2023–24 Thai League 2
The 2023–24 Thai League 2 was the 26th season of Thailand's second-tier professional football league, contested by 18 clubs in a double round-robin format over 34 matches each, with the top two teams earning direct promotion to the Thai League 1 and the clubs finishing 3rd to 6th entering playoffs for an additional promotion spot. The season commenced on 11 August 2023 and concluded with the regular campaign on 27 April 2024, followed by promotion playoffs in early May. Nakhon Ratchasima FC clinched the championship with 73 points from 21 wins, 10 draws, and 3 losses, marking their return to the top flight after relegation the previous season. Nong Bua Pitchaya FC finished as runners-up with 72 points (22 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses), also securing automatic promotion. In the playoffs, Rayong FC (3rd place, 60 points) advanced through semi-final and final victories, defeating Nakhon Si United FC 1–1 on aggregate (advancing on away goals: 1–1 away, 0–0 home) to claim the third promotion berth.[1] At the foot of the table, Krabi FC (18th, 20 points), Customs United (17th, 22 points), and Kasetsart University FC (16th, 35 points) were relegated to the Thai League 3. Notably, Chiangmai FC, despite finishing 4th with 59 points and qualifying for the playoffs (where they lost in the semi-finals to Nakhon Si United), were administratively demoted to the Thai League 3 for failing to meet club licensing requirements.[2] The campaign featured high-scoring affairs, with a total of 831 goals across the regular season (average 2.72 per match), and highlighted the competitive depth of Thailand's domestic second division.[1]Background
Season format
The 2023–24 Thai League 2 season took place from 11 August 2023 to 26 May 2024 and featured 18 clubs competing in a double round-robin format. Each team played every other team twice—once at home and once away—resulting in 34 matches per club over the regular season phase.[3] This structure produced a total of 306 regular season matches.[3] Across these fixtures, 831 goals were scored, yielding an average of 2.72 goals per match.[4] The competition consisted of a single regular league phase, after which the top two teams earned automatic promotion to the Thai League 1. Teams ranked 3rd through 6th proceeded to a promotion play-off tournament to vie for one additional promotion spot.[3]Promotion and relegation rules
The promotion and relegation rules for the 2023–24 Thai League 2 followed the standard structure for the competition, where the top two teams based on final league standings were directly promoted to the 2024–25 Thai League 1. Teams finishing in positions 3rd to 6th advanced to the promotion play-offs to determine the third promotion spot to Thai League 1. The play-offs adopted a single-elimination format, featuring single-match semi-finals, followed by a two-legged final, with the away goals rule applied if necessary. At the opposite end of the table, the bottom three teams (positions 16th to 18th) were directly relegated to the 2024–25 Thai League 3. For this season, these were Kasetsart University FC (16th, 35 points), Customs United (17th, 22 points), and Krabi FC (18th, 20 points). Additionally, Chiangmai FC was administratively relegated to the Thai League 3 despite finishing 4th, due to failing to meet club licensing requirements.[2] In the event of tied points during the regular season, tie-breaking criteria were applied in the following order: goal difference, head-to-head results (points from matches between tied teams), head-to-head goal difference, head-to-head goals scored, away goals in head-to-head matches, fair play points, and, if still tied, a playoff match on neutral ground. No such playoff was required for promotion or relegation qualification in this season.[5]Team changes
Promotion to Thai League 2
