The opening Thai League 1 match of 2026 was more intense than expected, as PT Prachuap FC hosted league leaders Buriram United and fought to a thrilling 1-1 draw.
On 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the first Thai League 1 match of the year saw PT Prachuap FC host Buriram United at Sam Ao Stadium. The match ended in an exciting 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing one point each.
Before the game, PT Prachuap FC, nicknamed the "Torpedo," had poor form with no league wins in five consecutive matches, dropping to 10th place. They also faced player shortages, missing Usama Thiangkam, Ikhlas Sanhorn, and Phon-ek Maneekorn due to U23 national team duties, and new signing Apisit Sorata was suspended.
Meanwhile, Buriram United was in strong form, having won five league matches in a row and conceding only one goal, comfortably leading the table. However, they were without key striker Guilherme Bissoli due to suspension, as well as Supachai Jaided who was not fully fit.
In the first half, neither team could establish control or create many scoring chances. During stoppage time at 45+2 minutes, Taowa Dos Santos broke free and had a golden opportunity to score, but his chipped shot went wide. The half ended goalless at 0-0.
Just under a minute into the second half, Buriram United quickly took the lead. Peter Zulj controlled the ball and struck a long-range shot from outside the box that beautifully found the net, putting the "Thunder Castle" ahead 1-0.
However, Prachuap refused to give up and equalized in the 78th minute. Taowa Dos Santos redeemed himself by controlling the ball in the penalty area and powerfully shooting with his right foot, leveling the score at 1-1.
In the remaining time, both teams pushed forward trying to score but neither could find the net again. The match ended in a 1-1 draw between PT Prachuap FC and Buriram United.
This draw allowed Buriram United to increase their tally to 41 points, maintaining their position at the top of the table, while PT Prachuap FC rose to 19 points, moving up to 8th place in the Thai League 1 standings.