An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
Part 1 of 2
I’ve been limiting my away days recently because I simply hate viewing football as a pauper – shoved in the back of beyond, and being in dire need of an eye operation, I just can’t see what is going on. Many T1 stadiums are very as bad, even if you have 20/20 vision.
I chose Uthai Thani because I’d seen the stadium on TV, and they seemed to treat visiting supporters with respect.
Uthai Thani is 378 Km from Hua Hin, so a bit far to drive on a return day trip. My wife enjoyed a recent short break in Ratchaburi, so I decided to spend 2 nights in Ratchaburi, and catch the supporter’s bus from the Dragon Solar Park Stadium. My wife stayed in Ratchaburi whilst I travelled. Being on the large size, I reserved 2 seats on the bus, just to give myself the necessary level of comfort.
It was a 6pm kick off, and the bus departed at 7am. As is normal with Ratchaburi’s supporter buses, they like to make a day of it, and visit local attractions in the area before actually going to the match. I was travelling alone with 2 bus loads of Thais. Normally the organizer speaks decent English, but he was sick. I was English on a bus of Thai speakers – hmmmm should be interesting.
The bus was one of the Inter Provincial mini-van type of buses, which I thought only drove at breakneck speeds.
This bus must have had a one-off driver. There was a speed display in the cabin (similar to Concorde), which everybody could see. The fastest I saw him go was 82 Km/hr. Most of the time he was driving at below 70 Km/hr. I didn’t realise these buses could go that slow. It felt like a new bus, so the low speed wasn’t because it was clapped out. Ratchaburi to Uthai Thani is 255 Km at an average speed of about 65 kph = just under 4 hours. The return journey alone took 5 hours (an average of 51 kph or 30mph – OK, we had a short stop, but it wasn’t that long).
I said earlier that I’d specifically booked and paid for 2 seats for my own comfort. There were 20 passengers on our 19 seater bus. This meant that 2 passengers were sat on stools in the aisle. Wow, was I getting glared at in the beginning. Thankfully, they couldn’t speak English, and I don’t speak Thai. Thais hate confrontation, and it would take more than glares to get through my thick skin. The stand-in organizer did have some sort of discussion with me before I boarded, and we understood enough of each other to confirm I had 2 seats.
Going up, the first stop was Wat Khositaram. The bus stopped, and everybody got off. I followed like a lost sheep. It was heaving. I’m not a religious person, but am quite happy that people have their beliefs – please don’t get the impression I’m trying to knock Thai religion – I most certainly am not. Thai people were absolutely loving it, and it was a BIG party going on, with mobile drum kits going around on little trucks with brass band accompaniment and dancers leading the way but of zero interest to me.
I tried taking a few photos, but everywhere was just crawling with revelers.
Probably a fantastic day out whilst enjoying your religion, but it was just too busy/noisy for me. I just went back and sat on the bus to await everybody else’s return.
Next stop was somewhere in Chainat. I’ve been to Chainat before, and this was certainly not the town I had visited. It was a nameless (to me) temple on the outskirts of Chainat. This temple was worse than the first. We were dropped at the entrance, and had to walk through to pick up our bus at the other end (I only deduced this when I’d done my Dolly the Sheep bit and got to the other end). From start to finish were little stalls asking for money. I won’t say how much I donated, but it was a number less than 1.
Then a surprise, at the other end, instead of getting on the bus, one of the ladies indicated that there was food, and to follow her. I followed, but when I saw the floating barge they were going to eat on, and what they were going to eat (I’m a fussy eater) I didn’t bother. I spotted a coffee shop 20 yards down the road where I could watch the other passengers whilst they ate. It was quite a pleasant spot.
I saw the others start to move, so I got up to walk back to the bus. Then I spotted a little pier, so nipped out to take a couple of snaps. When I got back, they were waiting for me. Did I care? Not really, I could only have been 2 minutes behind the rest of them, probably less. They couldn’t tell me off anyway, or if they did, I wouldn’t have understood them.
...................../to be continued
I’ve been limiting my away days recently because I simply hate viewing football as a pauper – shoved in the back of beyond, and being in dire need of an eye operation, I just can’t see what is going on. Many T1 stadiums are very as bad, even if you have 20/20 vision.
I chose Uthai Thani because I’d seen the stadium on TV, and they seemed to treat visiting supporters with respect.
Uthai Thani is 378 Km from Hua Hin, so a bit far to drive on a return day trip. My wife enjoyed a recent short break in Ratchaburi, so I decided to spend 2 nights in Ratchaburi, and catch the supporter’s bus from the Dragon Solar Park Stadium. My wife stayed in Ratchaburi whilst I travelled. Being on the large size, I reserved 2 seats on the bus, just to give myself the necessary level of comfort.
It was a 6pm kick off, and the bus departed at 7am. As is normal with Ratchaburi’s supporter buses, they like to make a day of it, and visit local attractions in the area before actually going to the match. I was travelling alone with 2 bus loads of Thais. Normally the organizer speaks decent English, but he was sick. I was English on a bus of Thai speakers – hmmmm should be interesting.