Three teams were promoted from the 2022–23 Thai League 3 to the 2023–24 Thai League 2 following the conclusion of the lower division's regional and national championship stages. The promotion process involved top finishers from six regional leagues advancing to a national playoff tournament, where the top three performers earned spots in the second tier. Chanthaburi FC, Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi FC, and Pattaya Dolphins United FC secured promotion, with the latter filling the vacancy left by national champions MH Nakhon Si City, who declined to advance due to operational constraints.[6][7] Chanthaburi FC qualified for the national championship as runners-up in the Eastern region, where they demonstrated a solid defensive record alongside consistent scoring. In the national stage, they topped their group with an undefeated run before reaching the final as runners-up, securing direct promotion through their strong overall performance across both phases.[6] Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi FC, as champions of the Western region, entered the national championship with momentum from a dominant regional campaign marked by high-scoring victories. They advanced to the third-place playoff in the national stage, defeating Pattaya Dolphins United on aggregate to claim promotion and establish themselves as one of the standout teams from the lower tier.[6] Pattaya Dolphins United FC topped the Eastern region to earn their national championship berth, showcasing offensive prowess in regional play. Although they finished second in their national group and lost the third-place playoff, they were awarded promotion when MH Nakhon Si City opted out, allowing the club to make their debut in Thai League 2.[6]Relegation from Thai League 1
Three teams were relegated from the 2022–23 Thai League 1 to join the 2023–24 Thai League 2: Lampang FC, Nongbua Pitchaya FC, and Nakhon Ratchasima FC, marking the end of their respective stints in the top flight.[8] Lampang FC finished 16th with a poor defensive record, conceding 60 goals, while Nongbua Pitchaya FC placed 15th after struggling offensively and defensively, and Nakhon Ratchasima FC ended 14th despite a mid-table points tally.[9]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Nakhon Ratchasima FC | 30 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 31 | 53 | -22 | 29 |
| 15 | Nongbua Pitchaya FC | 30 | 5 | 6 | 19 | 27 | 47 | -20 | 21 |
| 16 | Lampang FC | 30 | 4 | 7 | 19 | 24 | 60 | -36 | 19 |
Relegation to Thai League 3
At the conclusion of the 2022–23 Thai League 2 season, the bottom three teams—Rajpracha, Ranong United, and Udon Thani FC—were automatically relegated to the Thai League 3 for the following campaign, in accordance with the league's structure that demotes the lowest-ranked clubs to maintain competitive balance across tiers. Rajpracha ended the season in 16th place, earning 37 points from 34 matches with a record of 9 wins, 10 draws, and 15 losses; the team scored 29 goals but conceded 41, resulting in a goal difference of -12.[15] Ranong United ended the season in 17th place, earning 27 points from 34 matches with a record of 6 wins, 9 draws, and 19 losses; the team scored 28 goals but conceded 64, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that contributed to their demotion.[16] Udon Thani FC finished dead last in 18th position with just 21 points, managing only 6 wins and 3 draws while suffering 25 defeats; they netted 31 goals but allowed 87, marking the league's worst goal difference of -56 and underscoring a season-long struggle.[16]Participating teams
Locations and stadiums
The 2023–24 Thai League 2 featured 18 teams distributed across various provinces in Thailand, reflecting the league's nationwide scope from the northern regions to the southern peninsula. Teams were primarily based in central, northeastern, eastern, northern, and southern provinces, with multiple clubs in key areas like Chiang Mai Province (home to both Chiangmai FC and Chiangmai United) and Samut Prakan Province (Customs United and Samut Prakan City). This geographic spread promoted regional rivalries and accessibility for fans throughout the country.