Port F.C.

Port
การท่าเรือ เอฟซี
Full name Port Football Club
สโมสรฟุตบอล การท่าเรือ
Nickname(s) Port Lions (team)
Khlong Toei Lions (supporters)
Founded 1967 as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club
Ground PAT Stadium
Klong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand
Capacity 8,000
Owner Muang Thai Insurance
Port Authority of Thailand
Chairman Chalermchoke Lamsam
Head coach Rangsan Viwatchaichok
League Thai League 1
2023–24 Thai League 1, 3rd
Website Club website
Active departments of
Port Authority of Thailand
Football Football B Futsal

Port Football Club (Thai: สโมสรฟุตบอลการท่าเรือ), formerly known as Port Authority of Thailand F.C., is a Thai professional football club based in Khlong Toei district of central Bangkok. They compete in the Thai League 1 and are one of the most successful clubs in Thai football, having won the Kor Royal Cup 8 times and the Queen's Cup 6 times. In 2009 Thai Port added the Thai FA Cup to their list of honours. In 2010, the club was triumphant again as they won the newly introduced Thai League Cup.

History

1967–1968: Foundation

Founded in 1967 as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club by Major Prachuap Suntranakul, who was the director of Port Authority of Thailand at the time. He took on the role of chairman of Port Authority of Thailand F.C and was instrumental in helping the club during its initial years.

Further information: Singhtarua F.C. in Asian football

1968–1980: Golden age

In 1968 Port Authority of Thailand F.C. were crowned Kor Royal Cup winners, which sparked the most successful era in the club's history as they went on to win six Kor Royal Cup titles between 1968 and 1979. Port also had plenty of success in the Queen's Cup, winning it 4 times in succession from 1977 to 1980. Following the 1980 Queen's Cup win, Port Authority of Thailand F.C. won four trophies in 13 years.

2009–2010: Development of club's name and FA Cup Title

At the start of the 2009 Thailand Premier League season, the club changed its name from Port Authority of Thailand F.C. to Thai Port F.C., The name change was introduced to be in line with the new Football Association of Thailand regulations that meant all teams in the top flight must be registered as limited companies.

Lineups of the 2009 Thai FA Cup Final between Port and BEC Tero Sasana

In the same year, Thai Port F.C. ended a 16-year wait for a trophy when they were victorious in the 2009 Thai FA Cup Final. Thai Port F.C. opponents on the day at Suphachalasai Stadium were BEC Tero. The match finished 1–1 after extra time, with Thai Port F.C. winning the penalty shoot out 5–4. Pipat Thonkanya scored the decisive spot kick after Port keeper Pattarakorn had saved BEC Tero's fifth penalty.

2011–2015: Darkest period

The Port Authority of Thailand has been granted the rights to operate the Thai Port F.C. in the Thai Premier League.

The Football Association of Thailand or the FAT and the Thai Premier League ruled on the legal dispute between the Port Authority of Thailand and the Thai Port F.C. Company, over the operating rights of the Thai Premier League's Thai Port F.C.

According to the ruling, the Port Authority of Thailand, the club's original owner, has been granted operating rights of the team for the 2011–12 Thai Premier League season.

The FAT claimed its decision is based on the fact that the club's ownership was never officially signed over to the Thai Port FC Company.

Meanwhile, President of Thai Port F.C. Company, Pichet Munkong, threatened to file a civil lawsuit in the court of law, citing Thai Premier League regulations which says that a state-enterprise such as the Port Authority of Thailand, is prohibited from operating a football club.

Pichet is planning to sue the FAT, the Thai Premier League, and the Asian Football Confederation.

However, Thai Port F.C. will only be permitted to compete in the upcoming season of the country's top flight league, set to begin on February 12, once its operator is registered as a for-profit corporation.

It remains unclear how the Port Authority of Thailand is planning to proceed with this matter.

The ongoing boardroom disputes finally took their toll as Thai Port dropped to Division 1 for the first time in 2012. Investment in the team wasn't forthcoming as several departing players were replaced with lower quality ones. Thai Port failed to find the back of the net in almost half of their league games and were relegated on the penultimate round of fixtures when they lost 2–1 at home to Muang Thong United.

