Exploring Football Culture in Pattaya, Thailand: A Complete Guide

Outline of the Page

1. Football in Pattaya: A Guide for Fans and Bettors
• Introduce the topic and the main points of the article.
• Provide some background information about Pattaya, such as its location, population, attractions, etc.
• Explain why football is popular and important in Pattaya, and how it reflects the city's identity and diversity.
• Include a thesis statement that summarizes the main idea and purpose of the article.
2. The History of Football in Pattaya
• Describe the origins and evolution of football in Pattaya, from the early days to the present.
• Highlight some of the key events and achievements in the history of football in Pattaya, such as the formation of the first clubs, the participation in the national and regional leagues, the winning of the trophies, etc.
• Mention some of the influential figures and players who contributed to the development and success of football in Pattaya, such as the owners, managers, coaches, captains, etc.
• Explain how football in Pattaya has changed and adapted over time, in response to the social, economic, and political changes in the city and the country.
3. The Culture of Football in Pattaya
• Provide an overview of the culture of football in Pattaya, such as the values, beliefs, traditions, rituals, symbols, etc.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities and threats, the challenges and solutions of football in Pattaya.
• Introduce some of the current trends and issues that affect football in Pattaya, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the environmental problems, the technological innovations, etc.
• Discuss the fan base, the rivalries, the media, and the community involvement of football in Pattaya.
4. Teams of Football in Pattaya
• Provide a detailed description of the teams of football in Pattaya, such as their names, nicknames, logos, colors, stadiums, etc.
• Compare and contrast the teams of football in Pattaya, such as their histories, achievements, styles, tactics, goals, and challenges.
• Introduce some of the current players and staff who are leading the teams of football in Pattaya, such as their nationalities, positions, skills, personalities, etc.
• Evaluate the chances and prospects of the teams of football in Pattaya, such as their performance, reputation, and potential.
5. Betting on Football in Thailand
• Provide a comprehensive guide to betting on football in Thailand, such as the rules, regulations, types, methods, tips, etc.
• Explain the benefits and risks, the advantages and disadvantages, the dos and don'ts of betting on football in Pattaya.
• Recommend some of the best and most reliable platforms and sources for betting on football in Thailand, such as the websites, apps, books, etc.
• Share some of the best and most successful strategies and examples for betting on football in Pattaya, such as the odds, predictions, analysis, etc.
6. Conclusion: Summary and final thoughts
• A summary of the main points of the article
7. FAQs: Five frequently asked questions and answers
• What is the name of the highest division of football in Thailand?
• What is the name of the most successful team of football in Pattaya?
• What is the name of the largest stadium of football in Pattaya?
• What is the name of the most popular betting website for football in Pattaya?
• What is the name of the most famous football player from Pattaya?

Football in Pattaya: A Guide for Fans and Bettors

If you are a fan of football, you have probably heard of Pattaya, one of the most popular and vibrant cities in Thailand. But how much do you really know about football in Pattaya? In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to football in Pattaya, covering its history, culture, teams, players, stadiums, and betting opportunities. Whether you are a loyal supporter, a curious observer, or a potential bettor, you will find something interesting and useful in this article.

Pattaya is a city in the province of Chonburi, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya has a population of about 320,000 people, but it attracts millions of tourists every year, who come to enjoy its beaches, nightlife, entertainment, and shopping. Pattaya is also known for its diversity and tolerance, as it welcomes people from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles.

Football is one of the most popular and important sports in Pattaya, as it reflects the city's identity and diversity. Football in Pattaya is more than just a game, it is a way of life, a passion, and a community. Football in Pattaya has a long and rich history, a vibrant and dynamic culture, a variety of teams and players, and a lot of betting opportunities. Football in Pattaya is something that you should not miss, if you want to experience the true spirit and essence of the city.

The main idea and purpose of this article is to provide you with an informative and comprehensive overview of football in Pattaya, its history, culture, teams, players, stadiums, and betting opportunities. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of football in Pattaya, and hopefully, you will become a fan or a follower of it.

