Chanthaburi F.C.
Chanthaburi Football Club, commonly referred to as Chanthaburi F.C., is a professional association football club based in Chanthaburi Province, eastern Thailand.[1] Founded in 2004, the club competes in the Thai League 2, the second division of the Thai football league system, and represents the province in national competitions including the Thai League Cup and FA Cup.[1][2] Their home matches are played at Chanthaburi Province Stadium, a multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 5,000 spectators located in Mueang Chanthaburi District.[3] Since entering professional football, Chanthaburi F.C. has primarily operated in the lower tiers of the Thai league structure, with notable participation in the former Thai Division 1 League (now Thai League 2) during the late 2000s and early 2010s, where they finished mid-table in seasons such as 12th in 2010 and 13th in 2009.[4][5] After periods in regional leagues, the club returned to the national second tier in recent years, including promotion from Thai League 3 ahead of the 2023–24 season, though they have yet to secure major titles or promotions to the top-flight Thai League 1. As of the 2025–26 season, under head coach Theerawekin Seehawong, the squad features an average player age of around 30 and includes a mix of Thai and foreign talent, with no current national team representatives.[6][7]History
Founding and early years
Chanthaburi Football Club was established in 2004 as a professional entity representing Chanthaburi Province in Thailand's domestic football landscape.[8] From its inception, the club was supported by local authorities, including the Chanthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization and the provincial sports association, which provided foundational backing for operations and development. This organizational setup enabled the assembly of an initial squad through local player acquisitions and recruitment efforts aimed at establishing a competitive team structure. The club made its competitive debut in 2006, with no recorded league participation in 2004 or 2005. The club's early competitive phase began with entry into the Thailand Provincial League in 2006, a regional semi-professional competition overseen by the Sports Authority of Thailand.[9] In its debut season, Chanthaburi F.C. competed in a field of teams including Bangkok Bravo, Chachoengsao FC, and others, playing home games at local venues in the province.[9] Key events included the team's first league matches, which marked its introduction to organized professional play, culminating in an 8th-place finish out of the participating clubs.[10] Following this season, the club decided to withdraw from the Provincial League to seek entry into the national Division 1 League for greater competitive exposure.Division 1 League participation
Chanthaburi F.C. entered the Thailand Division 1 League in 2007, shifting from provincial competitions to the national second division under the auspices of the Football Association of Thailand. The league that year consisted of two groups of 12 teams, with the top two from each group earning promotion to the Thai Premier League. The club's participation marked a key milestone in its professional development.[11] In their debut season, Chanthaburi F.C. finished 4th in the standings, a respectable result that highlighted the team's adaptability to higher-level competition. The following year, 2008, they maintained momentum by securing 5th place, further solidifying their presence in the division with a balanced record of wins, draws, and losses.[12] Seasons 2009 and 2010 proved more challenging, as the club focused on survival, narrowly avoiding relegation by finishing just above the drop zone in both campaigns. These years emphasized defensive resilience and critical late-season victories to stay in the second tier. In 2011, Chanthaburi F.C. appointed Somchai Chuayboonchum as head coach, a move aimed at revitalizing the squad. Chuayboonchum, previously with Samut Songkhram F.C., integrated several experienced players from his former team, enhancing midfield control and attacking options. Under his guidance, the team displayed improved cohesion, with notable contributions from forwards who led key matches, such as upset wins against mid-table rivals. Fan support grew significantly during this period, with attendance rising at home fixtures, fostering a stronger community connection to the club's efforts in the division. The season culminated in a stable mid-table finish, setting the stage for continued competition before eventual challenges in 2012.Relegation and regional leagues
