Facts about Buriram United F.C.
Football is the most popular sport in Thailand, and we have our Thai League 1 where Thai football clubs compete eagerly for the Thai League Cup.
Among our Thai football clubs, Buriram United F.C. has been known as the greatest club with the highest number of achievements, and they rank in the 1st spot in Thai League 1 currently.
Here are 10 little fun facts about Buriram United Football Club that will help you know this greatest team better.
What is the meaning of Buriram City and where is it located?
Image credit: @dolrudeep via Instagram
Buriram is a city located in the lower part of the Northeastern region of Thailand, close to Surin and Nakhon Ratchasrima. The city’s name means “city of happiness” or “peaceful city”. Buriram is known for its great football club, historical and cultural sites, silk-weaving industry, and cultural events. So yes, Buriram United F.C. is a football club located in this city.
1. They’re the most successful football club in Thailand
Image credit: Thairath
Buriram United F.C. is the most successful football club in Thailand, having won eight championships and secured three runner-up places in the Thai League.
From the 2010-present season, Buriram United has won a total of 31 championships, including eight Thai League titles (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018,2021/2022,2022/2023), six FA Cups (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015,2021/2022,2022/2023), seven League Cups (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021/22, 2022/23), four Kor Royal Cups (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), one Thailand Champion Cup (2019), three Premier Cups (2012, 2014, 2016), and two Mekong Club Championships (2015, 2016).
2. Their original name is Provincial Electricity Authority Football Club
Image credit: สโมสรฟุตบอลการไฟฟ้าส่วนภูมิภาค PEA FC via Facebook
The club was established in 1970 under the name Provincial Electricity Authority Football Club. In 2010, the club’s name changed to Buriram PEA F.C. after Newin Chidchob bought it. Two years later, the name was changed to Buriram United F.C. when the club won Division 1 and moved up to play in the Thai Premier League in the 2012 season.
At present, the club has a nickname which is Thunder Castle or ปราสาทสายฟ้า in Thai.
3. The team collected the highest score in the league & were the first to win triple trophies
Image credit: มติชนออนไลน์
In 2018, Buriram United F.C. won the Thai Premier League with 87 points, making them the team that achieved the highest score in Thai football history.
Also, they are the first Thai football club to win three major championships in the 2011 season, under Coach Attaphol Buspakom. They clinched the Thai Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup before going on to make history by securing five championships in a single year in 2015.
4. Chang Arena was constructed within the shortest amount of time globally
Image credit: Thailand Tourism Directory
Chang Arena, Buriram Stadium is located in Muang District, Buriram. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 seats. The budget used in building this stadium was approximately ฿500 million, with some funds granted by I-Mobile and the rest directly from Newin’s own pocket.
The stadium stands as Thailand’s sole venue meeting FIFA, AFC, and AFF standards, attaining the prestigious Elite Stadium status from AFC and the esteemed World Class status from FIFA. Additionally, it holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest-built FIFA-level football stadium globally, completed in just 256 days
5. Their current coach is Arthur Papas
Image credit: Bangkok Post
Currently, Buriram United F.C. is managed by Coach Arthur Papas — an Australian coach. Arthur Papas was appointed to be the coach of the club on 25th June 2023. Before getting appointed to coach Buriram United F.C., Papas had managed 14 football clubs before. The previous club was Newcastle Jets Football Club.
The record of Papas coaching Buriram United F.C. so far is 28 goals, 17 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses.
6. Siwarak Tedsungnoen is the team’s longest-serving player
Image credit: poppy_bear via Pantip
Playing as a goalkeeper, Siwarak Tedsungnoen has been with Buriram United F.C. since its establishment. While other players have come and gone, he remains a stalwart of the club. At 39 years old, he holds the distinction of being the oldest active football player in Thailand. Throughout his tenure, he has secured every trophy with the club and continues to serve as the team’s starting goalkeeper.
7. Diogo Luís Santo scored the most goals for the team
Image credit: Diogo Luis Santo via Facebook
Diogo Luís Santo has been instrumental in securing up to 5 championships for the club with his numerous goals. In March 2018, he achieved the milestone of scoring 100 goals for the club across all competitions, and in October 2018, he became the 6th player in Thai League history to reach 100 goals. Moreover, he holds the record for the highest number of goals scored in the history of Buriram United. Later, he signed a 2-year contract with Johor Darul Ta’zim F.C. of Malaysia.
8. Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City are their affiliated clubs
Image credit: BestHQWallpapers and Ashton Yang via Pinterest
In October 2018, Buriram United partnered with Borussia Dortmund to focus on youth development from U9 to U19 levels. Both clubs aim to nurture young talents and prepare them for senior team roles, emphasizing technology, sports science, and management in their programs.
Also, In September 2020, Buriram United and Leicester City forged a collaboration agreement as part of the “Thailand Smiles With You” project, aiming to develop young Thai players in European leagues. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, manager of King Power Group, and Buriram United’s chairman, Newin Chidchob, announced the partnership. Buriram United will send key players like Supachok Sarachat, Suphanat Mueanta, and Supachai Jaided for professional training at Leicester City.
9. The first youth academies of Buriram United were launched in 2011
Image credit: Sanook
Renowned for its esteemed youth program, the club has been a prolific producer of Thai talents over the years. Players like Suphanat Mueanta, Supachok Sarachat, Ratthanakorn Maikami, and Anon Amornlerdsak have all graduated from their ranks and proudly wear the Buriram United jersey. Additionally, the club consistently provides promising local players to the Thai national youth teams. Buriram’s youth academies actively participate in the Thailand Youth League, demonstrating the club’s dedication to fostering young talent.
10. The major rival of Buriram United F.C. is Muangthong United F.C.
Image credit: Muangthong United
Muangthong United F.C. has long been the main rival of Buriram United F.C. Both clubs were the only two to win the Thai League between 2010 and 2018. Therefore, whenever these two teams face each other, it sparks significant interest among Thai fans, and the matches tend to be intense.
Get to know Thailand’s #1 football team with these Buriram United facts
Buriram United F.C. has been and will always be a great football club. There is no doubt that the team boasts a large number of supporters. If you have been following the Thai Premier League for some time, you must be familiar with the club. So, if you have not yet decided to support a particular club, feel free to join the ranks of Buriram United fans.
To find more articles to enjoy, check out 7 Thai idols in K-pop who are making waves, 6 facts about the Naga Fireball Festival, and 8 facts about Jung & Cullen: two Korean YouTubers in Thailand.
Cover image adapted from: Thairath
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