Thai League 1
Thai League 1 (officially known as Thai League 1 or T1) and from 2009 to 2017 as the Thai Premier League is the highest professional tier of the Thai football league system.
Managed by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), the competition features 16 clubs playing a double round-robin format (home and away fixtures), typically running from August or September through May. There is promotion from and relegation to Thai League 2 with 18 clubs.
Over the years, the league has evolved into one of the most competitive and rapidly growing domestic football competitions in Southeast Asia, offering qualification paths to elite Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club tournaments.
Main Teams
Thai League 1 features a mix of powerhouse provincial clubs and historic capital-based teams that consistently contend for the title:
Buriram United
Undisputably the most dominant and successful club in modern Thai football history, known for their fierce winning culture and passionate fan base. Founded in 1970 as PEA Football Club (Provincial Electricity Authority Football Club), the club underwent several transformations before becoming Buriram PEA in 2010 and later Buriram United in 2012. Buriram United is the most decorated club in Thai football history, having secured a record 12 Thai League 1 titles, along with 8 Thai FA Cup victories, 8 Thai League Cup triumphs, 2 Thailand Champions Cup titles, and 3 Kor Royal Cup trophies. The club has also claimed the ASEAN Club Championship title in 2024-25, 2025-26.
Widely regarded as Thailand's most successful and influential football club, Buriram United enjoys a vast nationwide following, with millions of supporters across the country. Surveys have ranked the club as the third most supported football team in Thailand overall, behind only English Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.
The team plays its home matches at Chang Arena (capacity 32,600).
BG Pathum United
A heavily invested, modern club based in in Pathum Thani north of the capital, Bangkok, that has routinely challenged at the top of the table and featured prominently in continental competitions. Nicknamed 'The Rabbits' the club were founded in 1979 and have won the Thai League 1 in 2020-21 and Thai League 2 in 2019.
Bangkok United
A consistent title contender based in the Bangkok metropolitan region, known for playing attractive, high-tempo football. Previously Bangkok University Football Club and now True Bangkok United for sponsorship reasons. Home is True BG Stadium in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani north east of Bangkok. Won the Thai title once in 2006 as Bangkok University FC.
Port FC
One of the historic traditional clubs of Thai football, backed by an intensely loyal and vibrant fan base located in the Khlong Toei district of Bangkok. Founded in 1967 as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club, the 'Port Lions' play at PAT Stadium. Still without a title they were runners-ups in 1999 and again in 2025-2026.
Muangthong United
A historic powerhouse and multiple-time league champion that helped drive the modern professional boom of Thai football in the late 2000s and 2010s. 'The Kings' were relegated to T2 last season after 17 years in the top tier after the 2025-26 season. Ex-Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler played for the club in 2011-2012 scoring 8 times in 13 matches after leaving Perth Glory in the A-League. Muangthong United were Thai champions in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2016.
Main Stadiums in Thailand and Capacities
Clubs across Thai League 1 play in venues ranging from massive football-specific arenas to multi-purpose provincial stadiums. The national stadium of the Thailand national football team is Rajamangala National Stadium. It is the largest stadium and sports venue by capacity (51,000) in Thailand. Some Thai teams use the arena in Asian competitions and several international club teams have played here including Liverpool and Manchester United.
The multi-purpose stadium was officially opened on 6 December 1998 in time for the Asian Games. The stadium has hosted the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and several editions of the ASEAN Championship aka AFF Championship (2000, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018).
Below are some of the most notable stadiums in the league.
| Club | Stadium | Capacity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buriram United FC | Chang Arena | 32,600 | Buriram |
| Nakhon Ratchasima FC | His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium | 24,641 | Nakhon Ratchasima |
| Bangkok United FC / BG Pathum United FC | True BG Stadium | 15,114 | Pathum Thani |
| Muang Thong United FC | Thunderdome Stadium | 15,000 | Nonthaburi |
| Ratchaburi FC | Ratchaburi Stadium (Dragon Solar Park) | 13,000 | Ratchaburi |
| Port FC | PAT Stadium | 12,000 | Bangkok |
| Chiangrai United FC | Singha Chiangrai Stadium | 11,354 | Chiang Rai |
| Sukhothai FC | Thung Thalay Luang Stadium | 9,500 | Sukhothai |
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