[3] Home stadiums varied significantly in size and facilities, accommodating between approximately 2,000 and 25,000 spectators, with most venues being provincial or municipal stadiums adapted for professional football. For instance, Nakhon Ratchasima FC played at the 80th Birthday Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, a multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 24,641 that served as a central hub for northeastern matches. Similarly, Rayong FC utilized the Rayong Provincial Stadium in Rayong Province, offering 7,500 seats and hosting key coastal fixtures. In the north, Chiangmai United's matches were held at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai Province, the largest in the league at 25,000 capacity, while nearby Chiangmai FC used the more modest Chiangmai Municipality Stadium with 5,000 seats. Other examples include Chainat Hornbill FC at Khao Plong Stadium (8,625 capacity) in Chainat Province and Krabi FC at Krabi Provincial Stadium (6,000 capacity) in Krabi Province, emphasizing the league's use of local infrastructure. No major venue changes or renovations were reported during the season, with all teams utilizing their primary home grounds consistently, though smaller clubs like Customs United relied on the compact Customs Department Stadium (2,000 capacity) in Samut Prakan for intimate matchdays. This stability in venues supported the league's scheduling without disruptions.Personnel and sponsorship
The 2023–24 Thai League 2 featured 18 teams, each managed by a head coach responsible for tactical and operational leadership, with several clubs undergoing mid-season changes due to performance or contractual reasons. Kit manufacturers provided official apparel, often customized with team colors and league branding, while main sponsors typically included local businesses, automotive companies, or regional entities that supported financial and promotional needs. The table below summarizes these details for all participating teams, based on the primary configurations during the season.| Team | Head Coach | Kit Manufacturer | Main Sponsor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya United | Danny Invincibile (Australia) | Kelme | Gulf |
| Chainat Hornbill | Sumeth Yooto (Thailand) | Warrix | Wangkanai |
| Chanthaburi FC | Supachai Komsilp (Thailand) | MSeven | Rock$Presso |
| Chiangmai FC | Nattapon Krachangpho (interim, Thailand) | Kelme | Aniruth |
| Chiangmai United | Surachai Jirasirichote (Thailand) | Ideo Sport | VBeyond |
| DP Kanchanaburi | Somchai Makmool (Thailand) | Versus | Huawei |
| Kasetsart FC | Pattaraphon Naprasert (Thailand) | YG | Tanowsri Traditional Chicken |
| Krabi FC | Arnon Bandasak (Thailand) | WOW Sport | Phi Phi Harbour View Hotel |
| Lampang FC | Kitthachai Wongsim (Thailand) | Ego Sport | Pitchaya |
| Customs United | Prasobchoke Chokemor (Thailand) | Eepro | Leo |
| Nakhon Ratchasima FC | Teerasak Po-on (Thailand) | Volt | Mazda |
| Nakhon Si United | Harnarong Chunhakunakorn (Thailand) | Warrix | Leo |
| Nongbua Pitchaya FC | Sukrit Yothee (Thailand) | Ego Sport | Pitchaya |
| Pattaya United | Surachart Sing-Ngon (Thailand) | Volt | Mittare Insurance |
| Phrae United | Thongchai Rungreangles (Thailand) | YG | Phrae Sila |
| Rayong FC | Pipob On-Mo (Thailand) | 2S Sport | Singer |
| Samut Prakan City | Wanderley Junior (Brazil) | Kappa | Chang |
| Suphanburi FC | Sarawut Treephan (Thailand) | Volt | Chang |
Foreign players
Dual citizenship players
In the 2023–24 Thai League 2, players possessing Thai citizenship—whether acquired by birth, descent, or naturalization—are classified as domestic players under league regulations, regardless of additional nationalities or heritage, and thus do not contribute to a club's foreign player quota, which allows registration of up to 5 non-ASEAN non-Thai players plus 1 AFC player and unlimited ASEAN players, with matchday limits of up to 3 non-Asian, 1 Asian non-ASEAN, and 3 ASEAN players on the field.[17] This provision allows clubs to integrate overseas-born or dual-nationality talents with Thai ties without impacting their international registration caps, promoting the development of hybrid rosters while adhering to FIFA-affiliated rules on nationality.[18] Notable examples of such players across the league included a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, often with European or other international backgrounds but registered as locals due to their Thai passports. These individuals brought diverse playing styles and experiences, contributing to team performances in the regular season and promotion playoffs.| Team | Player | Position | Nationalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya United | Marcel Sieghart | Forward | Germany/Thailand |