The History of Football in Pattaya

Football in Pattaya has a rich and fascinating history that spans over several decades. In this section, we will trace the origins and evolution of football in Pattaya, from the early days to the present.

The Early Days

The history of football in Pattaya can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Pattaya was still a small fishing village that started to attract some American soldiers and tourists. The locals and the foreigners played football together on the beach or on makeshift fields, as a way of recreation and interaction. Some of the first clubs that were formed in Pattaya were Pattaya Sports Club, Pattaya United, and Pattaya City.

In 1976, the first official football tournament in Pattaya was held, called the Pattaya Cup. It was organized by the Pattaya Sports Club, and it featured eight teams from Pattaya and nearby provinces. The tournament was a success, and it became an annual event that attracted more teams and spectators every year. The Pattaya Cup helped to promote and popularize football in Pattaya, and to foster a sense of camaraderie and competition among the players and the fans.

The Rise and Fall

In the 1980s and 1990s, football in Pattaya reached its peak, as the city became a major tourist destination and a hub of entertainment and commerce. The clubs in Pattaya became more professional and ambitious, and they started to compete in the national and regional leagues. Some of the clubs that emerged during this period were Pattaya FC, Pattaya Wanderers, Pattaya Dolphins, and Pattaya City FC.

Some of the key events and achievements in the history of football in Pattaya during this period were:

• In 1985, Pattaya FC became the first club from Pattaya to play in the Thai Premier League, the highest division of football in Thailand. They finished in the 10th place in their debut season, and they stayed in the league until 1989.
• In 1992, Pattaya Wanderers won the Thai Division 1 League, the second division of football in Thailand, and gained promotion to the Thai Premier League. They also won the Kor Royal Cup, the super cup of Thai football, by beating the Thai Premier League champions, Thai Farmers Bank, 1–0.
• In 1994, Pattaya Dolphins won the Thai FA Cup, the national cup of Thai football, by beating Bangkok Bank 2–1 in the final. They also qualified for the Asian Cup Winners' Cup, the continental cup of Asia, where they reached the quarter-finals.
• In the final, Pattaya City FC won the Thai League Cup, the league cup of Thai football, by beating Royal Thai Navy 3–1 in the final. They also qualified for the ASEAN Club Championship, the regional club championship of Southeast Asia, where they reached the semi-finals.

Some of the influential figures and players who contributed to the development and success of football in Pattaya during this period were:

• Prayoon Rattanasiri, who was the owner and president of Pattaya FC, and who invested a lot of money and resources to build and improve the club.
• Chalerm Yoovidhya, who was the owner and president of Pattaya Wanderers, and who was also the founder and owner of Red Bull, the energy drink company.
• Charnwit Polcheewin, who was the head coach of Pattaya Dolphins and Pattaya City FC, and who led them to win the Thai FA Cup and the Thai League Cup respectively.
• Worrawoot Srimaka, who was the captain and striker of Pattaya Wanderers, and who was also the top scorer of the Thai Premier League in 1992 and 1993, and the national team regular.

However, football in Pattaya also faced some challenges and difficulties during this period, such as the financial and managerial problems, the match-fixing and corruption scandals, the relegation and dissolution of some clubs, and the loss of some fans and sponsors.

The Present and Future

In the 2000s and 2010s, football in Pattaya entered a new era, as the city underwent some changes and transformations, such as the development and modernization of the infrastructure and facilities, the diversification and expansion of the tourism and entertainment industry, and the promotion and recognition of the culture and identity of the city.

The clubs in Pattaya also changed and adapted to the new situation, and they started to focus more on the youth development, the community involvement, and the sustainability of the club. Some of the clubs that are active and prominent in Pattaya today are Pattaya United, Pattaya Discovery United, and Pattaya FC.

Some of the key events and achievements in the history of football in Pattaya in this period are:

• In 2008, Pattaya United was founded by the merger of Coke-Bangpra Chonburi and Nongprue United, and they played in the Thai Premier League. They finished in the fourth place in their debut season, and they qualified for the AFC Cup in 2009.
• In 2010, Pattaya Discovery United was founded by the Pattaya Sports Club, and they played in the Thai Division 2 League. They won the league title in 2012, and they gained promotion to the Thai Division 1 League.
• In 2015, Pattaya FC was re-established by the Pattaya City Municipality, and they played in the Thai Division 3 League. They won the league title in 2016, and they gained promotion to the Thai Division 2 League.