2015–present: Nualphan and stabilization

Nualphan Lamsam chairperson of Port from 2015 to 2023
Port FC before the Thai FA Cup final 2019

In 2015, the club was taken over by Nualphan Lamsam, Thai business woman, by signing the Memorandum of Understanding of a 5-year contract with Port Authority of Thailand to control the club's management. Nualphan, commonly known to locals as ‘Madam Pang’ the majority shareholder of Muang Thai Life Insurance and the Assistant Secretary General of the Democratic Party, which has held power over Bangkok for over a decade. Since Port F.C. Co took over the management of the club in 2015 by Nualphan, the team's results have improved.

In 2017, Port returned to Thai League 1, Nualphan Lamsam announced the appointment of Kiatisuk Senamuang as the new head coach of the club; Kiatisuk was manager of the Thailand national football team 2014–2017. Kiatisuk resigned as coach of Port after just three months in charge, managing just one win, six losses and three draws during his time with the club.

In 2018, ‘Madam Pang’ loosened the purse-strings significantly in the transfer window, making a clear statement to the rest of the division. Arrivals such as winger Nurul Sriyankem from Chonburi, left-back Kevin Deeromram from Ratchaburi Mitr Phol, and most significantly, forward Dragan Bošković from Bangkok United. The club finished third in the 2018 Thai League 1 season and created history by claiming 61 points – the club's highest points in a single season under Jadet Meelarp manager.

2019 Thai FA Cup Final starting lineup Port 1 - 0 Ratchaburi Mitr Phol

Expected to be one of the contenders for the 2019 Thai League 1 title, Port F.C. looked on course for a successful campaign until June, when a poor run of form led to the sacking of Jadet Meelarp. The club subsequently appointed national team assistant Choketawee Promrut as head coach and former Manchester City defender Spencer Prior as technical director, sparking a reversal of the team's form as they won five of their next six games. They also qualified for the 2019 Thai FA Cup Final for the first time in a decade.

Port won the Thai FA Cup 2019 title after defeating Ratchaburi Mitr Phol 1-0 in the final held at the Leo Stadium, Midfielder Sergio Suarez scored the only goal of the game in the third minute of the second half to give Port their second Thai FA Cup title in front of FIFA president Gianni Infantino who was among those in attendance. All eyes were on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology which was employed by the Football Association of Thailand for the cup final.

Supporters

Season Attendance Total attn.
2014 3,517 66,834
2015 4,044 68,763
2016 3,043 42,609
2017 4,210 67,361
2018 3,987 67,790
2019 5,087 76,312
As of 8 November 2019

Supporters of Thai Port are often referred to as the Khlong Toei Army. The name Khlong Toei Army refers to Khlong Toei District, the location of the club. "Nakrob Sad Nam-ngurn" refers to Orange-red Blue Warrior, the Thai Port's shirt colours.

The supporters of Thai Port and Chonburi have forged a very close friendship. Many supporters of Thai Port went to the FA Cup final in 2010 wearing Thai Port colors to cheer for Chonburi against Muangthong United. Likewise plenty of kitted-out Chonburi fans came to support Thai Port in their 2010 League Cup Final against Buriram PEA

The club also attracts a large number of “Farang” (foreign) supporters, probably the largest foreign matchday following of any club in Thailand. Foreign fans are attracted due to the club's central location and proximity to the MRT rail network.

Academy development

In 2015, Port opened its first youth academies, under a collaboration agreement with Pathum Khongkha school, U-14, U-16 and U-18 teams play in Thailand Youth League. An Under 14 team won 2019 Paris Saint-Germain Cup U-14.

Sponsorship

Period Kit Manufacturer Main Sponsor Other Sponsor
2019 Grand Sport Muang Thai Leo, Thai AirAsia, Systema,
Port Authority of Thailand, TQM Insurance Brokers
2021–present Ari

The 2013 season kits was made by Grand Sport and sponsored by Singha Drinking Water and Port Authority of Thailand.