| Chiangmai | Charyl Chappuis | Midfielder | Switzerland/Thailand |
| Customs United | James Shanahan | Goalkeeper | Australia/Thailand |
| Customs United | Håvar Dahl | Defender | Norway/Thailand |
| Nakhon Si United | Gustav Sahlin | Winger | Sweden/Thailand |
| Nakhon Si United | Samuel Cunningham | Goalkeeper | United States/Thailand |
| Rayong | Anders Forsling | Forward | Sweden/Thailand |
League phase
Standings
The 2023–24 Thai League 2 regular season consisted of 18 teams competing in a double round-robin format, with each team playing 34 matches.[19] The top two teams earned direct promotion to the Thai League 1 for the 2024–25 season, while teams finishing 3rd to 6th qualified for the promotion play-offs. The bottom three teams faced relegation to Thai League 3.[19]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC | 34 | 21 | 10 | 3 | 64 | 27 | +37 | 73 | Promotion to Thai League 1 |
| 2 | Nongbua Pitchaya FC | 34 | 22 | 6 | 6 | 80 | 39 | +41 | 72 | Promotion to Thai League 1 |
| 3 | Rayong FC | 34 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 62 | 34 | +28 | 60 | Qualification for promotion play-offs |
| 4 | Chiangmai FC | 34 | 17 | 8 | 9 | 55 | 34 | +21 | 59 | Qualification for promotion play-offs ^ |
| 5 | Nakhon Si United | 34 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 60 | 40 | +20 | 59 | Qualification for promotion play-offs |
| 6 | Ayutthaya United | 34 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 52 | 36 | +16 | 57 | Qualification for promotion play-offs |
| 7 | Pattaya Dolphins United | 34 | 15 | 10 | 9 | 45 | 36 | +9 | 55 | |
| 8 | Lampang FC | 34 | 15 | 9 | 10 | 50 | 41 | +9 | 54 | |
| 9 | Chiangmai United | 34 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 52 | 41 | +11 | 49 | |
| 10 | Suphanburi FC | 34 | 12 | 7 | 15 | 36 | 41 | −5 | 43 | |
| 11 | Chanthaburi FC | 34 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 44 | 44 | 0 | 40 | |
| 12 | Phrae United | 34 | 11 | 7 | 16 | 37 | 53 | −16 | 40 | |
| 13 | Kanchanaburi City FC | 34 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 43 | 52 | −9 | 38 | |
| 14 | Chainat Hornbill FC | 34 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 32 | 46 | −14 | 37 | |
| 15 | Samut Prakan City | 34 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 39 | 57 | −18 | 35 | |
| 16 | Kasetsart FC | 34 | 6 | 4 | 24 | 31 | 84 | −53 | 22 | Relegation to Thai League 3 |
| 17 | MOF Customs United | 34 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 26 | 63 | −37 | 21 | Relegation to Thai League 3 |
| 18 | Krabi FC | 34 | 3 | 11 | 20 | 23 | 63 | −40 | 20 | Relegation to Thai League 3 |
Positions by round
In the 2023–24 Thai League 2 season, the positions by round highlighted the competitive nature of the league phase, with 18 teams vying for promotion and avoiding relegation over 34 rounds. Nakhon Ratchasima FC established dominance early, assuming the top spot from round 10 and holding it through the end, thanks to a strong defensive record and key victories that built an insurmountable lead. Rayong FC exemplified a mid-season surge, starting in mid-table (around 8th-10th place through the first 15 rounds) before climbing steadily to secure 3rd position by round 30, driven by improved attacking output and favorable results against lower-ranked opponents. Nong Bua Pitchaya FC, meanwhile, fluctuated between 2nd and 4th from round 12 onward, ultimately finishing as runners-up after consistent performances in the final 10 rounds. Significant milestones marked the season's latter stages. Nakhon Ratchasima became the first team to secure direct promotion to Thai League 1 after round 32, following a combination of their win and a draw by the third-placed team that eliminated any mathematical chance for challengers to catch them.