In 2012, Chanthaburi F.C. endured a difficult season in the Thai Division 1 League, culminating in an 18th-place finish out of 18 teams and subsequent relegation to the third tier due to consistent poor form and failure to accumulate sufficient points.[13] From 2013 to 2016, the club competed in the Thai Regional League Division 2 Central & Eastern Region (later restructured as the Eastern Region in 2016), where it achieved mid-table positions reflective of a transitional phase focused on adaptation to regional competition. For example, in 2015, Chanthaburi finished 5th in the standings with a strong run of recent victories.[14]Promotion to Thai League 2
Chanthaburi F.C. initiated its revival in 2017 by winning the Thai League 4 Eastern Region championship with a first-place finish, earning promotion to the Thai League 3 for the following season.[15] This triumph, marked by a strong regional performance, positioned the club for sustained competition in higher divisions.[16] From 2018 to 2021, Chanthaburi F.C. competed in the Thai League 3, primarily in the Eastern and Central regions, achieving competitive results that included multiple wins and draws against regional rivals, such as a 1-0 victory over Royal Thai Fleet F.C. in 2020.[17] The club participated in regional playoffs during this period, demonstrating gradual improvement and building squad depth through consistent league exposure. In the 2022–23 season, Chanthaburi F.C. secured second place in the Thai League 3 Eastern Region, advancing to the national championship playoffs. There, they recorded three wins and two draws across five matches, qualifying for promotion to the Thai League 2 with an 11-point haul in the finals group.[16] This success highlighted the club's tactical discipline and ability to perform under pressure in knockout-style qualification.[18] Upon promotion, Chanthaburi F.C. debuted in the 2023–24 Thai League 2, finishing 11th with 40 points from 34 matches (9 wins, 13 draws, 12 losses), showcasing resilience with a balanced goal tally of 44 scored and 44 conceded.[19] In the 2024–25 season, they placed 13th, accumulating 38 points from 32 matches (10 wins, 8 draws, 14 losses) and a goal difference of -11, maintaining mid-table stability amid a competitive second tier.[19] The club's ascent was bolstered by effective coaching strategies emphasizing defensive organization and counter-attacks, alongside the integration of youth talents into the first team, contributing to their regional titles and playoff successes since 2017.[2]Club identity
Name, nickname, and colours
Chanthaburi Football Club, known in Thai as สโมสรฟุตบอลจังหวัดจันทบุรี, is the official full name of the professional football club based in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand.[2] The club is commonly nicknamed the Wild Rabbits (กระต่ายป่า), a moniker derived from the provincial seal of Chanthaburi featuring a rabbit on the moon from Thai folklore. The nickname evolved from earlier usage of "Forest Bulls (กระทิงป่า)" in the late 2010s to the current rabbit-themed identity in the 2020s, prominently used in official communications and match reports.[20] Chanthaburi F.C.'s colours have evolved over time, with historical kits in the 2010s featuring blue and white, transitioning to yellow and black as primary colours in recent seasons, prominently featured in the home kit, with occasional secondary accents in navy or red across away and third kits.[21] Since the club's founding in 2004 as a regional team in Thailand's lower divisions, its branding has evolved from basic provincial representations to a more defined identity emphasizing local symbolism. Early kits under suppliers like Grand Sport incorporated simpler schemes, transitioning to in-house and M7 designs by the 2020s that incorporated rabbit motifs for greater visual cohesion, aligning with promotions to Thai League 2 while preserving ties to Chanthaburi's heritage.[22][23]Crest and kits