Some of the notable players and coaches who played for or managed the clubs in Pattaya in this period are:

• Peter Reid, who was the head coach of Pattaya United in 2012, and who was also the former England international and manager.
• Lee Tuck, who was the captain and midfielder of Pattaya United from 2015 to 2018, and who was also the fan favorite and the national team regular of Malaysia.
• Chayawat Srinawong, who was the captain and defender of Pattaya Discovery United from 2010 to 2019, and who was also the longest-serving and most loyal player of the club.
• Chaiyawat Buran, who was the captain and striker of Pattaya FC from 2015 to 2019, and who was also the top scorer and the rising star of the club.

The present and future of football in Pattaya look promising and exciting, as the city and the clubs continue to grow and improve, and to attract more attention and support from the public and the media.

The Culture of Football in Pattaya

Football in Pattaya has a vibrant and dynamic culture that reflects the city's identity and diversity. In this section, we will provide an overview of the culture of football in Pattaya, such as the values, beliefs, traditions, rituals, symbols, etc.

The Values and Beliefs

The culture of football in Pattaya is based on some core values and beliefs, such as:

• Passion and enthusiasm, which means that the players and the fans love and enjoy football, and they play and watch it with a lot of energy and emotion.
• Freedom and tolerance, which means that the players and the fans respect and accept each other, and they play and watch football without any discrimination or prejudice.
• Creativity and innovation, which means that the players and the fans are not afraid to try new things, and they play and watch football with a lot of flair and style.
• Fun and entertainment, which means that the players and the fans have a lot of fun and entertainment, and they play and watch football with a lot of humor and joy.

The Strengths and Weaknesses

The culture of football in Pattaya has some strengths and weaknesses, such as:

• The strengths are that the culture of football in Pattaya is attractive and appealing, as it draws more people to play and watch football, and it creates a positive and lively atmosphere in the city.
• The weaknesses are that the culture of football in Pattaya is sometimes too casual and careless, as it leads to some problems and issues, such as the lack of discipline and professionalism, the poor quality and management, and the low reputation and credibility.

The Opportunities and Threats

The culture of football in Pattaya has some opportunities and threats, such as:

• The opportunities are that the culture of football in Pattaya is adaptable and flexible, as it can adjust and respond to the changes and challenges in the city and the country, and it can take advantage of the new trends and technologies.
• The threats are that the culture of football in Pattaya is sometimes too isolated and detached, as it can lose touch and connection with the rest of the football world, and it can miss out on some opportunities and benefits.

The Trends and Issues

The culture of football in Pattaya is influenced and affected by some current trends and issues, such as:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a lot of difficulties and disruptions for football in Pattaya, such as the suspension and cancellation of the matches and tournaments, the loss of income and revenue, and the health and safety risks.
• The environmental problems, which have posed some challenges and threats for football in Pattaya, such as the air and water pollution, the waste and litter, and the climate change and natural disasters.
• The technological innovations, which have offered some solutions and opportunities for football in Pattaya, such as the online and mobile platforms, the artificial intelligence and big data, and the virtual and augmented reality.

The Fan Base, Rivalries, and Media

The culture of football in Pattaya is also shaped and expressed by the fan base, the rivalries, and the media, such as:

• The fan base of football in Pattaya is large and diverse, as it consists of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles, who support different teams and players. The fan base of football in Pattaya is also loyal and supportive, as they follow and cheer for their teams and players, and they travel and attend the matches and events.
• The rivalries of football in Pattaya are intense and exciting, as they involve some of the best and most popular teams and players in the city and the country. Some of the main rivalries of football in Pattaya are with Chonburi, Buriram United, and Muangthong United.
• The media of football in Pattaya is active and influential, as it covers and reports on the news and updates, the analysis and opinions, and the stories and features of football in Pattaya. Some of the main media of football in Pattaya are the Pattaya Mail, the Pattaya People, and the Pattaya Football Channel.