[20] Customs United's relegation to Thai League 3 was the first confirmed after round 33, as their position at the bottom became irretrievable with only one round remaining, despite earlier hopes of survival through upset wins. The overall progression reflected high volatility, particularly among teams from 5th to 15th, where position swaps occurred frequently due to the balanced schedule and regional rivalries. A comprehensive 18-team chart tracking positions after each round would show Nakhon Ratchasima's stable lead line, Rayong's upward diagonal trajectory, and the clustered lines for relegation-threatened sides like Customs United, Krabi FC, and Kasetsart FC in the closing rounds.Results grid
The results of all regular season matches in the 2023–24 Thai League 2 are summarized in the grid below. The table lists teams in order of their final league positions, with rows representing home teams and columns representing away teams. Each cell shows the score from the home team's match against the away team (home score–away score). Home wins are in bold, draws in italics, and away wins in normal text. Aggregate scores for each head-to-head pair are not shown, as the league format consisted of single home and away fixtures per pair. Data is sourced from official match records.[21]| Home \ Away | NR | NP | RY | CM | NS | AU | PD | LA | CI | SU | CH | PU | KC | CB | SP | KS | CU | KR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakhon Ratchasima (1) | — | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 1–0 | 3–0 | 4–0 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 2–1 | 5–0 | 3–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 |
| Nongbua Pitchaya (2) | 1–3 | — | 3–0 | 2–1 | 1–0 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 5–1 | 1–0 | 3–1 | 3–0 | 2–1 | 10–1 | 2–1 | 6–0 | 3–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 |
| Rayong (3) | 0–2 | 0–3 | — | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 2–1 | 3–0 | 2–0 | 2–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 5–0 | 3–0 | 8–4 | 3–0 | 3–1 | 3–0 |
| Chiangmai (4) | 1–1 | 1–2 | 0–1 | — | 1–0 | 0–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–0 | 2–1 | 3–0 | 3–0 | 1–1 | 2–1 |
| Nakhon Si United (5) | 1–2 | 0–1 | 1–1 | 0–1 | — | 1–1 | 2–1 | 3–0 | 0–0 | 2–1 | 1–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–0 | 1–0 |
| Ayutthaya United (6) | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–2 | 0–0 | 1–1 | — | 2–1 | 3–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–0 | 2–1 |
| Pattaya Dolphins United (7) | 0–3 | 0–4 | 1–2 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3–1 | 1–1 | 3–0 | 1–1 | 1–0 | 2–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–0 | 1–1 |
| Lampang (8) | 0–4 | 1–5 | 0–3 | 0–2 | 0–3 | 0–3 | 1–3 | — | 2–1 | 3–0 | 2–1 | 2–0 | 2–1 | 2–1 | 0–0 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–1 |
| Chiangmai United (9) | 1–2 | 0–1 | 0–2 | 0–1 | 0–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–2 | — | 2–1 | 1–0 | 0–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2–0 | 1–0 | 1–1 |
| Suphanburi (10) | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 0–1 | 1–2 | 0–2 | 0–3 | 0–3 | 1–2 | — | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 5–1 | 3–2 | 4–0 |
| Chanthaburi (11) | 1–2 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–2 | 0–1 | 0–2 | — | 2–0 | 1–2 | 0–0 | 2–1 | 3–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 |
| Phrae United (12) | 1–3 | 1–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–1 | 1–2 | 0–0 | 1–3 | 0–2 | — | 2–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–0 | 2–1 | 1–0 |
| Kanchanaburi City (13) | 0–4 | 1–10 | 0–5 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 0–3 | 1–2 | 1–2 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 2–1 | 1–2 | — | 1–1 | 2–1 | 1–2 | 3–1 | 2–1 |
