Thai League 1','football clubs','political connections']
❤️ Pheu Thai Party, number 9: Four teams','tags':['Pheu Thai Party','football teams']
Chiangrai United, chaired by “Big Hun” Mitti Tiyapairat, known as the “Khuang Song Maha Phai.”','tags':['Chiangrai United','club chairman','Mititi Tiyapairat']
The Tiyapairat family and the Shinawatra family have had a longstanding good political relationship since the Thai Rak Thai Party era. In the 2025 provincial administrative election in Chiangrai, Big Hun’s mother, Salakchard Tiyapairat, ran as a candidate for Pheu Thai Party. More recently, in the 2026 election, Big Hun’s sister, Piyaratch Tiyapairat, is also running as a Pheu Thai candidate, with the Chiangrai United chairman actively campaigning.','tags':['Tiyapairat family','Shinawatra family','Pheu Thai Party','election','Chiangrai']
Sukhothai FC, led by Somsak Thepsuthin, the head of the “Fire Bat” team, is a key figure in the Pheu Thai Party. He actively campaigns to garner votes, especially in lower northern regions and Sukhothai province, his stronghold. Somsak has had a close relationship with Pheu Thai since the Thai Rak Thai Party era and recently served as a cabinet minister under Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and Pha Thongtarn Shinawatra.','tags':['Sukhothai FC','Somsak Thepsuthin','Pheu Thai Party','campaigning']
Nakhon Ratchasima FC, owned by Thewan Liptapanlop, saw him resign from the Chart Pattana Party after it decided not to field candidates in the election. He then joined the Pheu Thai Party. Recently, Vatcharapol Tomornsak, one of the club executives, ran for MP under Pheu Thai in Nakhon Ratchasima’s second district, while Thewan ran as a party-list candidate ranked 25th.','tags':['Nakhon Ratchasima FC','Thewan Liptapanlop','Pheu Thai Party','election candidates']
Phlangkan, chaired by Dr. Prawat Kittamangkoolnit, the current Kanchanaburi Provincial Administrative Organization chief, is supported by Surapong Piyachot, former head of Kanchanaburi provincial administration, and a group of Pheu Thai MPs from Kanchanaburi who won the 2023 election.','tags':['Phlangkan FC','Dr. Prawat Kittamangkoolnit','Pheu Thai Party','Kanchanaburi']
Bhumjaithai Party, number 37: Four teams','tags':['Bhumjaithai Party','football teams']
Buriram United, chaired by Newin Chidchob, known as “Uncle New,” is undeniably the key figure in the Bhumjaithai Party and one of its most influential members despite not running in the election. His son, Chaiyachon Chidchob, serves as Minister of Digital Economy and Society in Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government. Last October, on his 67th birthday, Newin wished Anutin a four-year term as prime minister.','tags':['Buriram United','Newin Chidchob','Bhumjaithai Party','government']
Chonburi FC, chaired by Wichai Khunpluem, the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization chief, is led by the Khunpluem family, a major political force in Chonburi. Led by Wichai’s brother, Sontaya Khunpluem, the family switched from Pheu Thai to Bhumjaithai to contest the 2026 parliamentary election.','tags':['Chonburi FC','Wichai Khunpluem','Bhumjaithai Party','election']
Uthai Thani FC, founded in 2010 by Chada Thaisetth, a political stronghold in Uthai Thani province, is a Bhumjaithai MP known for his distinctive style. He formerly served as Deputy Minister of Interior under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Currently, his daughter, Sabida Thaisetth, holds the position of Minister of Culture.','tags':['Uthai Thani FC','Chada Thaisetth','Bhumjaithai Party','government']
Ayutthaya United, chaired by “Big Ed” Adisak Pancharoenworakul, belongs to a prominent local family. The club’s honorary advisor, Pimpruda Tanjarrak, is also running as a Bhumjaithai candidate in 2026 to maintain the party’s local base.','tags':['Ayutthaya United','Adisak Pancharoenworakul','Bhumjaithai Party','election']
Kla Party, number 42: Two teams','tags':['Kla Party','football teams']
Ratchaburi FC, chaired by Thanawat Nitikarnjana, is backed by his mother, Boonying Nitikarnjana, who is running for MP in Ratchaburi’s second district for the Kla Party. She is a three-time incumbent and the party’s stronghold.','tags':['Ratchaburi FC','Thanawat Nitikarnjana','Kla Party','election']
PT Prachuap FC, founded by Chalermchai Sri-on, who previously served as the 9th leader of the Democrat Party, recently switched to the Kla Party. He is leading a group of former MPs and local councilors to contest the 2026 election, focusing mainly on southern regions.','tags':['PT Prachuap FC','Chalermchai Sri-on','Kla Party','election']
冀 Democrat Party, number 27: One team','tags':['Democrat Party','football team']
Rayong FC, chaired by Satit Pitutecha, known as the “Blue Horse Dragon,” has joined the Democrat Party. Satit previously served as head of candidate selection and currently is deputy party leader. The Pitutecha family is influential in Rayong, with Piya Pitutecha serving as the local provincial administrative organization chief.','tags':['Rayong FC','Satit Pitutecha','Democrat Party','local politics']
Clubs whose executives are not politically involved include Port FC, True Bangkok United, BG Pathum United, Muangthong United, and Lamphun Warriors.','tags':['Port FC','True Bangkok United','BG Pathum United','Muangthong United','Lamphun Warriors','no political ties']
#ThairathSports #ThairathOnline #Election69 #MP #ThaiFootball','tags':['Thairath','sports','election','football','Thailand']