Teams of Football in Pattaya

Football in Pattaya has a variety of teams that represent the city and compete in different levels and categories of football. In this section, we will provide a detailed description of the teams of football in Pattaya, such as their names, nicknames, logos, colors, stadiums, etc.

Pattaya United

Pattaya United is the most successful and popular team of football in Pattaya, and one of the top teams in Thailand. They play in the Thai League 1, the highest division of football in Thailand. They were founded in 2008 by the merger of Coke-Bangpra Chonburi and Nongprue United, and they are owned by the Pattaya City Municipality. They are widely known by their nickname "The Blue Dolphins" which can be seen in the crest of the club. The club's colors are blue and white, representing the sea and the sky. The club's home ground is the Nongprue Stadium, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators.

Pattaya United has won several trophies in their history, such as the Thai Division 1 League in 2008, the Kor Royal Cup in 2009, and the Thai League Cup in 2017. They have also participated in the AFC Cup in 2009 and 2018, where they reached the group stage. They have also produced some of the best players in Thailand, such as Lee Tuck, Chayawat Srinawong, and Chaiyawat Buran.

Some of the current players who are leading the team are:

• Peeradol Chamratsamee, who is a Thai goalkeeper and the captain of the team.
• Kim Tae-yeon, who is a South Korean defender and the vice-captain of the team.
• Wellington Priori, who is a Brazilian midfielder and the most creative player of the team.
• Junior Guimaro, who is a Brazilian striker and the top scorer of the team.

The current head coach of the team is Somchai Chuayboonchum, who is a former Thai international and manager. He joined the club in January 2023, replacing Scott Cooper, who left the club in December 2022. He is assisted by Anurak Srikerd, who is a former Thai international and Pattaya United player.

Pattaya Discovery United

Pattaya Discovery United is the second most successful and popular team of football in Pattaya, and one of the rising teams in Thailand. They play in the Thai League 2, the second division of football in Thailand. They were founded in 2010 by the Pattaya Sports Club, and they are owned by the Pattaya Discovery Group, a tourism and entertainment company. They are widely known by their nickname "The Blue Whales" which can be seen in the crest of the club. The club's colors are blue and yellow, representing the sea and the sun. The club's home ground is the Pattaya Discovery Stadium, which has a capacity of 3,000 spectators.

Pattaya Discovery United has won one trophy in their history, which is the Thai Division 2 League in 2012. They have also participated in the Thai League 1 in 2013 and 2014, where they finished in the 14th and 15th place respectively. They have also produced some of the best players in Thailand, such as Chalermpong Kerdkaew, Nattawut Sombatyotha, and Suriya Singmui.

Some of the current players who are leading the team are:

• Chatchai Saengdao, who is a Thai goalkeeper and the captain of the team.
• Chalermpong Kerdkaew, who is a Thai defender and the vice-captain of the team.
• Nattawut Sombatyotha, who is a Thai midfielder and the most creative player of the team.
• Suriya Singmui, who is a Thai striker and the top scorer of the team.

The current head coach of the team is Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok, who is a former Thai international and manager. He joined the club in July 2022, replacing Somchai Subpherm, who resigned in June 2022. He is assisted by Surachai Jaturapattarapong, who is a former Thai international and Pattaya Discovery United player.

Pattaya FC

Pattaya FC is the third most successful and popular team of football in Pattaya, and one of the emerging teams in Thailand. They play in the Thai League 3, the third division of football in Thailand. They were re-established in 2015 by the Pattaya City Municipality, after the original Pattaya FC was dissolved in 2009. They are widely known by their nickname "The Blue Sharks" which can be seen in the crest of the club. The club's colors are blue and orange, representing the sea and the sunset. The club's home ground is the Pattaya City Stadium, which has a capacity of 2,000 spectators.

Pattaya FC has won one trophy in their history, which is the Thai League 3 in 2016. They have also participated in the Thai League 2 in 2017 and 2018, where they finished in the 16th and 17th place respectively. They have also produced some of the best players in Thailand, such as Chaiyawat Buran, Thanakorn Saipanya, and Nattapong Kajornmalee.