The bus was one of the Inter Provincial mini-van type of buses, which I thought only drove at breakneck speeds.
This bus must have had a one-off driver. There was a speed display in the cabin (similar to Concorde), which everybody could see. The fastest I saw him go was 82 Km/hr. Most of the time he was driving at below 70 Km/hr. I didn’t realise these buses could go that slow. It felt like a new bus, so the low speed wasn’t because it was clapped out. Ratchaburi to Uthai Thani is 255 Km at an average speed of about 65 kph = just under 4 hours. The return journey alone took 5 hours (an average of 51 kph or 30mph – OK, we had a short stop, but it wasn’t that long).
I said earlier that I’d specifically booked and paid for 2 seats for my own comfort. There were 20 passengers on our 19 seater bus. This meant that 2 passengers were sat on stools in the aisle. Wow, was I getting glared at in the beginning. Thankfully, they couldn’t speak English, and I don’t speak Thai. Thais hate confrontation, and it would take more than glares to get through my thick skin. The stand-in organizer did have some sort of discussion with me before I boarded, and we understood enough of each other to confirm I had 2 seats.
Going up, the first stop was Wat Khositaram. The bus stopped, and everybody got off. I followed like a lost sheep. It was heaving. I’m not a religious person, but am quite happy that people have their beliefs – please don’t get the impression I’m trying to knock Thai religion – I most certainly am not. Thai people were absolutely loving it, and it was a BIG party going on, with mobile drum kits going around on little trucks with brass band accompaniment and dancers leading the way but of zero interest to me.
I tried taking a few photos, but everywhere was just crawling with revelers.
Probably a fantastic day out whilst enjoying your religion, but it was just too busy/noisy for me. I just went back and sat on the bus to await everybody else’s return.
Next stop was somewhere in Chainat. I’ve been to Chainat before, and this was certainly not the town I had visited. It was a nameless (to me) temple on the outskirts of Chainat. This temple was worse than the first. We were dropped at the entrance, and had to walk through to pick up our bus at the other end (I only deduced this when I’d done my Dolly the Sheep bit and got to the other end). From start to finish were little stalls asking for money. I won’t say how much I donated, but it was a number less than 1.
Then a surprise, at the other end, instead of getting on the bus, one of the ladies indicated that there was food, and to follow her. I followed, but when I saw the floating barge they were going to eat on, and what they were going to eat (I’m a fussy eater) I didn’t bother. I spotted a coffee shop 20 yards down the road where I could watch the other passengers whilst they ate. It was quite a pleasant spot.
I saw the others start to move, so I got up to walk back to the bus. Then I spotted a little pier, so nipped out to take a couple of snaps. When I got back, they were waiting for me. Did I care? Not really, I could only have been 2 minutes behind the rest of them, probably less. They couldn’t tell me off anyway, or if they did, I wouldn’t have understood them.
...................../to be continued
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
They may have all thought you were the club hired bouncer to keep the celebrations in check?
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
Just out of curiosity, do you think these visits to temples on the way to a football match are related, are they all praying for devine intervention on the pitch?
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
I think they were beyond devine intervention yesterday. I think visiting temples says a lot about the Uthai Thani area. There isn't much else to do up there. The next visit is a bit more interesting, but still a Wat.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
Highflyer, if it bores you that much, I wonder why you actually clicked the post. I did give ample notice on the 19 September regarding the upcoming post, and the content.
You are not under any obligation to read anything I post.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
- Bamboo Grove
- Moderator
- Posts: 5308
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 12:59 pm
- Location: Macau, China
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
Sorry to write an OT message here. These two sentences brought a memory:
I have been to Uthai Thani once. Stayed for one night. The highlight; I and my friend went out for a walk to see the local night spots in the evening and my friend said that we should leave the lights on in our hotel room. So we did this. Didn't find any night spots but there was plenty of action when we went back to our hotel room. We had also left the window open and a zillion insects had thought it an excellent idea to share our room with us. Took us 2-3 hours to get rid of them.I think visiting temples says a lot about the Uthai Thani area. There isn't much else to do up there.
Back in Bamboo Grove
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
On a similar theme, an extract from tomorrow's installment:
It was interesting being back in Uthai Thani. I’d been there 4 years earlier for a karate tournament, and it was basically closed. Driving through the streets, it didn’t look as though much had changed, it still looked closed.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
Nice report BB. There's nothing like away football travel to get out and about in Thailand. I've just returned from a 4 day excursion to see a local team play away. Thoroughly enjoyed it, even if the result didn't go the right way!
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
I actually wanted to try this alone because I knew it would be a predominantly Thai trip. It is always gratifying to see how much the Thais, even though they don't speak the same language, try to look after you.
I enjoyed the trip, even though most of the time I didn't know where I was. I noticed signposts in Central Thailand were mainly Thai only. Maybe 1 in 10 had English as well.
The way Ratchaburi are playing this season, good results will be few and far between.