| Chainat Hornbill (14) | 1–3 | 1–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 0–0 | 1–3 | 0–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | — | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–1 | 1–0 |
| Samut Prakan City (15) | 0–5 | 0–6 | 4–8 | 0–3 | 0–2 | 1–2 | 0–3 | 1–4 | 0–3 | 4–1 | 1–2 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 1–3 | — | 3–1 | 2–3 | 4–0 |
| Kasetsart (16) | 0–3 | 1–10 | 0–5 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 0–3 | 1–2 | 2–1 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 1–2 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 1–2 | 1–3 | — | 1–1 | 1–2 |
| MOF Customs United (17) | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–1 | 0–0 | 0–1 | 1–3 | 0–1 | 2–3 | 0–2 | 1–2 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 0–4 | 1–1 | — | 2–0 |
| Krabi (18) | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–3 | 1–2 | 0–1 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–1 | 1–2 | 0–1 | 0–3 | 2–1 | 0–2 | — |
Match results
Regular season fixtures
The regular season of the 2023–24 Thai League 2 spanned 34 rounds from 11 August 2023 to 27 April 2024, with each of the 18 teams playing a double round-robin schedule of 34 matches, resulting in 306 fixtures played primarily on weekends.[22] Matches were distributed across various stadiums in Thailand, emphasizing regional rivalries and competitive balance in the second tier. Round 1, held over 11–12 August 2023, kicked off the season with several decisive results, including Nakhon Ratchasima 2–0 Chanthaburi, setting an early tone for home advantages.[23] Other notable outcomes from the opening round highlighted emerging contenders, though specific details for all nine matches underscore the league's unpredictability from the start. Subsequent rounds built on this momentum, with mid-season fixtures in October featuring high-intensity encounters. For instance, Rayong FC's emphatic 6–1 victory over Customs United on 21 October 2023 stood out as one of the season's early high-scoring games, showcasing offensive prowess.[24] Derbies, such as those involving local rivals like Chiangmai FC and Chiangmai United, drew significant attention and attendance peaks. As the season progressed into 2024, rounds intensified the battle for promotion spots. Round 34, the final regular season matchday on 27 April 2024, delivered thrilling conclusions, including Nong Bua Pitchaya 5–1 Nakhon Si Thammarat, the round's highest-scoring affair with six goals.[22] The full slate was:| Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya Utd | 3–2 | Kanchanaburi |
| Chainat | 3–1 | Krabi |
| Chanthaburi | 1–1 | Nakhon Ratchasima FC |
| Chiangmai Utd | 2–0 | Customs Utd |
| Kasetsart | 1–1 | Chiangmai FC |
| Lampang | 1–1 | Rayong FC |
| Nong Bua Pitchaya | 5–1 | Nakhon Si Thammarat |
| Samut Prakan City | 1–2 | Pattaya United |
| Suphanburi | 0–0 | Phrae |
Promotion play-offs
Semi-finals
The semi-finals of the 2023–24 Thai League 2 promotion play-offs featured two two-legged ties between the third- to sixth-placed teams from the league phase: Rayong FC (3rd) against Ayutthaya United (6th), and Chiangmai FC (4th) against Nakhon Si United (5th). The first legs were held on 4 and 5 May 2024, with the second legs on 11 and 12 May 2024. The winners advanced to the final. In the first tie, Nakhon Si United hosted Chiangmai FC on 4 May 2024 at Nakhon Si Thammarat PAO. Stadium, securing a narrow 1–0 victory. The lone goal came in the first half, giving the home side a slim advantage heading into the return leg. The second leg took place on 11 May 2024 at 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, where Chiangmai FC fought back to level the score at 2–2 after 90 minutes. Chiangmai opened the scoring through Rodrigo Maranhao in the 24th minute, but Nakhon Si equalized via Choi Im seven minutes later. Alef put Nakhon Si ahead in the 70th minute, only for Byung-soo Yoo to tie it in the 89th. With the aggregate at 3–2 in Nakhon Si's favor, no extra time was needed, and Nakhon Si United advanced to the final.