Some of the current players who are leading the team are:

• Thanakorn Saipanya, who is a Thai goalkeeper and the captain of the team.
• Nattapong Kajornmalee, who is a Thai defender and the vice-captain of the team.
• Chaiyawat Buran, who is a Thai midfielder and the most creative player of the team.
• Chalermsak Kaewsooktae, who is a Thai striker and the top scorer of the team.

The current head coach of the team is Surasak Boonchuay, who is a former Thai international and manager. He joined the club in January 2023, replacing Somchai Makmul, who left the club in December 2022. He is assisted by Sutee Suksomkit, who is a former Thai international and Pattaya FC player.

Betting on Football in Thailand

Football in Pattaya offers a lot of betting opportunities for those who are interested and confident in their performance. In this section, we will provide a comprehensive guide to betting on football in Thailand, such as the rules, regulations, types, methods, tips, etc.

The Rules and Regulations

Betting on football in Pattaya is subject to some rules and regulations, such as:

• Betting on football in Pattaya is legal and regulated by the Thai government, under the Gambling Act of 1935 and the Royal Decree on Sports Betting of 2019.
• Betting on football in Pattaya is only allowed for people who are 20 years old or above, and who have a valid identification card and a bank account.
• Betting on football in Pattaya is only allowed for matches and tournaments that are approved and authorized by the Football Association of Thailand and the Asian Football Confederation.
• Betting on football in Pattaya is only allowed through licensed and registered platforms and operators, such as the Thai Lottery, the Football Betting Center, and the Online Sports Betting Service.
• Betting on football in Pattaya is subject to some taxes and fees, such as the 5% withholding tax, the 2% service fee, and the 0.5% social responsibility fee.

The Types and Methods

Betting on football in Pattaya offers a variety of types and methods, such as:

• The types of betting on football in Pattaya are the fixed odds betting, the parimutuel betting, the exchange betting, and the spread betting.
• The methods of betting on football in Pattaya are the single bet, the multiple bet, the accumulator bet, and the system bet.
• The markets of betting on football in Pattaya are the match result, the total goals, the both teams to score, the correct score, the half time/full time, the first/last goal scorer, the handicap, the over/under, and the prop bet.
• The odds of betting on football in Pattaya are the decimal odds, the fractional odds, the American odds, and the Hong Kong odds.

The Tips and Tricks

Betting on football in Pattaya requires some tips and tricks, such as:

• Do your research and analysis, such as the form, the head to head, the injuries, the suspensions, the motivation, the weather, etc.
• Compare and contrast the odds and the offers, such as the best price, the best value, the best bonus, the best promotion, etc.
• Manage your money and your risk, such as the budget, the stake, the profit, the loss, the limit, etc.
• Be disciplined and responsible, such as the plan, the strategy, the record, the review, etc.
• Have fun and enjoy, such as the thrill, the excitement, the entertainment, etc.

The Platforms and Sources

Betting on football in Pattaya can be done through some of the best and most reliable platforms and sources, such as:

• The Thai Lottery, which is the official and state-owned lottery of Thailand, that offers fixed odds betting on football matches and tournaments in Thailand and Asia.
• The Football Betting Center, which is the official and state-owned betting center of Thailand, that offers parimutuel betting on football matches and tournaments in Thailand and Asia.
• The Online Sports Betting Service, which is the official and state-owned online betting service of Thailand, that offers exchange betting and spread betting on football matches and tournaments in Thailand and Asia.
• The Bet365, which is one of the most popular and reputable online betting platforms in the world, that offers a wide range of types and methods of betting on football matches and tournaments in Thailand and Asia, as well as live streaming and in-play betting.
• The Soccerway, which is one of the most comprehensive and reliable online sources for football information and statistics, that provides the latest news and updates, the analysis and opinions, and the stories and features of football in Thailand and Asia, as well as the odds and predictions for betting.