The crest of Chanthaburi F.C. features a stylized rabbit, inspired by the provincial seal of Chanthaburi, where the animal is a traditional symbol linked to the moon in Thai folklore.[24] The current design, introduced in 2022, depicts an aggressive or "angry" rabbit to embody the club's dynamic identity.[25] Previous crests, used from 2013 to 2022 and earlier periods dating back to 2010, also incorporated rabbit motifs but with simpler or evolving graphical styles, reflecting the club's provincial roots without detailed symbolic changes noted in records.[25] Chanthaburi F.C. has relied on several kit suppliers throughout its history, adapting to league requirements and sponsorship deals. Grand Sport served as the primary supplier during the club's early professional phases in the 2010s, providing designs that included blue and white elements.[23] This was followed by FBT in 2019 for a season of more vibrant patterns, in-house production during the 2022-2023 transitional period amid regional league play, and M7 as the current supplier starting from 2023, emphasizing durable, performance-oriented fabrics for Thai League 2 competitions.[23] For the 2025-26 season, the home kit consists of a plain yellow jersey paired with navy shorts.[26] The away kit features a striped design in sky blue and blue, released on August 8, 2025, to provide contrast during matches.[27] Sponsor integrations, prominently including Rock 5 Presso on the front since 2022, appear across all kits, with additional placements on sleeves and shorts for visibility; earlier sponsors like New Travel Lodge Hotel (2020-2021) and Yamaha (2017) similarly influenced design layouts in prior seasons.[28] Third kit variations for 2025-26 remain undisclosed in official releases, though historical patterns suggest alternative colors like green or red for specific fixtures.[23]Stadium and facilities
Chanthaburi Province Stadium
Chanthaburi Province Stadium is a multi-purpose venue situated in Mueang Chanthaburi, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, serving as the primary home ground for Chanthaburi F.C. in their domestic league matches. It has served as the primary home ground since 2007 (with interruptions) and continues to be used as of the 2024–25 season.[29] The stadium has been integral to the club's operations, hosting key fixtures and contributing to the local football culture as a central provincial facility. With a seating capacity of 5,000, the stadium accommodates fans for Chanthaburi F.C.'s home games, emphasizing its role in supporting the team's presence in Thai League 2. It features a dedicated football pitch without a surrounding running track or undersoil heating, aligning with standard requirements for regional professional matches in Thailand.[29] The venue holds significance as a landmark in Chanthaburi Province, used not only for football but also for community events, underscoring its broader cultural and sporting importance to the region.[30]Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University Stadium
The Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University Stadium is located in Chanthaburi, Thailand, and served as a secondary venue for Chanthaburi F.C. in 2011 and 2014 due to its integration with the university's academic and sporting facilities.[31] It has a capacity of 8,800.[32] Chanthaburi F.C. adopted this stadium intermittently in 2011 and 2014, primarily for matches requiring higher capacity or to resolve scheduling conflicts.[33] The venue features a grass pitch maintained for university and football use, with facilities supporting both academic events and sporting activities; during the club's tenancy, no major upgrades were reported specifically for football operations.[34]Management and staff
Technical staff
The technical staff of Chanthaburi F.C. underwent significant updates following the 2024 season, with key appointments aimed at strengthening the team's competitiveness in Thai League 2. These changes included a new head coach and reinforcements in the assistant and specialized coaching roles to support tactical development and player preparation. Theerawekin Seehawong serves as the current head coach, having been appointed on February 19, 2025, with a contract extending until June 30, 2026. A 45-year-old Thai national and AFC Pro License holder, Seehawong brings extensive experience from previous roles at clubs such as Pattaya Dolphins United and Nongbua Pitchaya FC, where he managed over 100 matches with an average of 1.2 points per game. His coaching approach emphasizes an attacking style, typically deploying a 4-3-3 formation to prioritize offensive transitions and high pressing.[35] Supporting Seehawong are three assistant managers: Victor Amaro, a 38-year-old Brazilian who joined on July 1, 2023, and focuses on tactical analysis and player integration; Phichitphong Choeichiu, a 43-year-old Thai coach appointed on June 28, 2024, after serving at Muang Loei United; and Chayut Jantaramonton, a Thai assistant whose tenure began prior to the 2025 season. Amaro, a former centre-back, contributes international perspective drawn from his playing career in Brazil and Asia.[36][37] Sumon Klakrp acts as the goalkeeping coach, appointed on June 28, 2024; the 38-year-old Thai specialist previously worked with Buriram United, emphasizing technical drills and distribution skills for keepers. The technical director, Somchai Subpherm, oversees strategic planning and youth integration; appointed on December 30, 2021, the 63-year-old Thai veteran has a background in regional club management from Koh Wang FC.[36]Coaching history
