Final stretch of the Thai League intensifies!!! The competition heats up.
Recently, the Thai League football schedule has been somewhat chaotic with adjustments. Looking on the bright side, these changes aim to help Thai clubs perform better in the AFC Champions League (ACL).
A committee has been established to review match rescheduling, unlike previous seasons when changes were made at will.
It is understandable that teams must adjust their schedules due to participation in the knockout rounds of the Asian Club Championship.
With Thai clubs performing well, the Thai League's standard has risen accordingly, now ranking seventh in Asia.
Focusing on the eastern region alone, the Thai League ranks just behind Japan's J.League and South Korea's K League—an impressive achievement.
Next season, Thai clubs will receive increased quotas to compete in Asian tournaments, with allocations of 2+1+1.
This development also makes the Thai League more exciting.
More clubs have chances to qualify for the AFC Champions League (ACL), intensifying league competition.
Currently, the Thai League standings at the top are fiercely contested, with less than 10 matches remaining in this final stretch.
The championship title seems assured for Buriram United, who have accumulated 53 points and appear set to finish strongly.
However, the runner-up position is also crucial, as the top two teams in the Thai League earn spots in the ACL Elite League (ACL ELIIE) at the League Stage.
Qualifying for the ACL ELIIE means competing for substantial financial rewards—potentially earning more from a few matches than winning the Thai League.
This explains why the fight for second place is more intense than ever; many teams aim for second if first place is out of reach.
Currently, the battle is extremely tight with three teams tied at 39 points occupying second to fourth place.
Port FC has played 21 matches, while Ratchaburi and True Bangkok United have each played 20 matches.
BG Pathum United trails in fifth place with 36 points but still has a chance to compete or at least secure a top-four finish.
Interestingly, the fourth-place team this season might also qualify for the ACL.
According to the 2+1+1 quota system, the FA Cup winner gets a direct +1 spot to play in the ACL ELIIE play-off round.
The last +1 spot goes to the third-placed team in the Thai League, qualifying for the ACL Two group stage.
If Buriram United wins both the Thai League and the FA Cup, the quotas will be adjusted since they have already qualified.
In that case, the ACL ELIIE play-off spot passes to the third-placed team, and the fourth-placed team gains direct entry to the ACL Two.
Therefore, teams aim to finish at least in the top four to qualify for Asian club competitions.
The final phase of the Thai League is extremely intense, even if the championship fight is not very competitive anymore.
At the bottom of the table, the competition is equally fierce, with Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda's recent win adding excitement.
Though the "Swat Cat" faces slim chances of survival with only 13 points, there is still some theoretical hope to avoid last place.
Historically, teams need to reach 30 points to have a realistic chance of avoiding relegation.
Currently, two teams in the relegation zone are Muangthong United in 15th with 14 points and Phrae United in 14th with 16 points.
Teams just above the drop zone but still not safe include Lamphun Warriors in 13th with 20 points and Sukhothai in 12th with 21 points.
Both "White Bulls" and "Fire Bats" cannot be trusted to maintain safety; any slip in the final stretch could cause major trouble.
Meanwhile, three teams tied with 25 points in positions 9 through 11—Uthai Thani, Chonburi, and Singha Chiang Rai United—must also be cautious.
In this final stretch with fewer than 10 matches remaining, standings can change rapidly both at the top and bottom of the table.
Fans eagerly await the final outcome of this Thai League season. One thing is certain: the closing rounds promise thrilling action!!!
"Bubble"