Watching a Thai Premier League Match in Buriram: Complete Guide

Buriram, a small town in Isaan located 410 km northeast of Bangkok, is a name that resonates strongly in Thai football thanks to its flagship club, Buriram United. This giant of the Thai Premier League (renamed Thai League 1) attracts thousands of fans to its ultra-modern stadium, the Chang Arena, and offers a unique experience for football enthusiasts. Whether you’re a passing tourist or a local passionate, attending a match in Buriram or watching it from the city is a dive into the fervor of Thai sports. Here’s a complete guide to living this adventure, with options to see the match live at the stadium or through other means.

Why Buriram is a Must for the Thai Premier League

Buriram United has dominated Thai League 1 for years, with multiple titles, including two undefeated seasons (2013 and 2015). The club, supported by local tycoon Newin Chidchob, is an institution in this town of 30,000 inhabitants, which transforms into a true football capital during matches. The Chang Arena, also called Thunder Castle, is the largest private stadium in Thailand, with a capacity of 32,600 seats. Built in just 256 days – a Guinness record – it offers an electrifying atmosphere comparable to European stadiums, but with a unique Thai touch: chants, drums, and overflowing energy.

Watching a match here is much more than just a sporting event; it’s an immersion into Isaan culture, where football is a collective passion. Whether you choose the stadium or an alternative, here’s how to make the most of this experience.

Attending a Match at Chang Arena

Buying Tickets

To see a live match, tickets are accessible and affordable. You can buy them:

• Online: Via the official Buriram United website (buriramunited.com) or platforms like Thai Ticket Major. Prices range from 100 to 250 baht (2.50-6 €) depending on the area (east, west, north, south stands).
• On-site: At the Chang Arena box office on match day, from 2-3 hours before kick-off, or at local 7-Elevens via Counter Service (cash payment only).

Arrive early to avoid queues, especially for big matches like against Muangthong United or Bangkok United. Seats are not numbered in the cheaper areas, so come early to choose a good spot.

The Stadium Atmosphere

Once inside the Chang Arena, prepare for an explosion of noise and colors. Supporters, often in blue (the club’s color), sing relentlessly, led by fan groups with drums and megaphones. During a match like Buriram United vs Muangthong United, the atmosphere is at its peak, with smoke and waving flags. Local snacks – chicken skewers (20 baht) or som tam (50 baht) – are sold at the entrance, and Chang beer stands (80 baht) add to the festivities.

The match often starts at 6 PM or 7 PM on weekends, perfect for an evening under the stars. The quality of play may be below European standards, but the enthusiasm more than makes up for it.

How to Get There

From Buriram center, the stadium is about 5 km away. Take a tuk-tuk (50-100 baht) or a songthaew (10 baht) from the bus station. If you’re coming from Bangkok, buses leave from Mo Chit (400-500 baht, 6-hour journey), or opt for a flight to Buriram airport (1 hour, 1,500-2,000 baht) followed by a taxi (200 baht).

Watching a Match from Buriram Outside the Stadium

If you can’t go to the stadium or prefer an alternative, here are your options for following the Thai Premier League from Buriram:

Local Bars and Restaurants

Buriram is full of small bars and restaurants where locals watch the matches. Some suggestions:

• Catty Bar: Near the station, this simple venue broadcasts matches on a big screen with beers at 70 baht. The Thai girls who work or relax there add a friendly touch – a “sawasdee krub” can start a conversation.
• The Hop Beer House: More modern, with an expat atmosphere, it offers HD screens and Thai-Western dishes (100-200 baht).
• Street stands with TV: Around the night market near Romburi Road, some stalls sometimes broadcast matches, perfect for an authentic experience with a meal for 50 baht.

These spots attract a mixed crowd – locals, Malaysian tourists, and some “farangs”. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s a good opportunity to meet Thai girls who are football fans or simply curious about foreigners.

Television and streaming

• Local TV: TrueVisions, the leader in sports broadcasting in Thailand, often airs Thai League 1 matches on its True Premier Football or True Sports channels. Hotels like the I-Yaris Boutique Resort in Khon Kaen (or similar in Buriram) have these channels in their rooms.
• Online streaming: SPOTV NOW covers Thai League 1 live (subscription around 300 baht/month). You can also try sites like APWin or Bet365 (with a funded account), but check the legality depending on your location. A stable Wi-Fi connection in a café or hotel is recommended.

Tips for a successful experience

• Schedule: Matches are usually on Saturday or Sunday at 6 PM or 7 PM. Check the calendar on buriramunited.com or Flashscore.com.
• Budget: At the stadium, plan for 200-400 baht (ticket, food, transport). In a bar, 150-300 baht is enough for an evening.
• Respect: Dress casually (shorts and t-shirt OK at the stadium, but avoid flip-flops in modern bars). A smile and a “khob khun” (thank you) go a long way with locals.
• Meeting people: Thai girls in bars or at the market are often open to chatting, especially if you show interest in football or their culture. Be polite and patient.

Why choose Buriram for a match?

Compared to Bangkok or Pattaya, Buriram offers a raw and authentic experience. The Chang Arena rivals English Premier League stadiums in terms of atmosphere, but with ridiculously low prices and a rare proximity between fans and players. Thai girls from Isaan, less exposed to mass tourism, bring a spontaneity that contrasts with more commercial interactions elsewhere.

Whether you’re at the stadium or in a local bar, watching a match here is a celebration of Thai passion for football. Buriram United, with stars like Suphanat Mueanta, promises exciting moments, and the crowd’s energy makes every goal memorable.

A typical evening in Buriram

Imagine: you arrive at Chang Arena at 5 PM, 150 baht ticket in hand. Drums are resonating, you buy a skewer and a Chang. The match starts, and Buriram scores – the explosion of joy envelops you. Afterwards, you head to Catty Bar, where a Thai girl challenges you on the final score over a Leo (80 baht). The night ends in simplicity and good spirits, typical of Isaan.

In conclusion, watching a Thai Premier League match in Buriram is an adventure that combines sports, culture, and friendliness. Whether at the stadium or in a lively corner of the city, you’ll leave with unique memories and a new appreciation for Thai football. So, ready to feel the excitement with Buriram United?