The 2019 season kits are made by Grand Sport and sponsored by Muang Thai Insurance and Leo and Air Asia and Systema and TQM Insurance Brokers and Port Authority of Thailand.

The 2021 season, Ari is new sponsors of club.

Stadium

PAT Stadium

Port moved into the PAT Stadium in Khlong Toei district, Bangkok in 2009 which proved to be a very popular move with local supporters. Attendances rose sharply over the year and the club took the decision to build two new stands to increase the capacity from 6,000 to 7,000. Match tickets cost 100–120 baht and are bought from a small ticket office next to the stadium.

The club has a souvenir shop which is located in the Stadium grounds. The shop stocks replica shirts, scarves and other merchandise.

Stadium and locations by season records

Coordinates Location Stadium Capacity Year
13°57′04″N 100°37′28″E Pathum Thani Thupatemee Stadium 25,000 2007
13°46′00″N 100°33′10″E Bangkok Thai-Japanese Stadium 6,600 2008
13°42′54″N 100°33′35″E Bangkok PAT Stadium 12,000 2009–present

Season record

Season League FA Cup League Cup Queen's
Cup 		Kor Cup /
Champions
Cup 		ACL AFC Cup Top scorer
Division P W D L F A Pts Pos Name Goals
1996–97 TPL 34 9 14 11 44 39 41 11th — – — – – – — —
1997 TPL 22 9 5 8 36 35 32 4th — – — – – – — —
1998 TPL 22 10 7 5 50 27 37 4th — – – – – – Ronnachai Sayomchai 23
1999 TPL 22 12 3 7 31 16 39 2nd — – — – – – — —
2000 TPL 22 8 6 8 18 21 30 5th — – — – – – — —
2001–02 TPL 22 6 10 6 26 23 28 6th — – – – – – Pitipong Kuldilok 12
2002–03 TPL 18 10 3 5 25 19 33 3rd – – — – – – Sarayuth Chaikamdee 10
2003–04 TPL 18 9 1 8 29 28 28 5th – – — – – – — —
2004–05 TPL 18 7 5 6 26 27 26 4th – – – – – – Sarayuth Chaikamdee 10
2006 TPL 22 7 7 8 21 28 28 7th – – GR – – – Nirut Kamsawad 6
2007 TPL 30 9 9 12 36 43 36 12th – – – – – – Pitipong Kuldilok 7
2008 TPL 30 7 9 14 30 47 30 13th – – – – – – Teerawut Sanphan 6
2009 TPL 30 12 8 10 33 30 44 6th W – Not Enter – – – Pipat Thonkanya 10
2010 TPL 30 13 9 8 41 29 48 4th R3 W GR RU – QF Sarayuth Chaikamdee 13
2011 TPL 34 12 9 13 33 38 45 7th R3 RU – – – – Ekkachai Sumrei 4
2012 TPL 34 8 9 17 32 48 33 16th R4 R3 – – – – Olof Hvidén-Watson 10
2013 DIV 1 34 20 5 9 61 40 65 2nd QF R1 – – – – Leandro Oliveira 24
2014 TPL 38 15 9 14 44 52 45 13th R4 R2 – – – – Leandro Oliveira 10
2015 TPL 34 10 3 21 31 49 33 17th R4 R2 – – – – Wuttichai Tathong 6
2016 DIV 1 26 13 8 5 55 30 47 3rd QF SF – – – – Rodrigo Maranhão 10
2017 T1 34 14 8 12 60 63 50 9th R3 R2  –  –  –  – Josimar 13
2018 T1 34 19 4 11 73 45 61 3rd QF R2  –  –  –  – Dragan Bošković 21
2019 T1 30 15 8 7 55 36 53 3rd W R1  –  –  –  – Sergio Suárez 10
2020–21 T1 30 17 5 8 58 36 56 3rd R3  –  – RU PR2  – Sergio Suárez 14
2021–22 T1 30 11 6 13 41 37 39 8th R3 R1  –  – GR  – Sergio Suárez 9
2022–23 T1 30 14 10 6 52 38 52 3rd SF R1  –  – PO  – Hamilton 15
2023–24 T1 R1  –  – PO  –