Chanthaburi F.C. has undergone several coaching changes in recent years, particularly since its return to competitive prominence in the lower tiers of Thai football. Somchai Subpherm served as head coach from August 21, 2022, to May 31, 2023. During his tenure, the team secured promotion to Thai League 2 by winning the Thai League 3 Eastern Region in the 2022–23 season, achieving 1.71 points per game across 7 matches.[38] Titi Sungsri took over on July 19, 2023, and departed on December 7, 2023. His brief stint in the second tier resulted in 0.50 points per game over 6 matches, amid efforts to stabilize the newly promoted side.[38] Supachai Komsilp was appointed on December 8, 2023, and led the club until December 31, 2024. Under his guidance from mid-season, Chanthaburi finished 11th in the 2023–24 Thai League 2, collecting 40 points from 34 matches and demonstrating improved consistency in the division.[38][39] The club experienced instability in early 2025. Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva was hired on January 2, 2025, but left after 33 days on February 4, 2025, following 6 matches with 1.33 points per game. Victor Amaro then acted as interim head coach from February 5 to 18, 2025, managing 2 matches without securing any points.[38] Theerawekin Seehawong assumed the role on February 19, 2025, and continues as head coach. In his first 24 matches (spanning the latter part of the 2024–25 season and the early 2025–26 season), the team has averaged 1.33 points per game, contributing to a mid-table 13th position in Thai League 2 as of November 2025.[38] Prior to 2022, including the pre-2011 period and post-2012 relegation years in regional leagues, coaching records feature numerous short-term appointments, though detailed tenures and impacts remain sparsely documented in accessible sources.Players
Current squad
As of the 2025/26 season, Chanthaburi F.C.'s squad comprises 29 players with an average age of 30.0 years, including five foreign players representing 17.2% of the roster.[40] The team features strong depth in defense and attack, with multiple options across positions to support their campaigns in the Thai League 2. No players are currently on loan from other clubs.[40] The squad is detailed below, organized by position, with squad numbers, nationalities, ages, and contract expiration dates (all contracts expire on June 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted).[40]Goalkeepers
| No. | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Suppawat Srinothai | Thailand | 37 |
| 18 | Chaloempat Ploywanrattana | Thailand | 26 |
| 26 | Kiattisak Pimyotha | Thailand | 30 |
Defenders
| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Puttinan Wannasri | Thailand | 33 | Centre-Back |
| 6 | Caio | Australia/Brazil | 27 | Centre-Back |
| 4 | Naphat Jaruphutpukdee | Thailand | 29 | Centre-Back |
| 99 | Suwat Chanbunpha | Thailand | 33 | Centre-Back |
| 2 | Sakolwach Sakolla | Thailand | 34 | Centre-Back |
| 3 | Rachan Prasitthong | Thailand | 26 | Centre-Back |
| 91 | Jirawat Thongsaengphrao | Thailand | 27 | Left-Back |
| 35 | Weeravut Kayem | Thailand | 32 | Left-Back |
| 52 | Thammayut Tonkham | Thailand | 28 | Left-Back |
| 28 | Suksan Mungpao | Thailand | 28 | Left-Back |
Midfielders
| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | Aphiwat Hanchai | Thailand | 26 | Defensive Midfield |
| 88 | Tachanon Nakarawong | Thailand | 28 | Defensive Midfield |
| 17 | Watcharakorn Manoworn | Thailand | 29 | Defensive Midfield |
| 8 | Thanadol Kaosaart | Thailand | 24 | Central Midfield |
| 19 | Anuchit Ngrnbukkol | Thailand | 32 | Central Midfield |
| 24 | Kanokpon Buspakom | Thailand | 26 | Central Midfield |
| 16 | Santitorn Lattirom | Thailand | 35 | Central Midfield |
| 20 | Promdan Benjasiri | Thailand | 21 | Attacking Midfield |
Forwards
| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Ignacio Abeledo | Spain | 29 | Left Winger |
| 11 | Jetsada Badcharee | Thailand | 28 | Left Winger |
| 23 | Somkid Chamnarnsilp | Thailand | 32 | Right Winger |