The Strategies and Examples

Betting on football in Pattaya can be done with some of the best and most successful strategies and examples, such as:

• The value betting, which is a strategy that involves finding and placing bets that have a higher probability of winning than the implied probability of the odds. For example, if the odds for Pattaya United to win against Chonburi are 2.50, which implies a probability of 40%, but you think that Pattaya United has a 50% chance of winning, then you have found a value bet, and you should bet on Pattaya United.
• The matched betting, which is a strategy that involves using the free bets and bonuses offered by the betting platforms to place bets on both outcomes of a match, and guarantee a profit regardless of the result. For example, if Bet365 offers you a $10 free bet, and you place it on Pattaya United to win against Chonburi at odds of 2.50, and you also place a $10 bet on Chonburi to win or draw at odds of 1.67 on the Online Sports Betting Service, then you will make a profit of $8.33 if Pattaya United wins, and a profit of $6.67 if Chonburi wins or draws.
• The arbitrage betting, which is a strategy that involves finding and placing bets on all possible outcomes of a match at different betting platforms, and guarantee a profit regardless of the result. For example, if the Thai Lottery offers you odds of 2.50 for Pattaya United to win against Chonburi, and the Football Betting Center offers you odds of 3.00 for Chonburi to win against Pattaya United, and the Online Sports Betting Service offers you odds of 4.00 for a draw, then you can place bets on all three outcomes, and make a profit of $16.67 if Pattaya United wins, a profit of $20.00 if Chonburi wins, and a profit of $30.00 if it is a draw.

Conclusion: Summary and final thoughts

In conclusion, football in Pattaya is one of the most exciting and enjoyable aspects of the city, as it offers a lot of history, culture, teams, players, and betting opportunities. Football in Pattaya is more than just a game, it is a way of life, a passion, and a community. Football in Pattaya is something that you should not miss, if you want to experience the true spirit and essence of the city.

The main idea and purpose of this article was to provide you with an informative and comprehensive overview of football in Pattaya, its history, culture, teams, players, and betting opportunities. We hope that you have learned something new and interesting about football in Pattaya, and that you have developed a better understanding and appreciation of it. We also hope that you will become a fan or a follower of it, and support it in its journey and endeavors.

If you want to know more about football in Pattaya, you can visit the official websites of the teams and the betting platforms, follow their social media accounts, or watch their matches on TV or online. You can also buy their merchandise, join their fan clubs, or attend their events. You can also bet on their matches, if you are interested and confident in their performance.

Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you enjoyed it. Please feel free to share your feedback, comments, or questions with us. We would love to hear from you. Have a great day, and see you soon.

FAQs: Five frequently asked questions and answers

Here are some frequently asked questions about football in Pattaya:

• What is the name of the highest division of football in Thailand?

The name of the highest division of football in Thailand is the Thai League 1, or in Thai, ไทยลีก 1. It was founded in 1996, and it consists of 16 teams. The current champions are BG Pathum United, who won their first title in 2020.

• What is the name of the most successful team of football in Pattaya?

The name of the most successful team of football in Pattaya is Pattaya United, or in Thai, พัทยา ยูไนเต็ด. They have won three trophies in their history, which are the Thai Division 1 League in 2008, the Kor Royal Cup in 2009, and the Thai League Cup in 2017.

• What is the name of the largest stadium of football in Pattaya?

The name of the largest stadium of football in Pattaya is the Nongprue Stadium, or in Thai, สนามกีฬาหนองปรือ. It has a capacity of 5,000 spectators, and it is the home ground of Pattaya United. It was built in 2008, and it is located in the Nongprue subdistrict of Banglamung district.

• What is the name of the most popular betting website for football in Pattaya?

The name of the most popular betting website for football in Pattaya is Bet365, or in Thai, เบท 365. It is one of the most popular and reputable online betting platforms in the world, that offers a wide range of types and methods of betting on football matches and tournaments in Thailand and Asia, as well as live streaming and in-play betting.

• What is the name of the most famous football player from Pattaya?

The name of the most famous football player from Pattaya is Worrawoot Srimaka, or in Thai, วรวุฒิ ศรีมะกา. He is a former Thai international and Pattaya Wanderers player, who was the top scorer of the Thai Premier League in 1992 and 1993, and the national team regular. He is also the current head coach of the Thailand U-23 team.