Continental record

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
1986 Asian Club Championship Qualifying stage Selangor 0–1 0–1 0–2
1991 Asian Club Championship Quarter-finals
(Group A) 		Al Rayyan 1–3 3rd out of 4
Mohammedan SC 4–1
Al Shabab 1–3
2010 AFC Cup Group H SHB Đà Nẵng 2–3 0–0 2nd out of 4
Tai Po 2–0 1–0
Geylang United 2–2 1–0
Round of 16 Sriwijaya 4–1
Quarter-finals Al-Qadsia 0–0 0–3 0–3
2020 AFC Champions League Preliminary round 2 Ceres–Negros 0–1
2021 AFC Champions League Group J Kitchee 1–1 0–2 3rd out of 4
Guangzhou 3–0 5–1
Cerezo Osaka 0–3 1–1
2022 AFC Champions League Play-off round Ulsan Hyundai 0–3
2023–24 AFC Champions League Play-off round Zhejiang 0–1

Players

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK THA Somporn Yos
3 DF THA Thitathorn Aksornsri
4 DF THA Suphanan Bureerat
5 DF IRQ Frans Putros
7 MF THA Pakorn Prempak (Vice-captain)
8 MF THA Tanaboon Kesarat (Captain)
10 MF THA Bordin Phala
13 DF THA Chalermsak Aukkee
14 FW THA Teerasak Poeiphimai
15 DF THA Jaturapat Sattham
16 DF THA Chinnawat Wongchai
17 MF THA Chanukun Karin
18 MF THA Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom
20 MF THA Gustav Sahlin
No. Pos. Nation Player
23 DF THA Kevin Deeromram
24 DF THA Worawut Namvech
25 FW BRA Hamilton
27 DF THA Thiti Thumporn
28 DF ENG Charlie Clough
33 DF JPN Noboru Shimura
36 GK THA Worawut Srisupha (Vice-captain)
37 FW BRA Barros Tardeli
39 GK THA Sumethee Khokpho
40 GK THA Samuel Mcalpine
44 MF THA Worachit Kanitsribampen
47 MF THA Sittha Boonlha
77 FW BRA Negueba
88 MF THA Chayapipat Supunpasuch
99 MF THA Tanasith Siripala

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF THA Thitawee Aksornsri (at Trat)
6 MF THA Charyl Chappuis (at Chiangmai)
19 MF THA Nattawut Sombatyotha (at Trat)
— DF THA Pattharapol Jeamking (at Customs United)
— FW THA Phodchara Chainarong (at Nakhon Pathom United)
— DF THA Meechok Marhasaranukun (at Lampang)
— FW THA Janepob Phokhi (at Police Tero)
— MF THA William Weidersjö (at Uthai Thani)
No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF THA Chanayut Jejue (at Krabi)
— DF THA Yossawat Montha (at Lampang)
— FW THA Nantawat Suankaew (at Nakhon Si United)
— DF THA Anusak Jaiphet (at Nakhon Pathom United)
— DF THA Panomporn Puangmalai (at Customs United)
— FW THA Phuchit Petcharat (at Customs United)
— DF THA Nakin Wisetchat (at Chiangmai)
— MF THA Nurul Sriyankem (at Chonburi)

Former players

For details on former players, see Category:Port F.C. players.

Managerial history

Managers/head coaches by year (1996–present)

Honours

National

Team Winners Runners-up Years won Years runner-up
Thai League 1 0 1 – 1999
Thai League 2 0 1 – 2013
FA Cup 3 1 1982, 2009, 2019 1994
League Cup 1 1 2010 2011
Thailand Champions Cup 0 1 – 2020
Kor Royal Cup 8 1 1968, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1985, 1990 2010
Queen's Cup 6 3 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1987, 1993 1972, 1983, 1984

International