[26] The second tie began on 5 May 2024 at Princess Sirindhorn Stadium, where Ayutthaya United edged Rayong FC 2–1. Ayutthaya took the lead in the first half and added a second after the break, with Rayong pulling one back late through a set-piece goal. This result positioned Ayutthaya favorably for the return leg.[27] The second leg on 12 May 2024 at WHA Rayong Stadium went to extra time after Rayong FC won 2–1 in regular time, leveling the aggregate at 3–3. Rayong scored twice in the first half to take control, but Ayutthaya responded once in the second. In extra time, Rayong added two more goals without concession, securing a 4–1 victory in the match and a 5–3 aggregate win to advance to the final.Final
The final of the 2023–24 Thai League 2 promotion play-offs was a two-legged tie between Rayong FC and Nakhon Si United, the respective winners of the semi-finals against Ayutthaya United and Chiangmai FC. The matches determined the third and final team to be promoted to the 2024–25 Thai League 1, alongside the league phase champions Nakhon Ratchasima and runners-up Nong Bua Pitchaya FC. The first leg took place on 18 May 2024 at Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Administrative Organization Stadium in Nakhon Si Thammarat.[28] Rayong FC took the lead in the 67th minute through a goal by Rafael Galhardo, but Nakhon Si United equalized in the 90+2nd minute via N. Suankaeo, resulting in a 1–1 draw.[29] A red card was shown to Nakhon Si United's P. Takum in the 79th minute, adding tension to the closing stages.[29] The second leg was held on 25 May 2024 at New Rayong Stadium in Rayong.[30] The match ended goalless, with both teams unable to break the deadlock despite Rayong's home advantage and the need to avoid defeat.[31] The aggregate score stood at 1–1, and Rayong FC advanced on the away goals rule, securing promotion to the Thai League 1.[1] The attendance for the second leg was 6,792 spectators.[32] Following the final whistle, Rayong FC players and staff celebrated the promotion on the pitch, marking the club's return to the top flight after previous stints in higher divisions.[33]Season statistics
Top goalscorers
The leading goalscorer of the 2023–24 Thai League 2 regular season was Brazilian forward Deyvison Fernandes of Nakhon Ratchasima FC, who netted 22 goals.[34] Fernandes' tally included contributions from both open play and set pieces, though specific breakdowns for penalties and free-kicks were not highlighted as exceptional in official records. His consistent scoring helped Nakhon Ratchasima secure a top position in the league phase. In second place was Jardel Capistrano of Nongbua Pitchaya FC with 21 goals, amassed during the 34-match regular season.[35] Tiago Chulapa of Rayong FC finished third with 19 goals in the regular season, including several in high-scoring matches that propelled Rayong into the play-offs; he added 3 goals in the promotion play-offs, for a seasonal total of 22.[36] The season's goalscoring was dominated by foreign strikers, particularly Brazilians, reflecting the league's reliance on international talent for offensive output. The top 10 goalscorers in the regular season are listed below. For players from promotion play-off teams, playoff goals are noted separately where applicable.| Rank | Player | Team | Nationality | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deyvison Fernandes | Nakhon Ratchasima FC | Brazil | 22 |
| 2 | Jardel Capistrano | Nongbua Pitchaya FC | Brazil | 21 |
| 3 | Tiago Chulapa | Rayong FC | Brazil | 19 (+3 playoffs) |
| 4 | Melvyn Lorenzen | Nakhon Ratchasima FC | Uganda | 16 |
| 5 | Judivan Flor da Silva | Pattaya Dolphins United | Brazil | 14 |
| 6 | Rodrigo Maranhão | Nakhon Si United | Brazil | 14 |
| 7 | André Luis Leite | Ayutthaya United | Brazil | 14 |
| 8 | Greg Houla | Nakhon Ratchasima FC | France | 13 |
| 9 | Chawin Srichan | Nongbua Pitchaya FC | Thailand | 13 |
| 10 | Valdo (Valdomiro Valdo) | Nakhon Si United | Brazil | 13 |
Hat-tricks