| 55 | David Rowley | Malaysia/Australia | 35 | Second Striker |
| 29 | Rodrigo Maranhão | Brazil | 32 | Centre-Forward |
| 9 | Wander Luiz | Brazil | 33 | Centre-Forward |
| 14 | Nattawut Suksum | Thailand | 28 | Centre-Forward |
| 77 | Kitti Kinnonkok | Thailand | 26 | Centre-Forward |
Notable former players
During the tenure of coach Somchai Chuayboonchum from 2007 to 2012, Chanthaburi F.C. featured several standout players who contributed to the club's stability in the Thai Division 1 League. Suphanan Bureerat, a versatile right-back born locally in Chanthaburi, emerged as a key defender during this period, making appearances in the 2012 season before progressing to higher-profile clubs and earning caps for the Thailand national team.[41] Similarly, Ugandan international midfielder Jimmy Kidega joined the squad in 2012, bringing experience from African leagues and providing midfield creativity with his 180 cm frame and technical skills, having previously represented the Uganda Cranes.[42] In the Regional League era, particularly the 2017 Thai League 4 Eastern Region championship-winning campaign, players like South Korean forward Lee Jung-hun played pivotal roles as one of the league's top scorers with four goals, helping secure promotion and the regional title. The 2023 promotion from Thai League 3 to Thai League 2 highlighted Brazilian centre-back Alex Flávio, who anchored the defense with his 1.88 m stature and physical presence, featuring in 7 league matches during the 2022–2023 season and contributing to the Eastern Region title win.[43] Among the club's most prolific former forwards is Brazilian striker Tiago Chulapa, who joined in 2024 and netted 19 goals in 37 appearances, boosting the team's attacking output during a transitional phase before moving to Royal Thai Fleet in 2025;[44][45] his finishing ability was instrumental in boosting the team's attacking output during a transitional phase. While few ex-players have transitioned directly to coaching roles at the club, Suphanan Bureerat's ongoing national team involvement underscores the lasting impact of homegrown talents from the Somchai era.[41]Competitive record
Season-by-season results
Chanthaburi F.C. has experienced fluctuating fortunes across Thailand's professional football leagues since entering the system in the mid-2000s, with notable achievements including a regional championship in the fourth tier and subsequent promotions, alongside periods of relegation. The club's performances have been shaped by league restructurings, such as the introduction of the Thai League 4 in 2017 as the new fourth tier and the reorganization of lower divisions into regional groups under the Thai League 3 in 2019. Domestic cup participations have been sporadic, with entries in the FA Cup and Thai League Cup in recent seasons, though without major successes. The following table summarizes key season-by-season league results from verified records, highlighting positions, match statistics, and promotions/relegations where applicable.[19][46][47]| Year | League | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF:GA | Pts | Notes (including cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Provincial League | 8th | - | - | - | - | - | - | Entry into competitive provincial play; no full stats available; no cup participation recorded. |
| 2009 | Thai Division 1 League | 13th | - | - | - | - | - | - | Mid-table finish; no cup participation recorded.[46] |
| 2010 | Thai Division 1 League | 12th | - | - | - | - | - | - | Mid-table finish; no cup participation recorded.[46] |
| 2012 | Thai Division 1 League | 18th | - | - | - | - | - | - | Relegated to Regional League Division 2; no cup participation recorded.[13] |
| 2017 | Thai League 4 Eastern Region | 1st | - | - | - | - | - | - | Regional champions; qualified for national champions league playoffs but not promoted to Thai League 3; no cup participation recorded.[15] |
| 2022–23 | Thai League 3 | Promoted (2nd in Eastern Region, winners of promotion playoffs) | 29 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 47:27 | 52 | Advanced from regional league to national playoffs (3W 2D 0L in 5 playoff matches); promoted to Thai League 2; FA Cup: Round of 32.[47][18] |
| 2023–24 | Thai League 2 | 11th | 34 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 44:44 | 40 | No promotion/relegation; FA Cup: Round of 64; Thai League Cup: Group stage.[19] |
| 2024–25 | Thai League 2 | 13th | 34 | 11 | 8 | 15 | 40:50 | 41 | No promotion/relegation; FA Cup: Round of 64; Thai League Cup: Did not qualify.[19] |