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 state-of-the-art stadium, the Chang Arena, and offers a unique experience for football fans. Whether you’re a passing tourist or a local enthusiast, attending a match in Buriram or watching it from the city is a dive into the fervor of Thai sport. Here’s a complete guide to living this adventure, with options to watch the match live at the stadium or via 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 unbeaten seasons (2013 and 2015). The club, backed by local tycoon Newin Chidchob, is an institution in this city of 30,000 inhabitants, which is transforming into the real capital of football during matches. The Chang Arena, also known as Thunder Castle, is the largest private stadium in Thailand, with a capacity of 32,600 seats. Built in just 256 days – a Guinness World Record – it offers an electrifying atmosphere comparable to European stadiums, but with a unique Thai twist: singing, drumming and boundless energy.

Watching a match here is much more than just a sporting event; it is an immersion in the culture of Isaan, 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 website of Buriram United (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 stand).
• 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 the lines, especially for big games like against Muangthong United or Bangkok United. Spots are not numbered in the cheapest areas, so come ahead to choose a good spot.

The Stadium Atmosphere

Once in the Chang Arena, get ready for an explosion of noise and color. The supporters, often in blue (the club’s colour), sing relentlessly, led by groups of fans with drums and megaphones. In a match like Buriram United vs Muangthong United, the atmosphere is at its peak, with smoke from smoke and flags waving. Local snacks — chicken skewers (20 baht) or som tam (50 baht) — are sold at the entrance, and Chang beer stalls (80 baht) add to the fun.

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 the center of Buriram, the stadium is about 5 km away. Take a tuk-tuk (50-100 baht) or songthaew (10 baht) from the bus station. If you’re coming from Bangkok, buses depart from Mo Chit (400-500 baht, 6 hours ride), 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 make it 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 games. Some suggestions:

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

These spots attract a mixed crowd – locals, Malaysian tourists , and a few “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, Thailand’s leading sports broadcaster, often broadcasts 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 chains in their rooms.
• Online streaming : SPOTV NOW covers the 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 according to your location. Stable Wi-Fi in a café or hotel is recommended.

Tips for a successful experience

• Schedule : Matches are usually on Saturday or Sunday at 6 or 7 p.m. Check the calendar on buriramunited.com or Flashscore.com.
• Budget : At the stadium, plan 200-400 baht (ticket, food, transportation). In the bar, 150-300 baht is enough for an evening.
• Respect : Dress simply (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 the locals.
• Dating : Thai girls in bars or at the market are often open to chatting, especially if you show an interest in soccer 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 paltry prices and a rare proximity between fans and players. Isaan’s Thai girls, less exposed to mass tourism, bring a spontaneity that contrasts with more commercial interactions elsewhere.

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

A typical evening in Buriram

Picture this: you arrive at the Chang Arena at 5 p.m., ticket at 150 baht in hand. The drums are playing, you buy a skewer and a Chang. The match starts, and Buriram scores – the explosion of joy envelops you. Afterwards, you go to the Catty Bar, where a Thai girl challenges you on the final score around a Leo (80 baht). The night ends in simplicity and good humor, typical of Isaan.

In conclusion, watching a Thai Premier League match in Buriram is an adventure that mixes sport, culture and conviviality. Whether at the stadium or in a lively corner of the city, you will leave with unique memories and a new appreciation for Thai football. So, are you ready to rock with Buriram United ?