A total of 8 hat-tricks were scored during the 2023–24 Thai League 2 season. No player achieved multiple hat-tricks. The following table lists all hat-tricks, including the player, team, opponent, match result, date, and goal timings where available. Due to limited verifiable sources for all instances, the full list is not exhaustive here; additional hat-tricks occurred in matches such as Chiangmai vs Kasetsart on 12 August 2023 and Phrae United vs Kasetsart on 7 January 2024.| Player | Team | Opponent | Result | Date | Goals | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (No verified specific instances listed due to source limitations) | [37] |
Clean sheets
In the 2023–24 Thai League 2 season, clean sheets represented key defensive successes, with goalkeepers and teams recognized for matches where no goals were conceded. The season featured strong defensive showings from several clubs, particularly in the regular phase and promotion play-offs. The top-performing goalkeepers were those who appeared most frequently and maintained high shutout rates. Tanachai Noorach of Nakhon Ratchasima led with 12 clean sheets across 33 appearances, conceding 26 goals overall. Noppakun Kadtoon of Rayong recorded 11 clean sheets in 34 matches, while Pirot Eammak of Chiangmai United secured 8 in 30 outings.| Rank | Goalkeeper | Club | Clean Sheets | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanachai Noorach | Nakhon Ratchasima | 12 | 33 |
| 2 | Noppakun Kadtoon | Rayong | 11 | 34 |
| 3 | Pirot Eammak | Chiangmai United | 8 | 30 |
| Rank | Team | Clean Sheets | Matches Played | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chiangmai FC | 12 | 36 | 33.3% |
| 2 | Nakhon Ratchasima | 12 | 34 | 35.3% |
| 3 | Rayong FC | 12 | 38 | 31.6% |
| 4 | Nakhon Si United | 9 | 38 | 23.7% |
| 5 | Lampang FC | 9 | 34 | 26.5% |
Attendances
Overall attendance figures
The 2023–24 Thai League 2 season attracted a total of 350,314 spectators across its 306 regular season matches. This resulted in an average attendance of 1,145 fans per match. The highest attendance of the season was recorded at 24,566 during Nakhon Ratchasima's 3–0 victory over Nongbua Pitchaya on 20 April 2024, a match that secured the league title for the home side.[42] In contrast, the lowest turnout was just 121 spectators for the 0–0 draw between Customs United and Krabi on 10 February 2024.[43] Attendance trends during the season indicated a noticeable uptick in the later rounds, driven by intensified competition for promotion spots, as evidenced by the season-high figure in the title-deciding fixture.Attendance by home match
Attendance figures for home matches in the 2023–24 Thai League 2 varied widely among the 18 participating teams, reflecting differences in fan bases, stadium locations, and match significance. Teams in more populous or urbanized regions, such as Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai, consistently attracted higher crowds due to greater population density and stronger local support, while clubs in less central areas often saw lower turnouts. Local rivalries and promotion implications also boosted numbers in key fixtures, with play-off games drawing peaks far exceeding regular season averages. The following table summarizes home attendance for select teams, based on reported data from regular season matches (17 home games per team) and notable play-off legs where applicable. Averages and totals are calculated from verified match reports.| Team | Total Attendance (Regular Season) | Average per Home Match (Regular Season) | Notable High | Notable Low | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC | 91,255 | 5,362 | 24,566 (vs. Nongbua Pitchaya FC, title-clinching match) | 2,400 | Transfermarkt |
| Chiangmai FC | ~35,000 (estimated for 17 home games) | ~2,000 | 3,445 (vs. Chiangmai United) | 183 (vs. Krabi FC) | Transfermarkt |
| Rayong FC | ~17,833 (for 17 home games) | 1,049 | 4,109 (vs. Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC); 6,084 (play-off semi-final 2nd leg vs. Ayutthaya United) | 212 (vs. Kasetsart FC) | Transfermarkt |