Thailand’s premier football league is set to commence on the 9th of August, with Bangkok United taking on Prachuap at the Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit. There will be a total of 8 matches played in Week 1 which will feature all 16 teams that will be part of this year’s season.
Find below a preview and prediction for each of the eight Week 1 matchups for Thai League 1.
Bangkok United Vs Prachuap FC (August 9)
Last year’s runners-up, Bangkok United, will be hosting Prachuap FC in the season opener. With a significant advantage in personnel, Bangkok United head into the game as heavy favourites but the two teams have a history of close matches. In the five most recent games between the two teams, to have produced wins for Prachuap FC, one draw, and two victories for Bangkok United.
Expect a high scoring game where Bangkok United just edge out their opponents to start off their season with a win.
Nong Bua Pitchaya Vs Buriram United (August 10)
Defending champions Buriram United will be back in action on Saturday against Nong Bua Pitchaya who were promoted back into League 1 this season. Overall, the teams have played 7 games against each other with Buriram United winning 6 of the meetings and the other ending in a draw.
We predict that Buriram United will make short work of the matchup and start off their title defense with a comprehensive victory.
Sukhothai Vs BG Pathum United (August 10)
Sukhothai just avoided relegation last season when they finished with 32 points whereas BG Pathum secured 4th position in the league. The two teams have much history between them, with 12 games played against each other. Sukhothai have won two of those 2 matches, while BG Pathum United managed to win 7 meetings. The other three matches ended in a draw.
BG Pathum are expected to take care of business against one of the lower ranked teams in the league.
Rayong Vs Thai Port (August 10)
Historically Rayong have had a hard time with Thai Port FC, conceding an average of 4 goals in their previous 3 encounters. Their defensive struggles may continue in their matchup on Saturday which will likely lead to last year’s third place finishers starting off with a win.
Ratchaburi FC Vs Nakhon Pathom United (August 11)
In their recent head-to-head clashes, Ratchaburi FC and Nkahom Pathom have split a win apiece, which means this could be one of the tighter matchups this weekend. Both teams will be looking to push the momentum to start the season, but we predict this match will be low scoring with a high chance of a draw.
Lamphun Warrior Vs Uthai Thani FC (August 11)
In another mid-table clash from last season, the Lamphun Warriors will take on Uthai Tahni FC
at the Mae Guang Stadium. In their recent head-to-head encounters, Lamphun Warrior and Uthai Thani FC have a win for the latter and a draw. While this doesn’t mean much for their battle on Sunday, Uthai Thani will go in confident that they can repeat the result.
Our prediction is that Uthai Thani will take this one by a slim margin.
Nakhonratchasima Vs Muangthong United (August 11)
Nakhonratchasima comes into this season as one of the teams to beat, after securing 4 wins in their last 6 matches. Still Muangthong United will be expected to take this match, with history favoring them. In head-to-head clashes, Muangthong United have recorded 9 wins in their previous 16 meetings.
We think this match will be closer than in previous years but Muangthong United will just edge out their opposition.
Chiangrai United v Khon Kaen United (August 12)
Both teams had a rather disappointing 2023/2024 season in Thai League 1 and will be hoping for a hot start in the only match on Monday. Were going to give Khon Kaen United the nod on this matchup, even though there is a very high likelihood that the two teams end in a draw.