I enjoyed the trip, even though most of the time I didn't know where I was. I noticed signposts in Central Thailand were mainly Thai only. Maybe 1 in 10 had English as well.
The way Ratchaburi are playing this season, good results will be few and far between.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
I've always wanted to go to an away game with the Prachuap FC supporters, reckon it'll be a good crack but I'm just not fond of those long slogs on buses!
Getting to a home game would be a bonus these days!
Getting to a home game would be a bonus these days!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
I've been to a few Ratchaburi games on the buses, and rarely missed an Away game when supporting Hua Hin City. Its always the same nucleus of supporters, and language problems aside, there was always a good comradeship. As you'll see in today's installment, I was sat like Billy No Mates outside the stadium, and they tried several times to get free Thai beer down my neck.
I never worry about being the token Farang on these trips - they always take good care. As a Thai speaker, you'd have a fantastic time.
I never worry about being the token Farang on these trips - they always take good care. As a Thai speaker, you'd have a fantastic time.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Re: An Away Day with Ratchaburi Football Club - Photo Report
Part 2 of 2
3rd stop, I think was Wat Tha Sung (The Golden Castle). As with the previous 2 temples this was extremely busy. Unfortunately, I got to the building entrance, and couldn’t be bothered to remove my shoes, so didn’t go inside (regrets now), although looking at videos today, I doubt it’s the kind of place I’d have been permitted to take photos. Actually, I did wonder why I was the only one taking photos outside. Was it even permitted?
Because I was too lazy to take my shoes off, and just wandered around the outside, I suddenly found myself all alone in this place. I’d done everything I needed to do here, so I walked back to the bus. Oh dear, no bus! I looked everywhere, the bus was nowhere to be seen. All sorts of things were going through my mind – what if this was another walkthrough place, and the bus was waiting at the other side? Where was the other side? I decided not to panic, I found myself a little wall in the shade of a tree near the entrance to the building and sat there. Eventually I saw a few Ratchaburi shirts start to appear, so, like a professional stalker, I followed at a discreet distance.
When we got to where they were going, it was pretty obvious – no bus, but more free food (I haven’t mentioned it yet, but this was the 5th time they’d eaten since leaving Dragon Solar Park). Again, I didn’t fancy the food, so found a seat a discreet distance away and watched as they ate. I was sure they would know where the bus was. More and more green and white bodied people gradually joined the feast.
When the first group had finished, it was time to follow again. Damn!!! They had decided to go shopping, which turned out to be snacks to eat on the bus.
I walked back to find the other diners, and found another group to stalk on their way, hopefully back to the bus. Success this time, and the bus was parked in a field beside a picturesque little lake. I’d have never found it on my own.
All aboard and it was off to see the footie, or was it? It turned out I was not the only one left in the dark. Another one of our party was lost, and she could speak the language. Eventually somebody called her on her phone, and managed to talk her in, but this meant a 30 minute delay.
It was interesting being back in Uthai Thani. I’d been there 4 years earlier for a karate tournament, and it was basically closed. Driving through the streets, it didn’t look as though much had changed, it still looked closed.
We arrived at the stadium. I must say, first impressions disappointed me. It looked a pokey little place. I followed the crowd to the ticket office. What a nice surprise, only 150฿. I hadn’t seen prices that low since Prachuap’s early rise to T1. Of course, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon, and now charge 200฿ like everybody else.
Next stop was to buy a bottle of water. It was so hot, the iced water barely hit the sides. Then the first hint of a friendly club. I’m walking along with my empty bottle, and I see rubbish bags tied beyond the barriers. I asked a police office if I could drop my bottle into one of the bags, and he took it, and dumped it for me. Just a little bit of decency, but I remember – it was a gesture above and beyond.
Then sitting outside the stadium, waiting to get in. Ratchaburi supporters were there necking their pre-match beer from their huge travelling cold box. Several of them offered me a glass, but unfortunately, whilst I wanted to say yes, Thai beer gives me significant stomach problems. I had to say no, but another lovely gesture.
When I got inside the stadium, although it was small, I honestly rate it as probably the best (for Away supporters) outside of the Dragon Solar Park. Pitch side accommodation, under cover – perfect. A very compact ground, and despite having a running track, the ‘behind the goal’ terracing had been built between the running track and the pitch. It actually looked like a stadium built for football. I heard on the Thai Football Podcast recently that Samut Prakan had done something similar. I wish many other clubs would consider the same, it would completely change many T1 stadium’s viewing perspective.
As for the game itself, I think most travelling fans were expecting 3 points, but we were without our defensive general, Junheong Park. We often struggled to play the ball out of defence, and it just came straight back at us. Thankfully Kampon was on fire in goal, and it took a penalty for Uthai Thani to score. Ratchaburi had plenty of chances, but unfortunately it was not to be.
We arrived back at Dragon Solar Park at 01:20, rather saddle sore.
Conclusion
Whilst I enjoyed the trip, I have decided it is probably the last time I travel by supporter’s bus (never say never). In future, for longer journeys, I will simply book hotels at convenient rest points and drive myself. Such huge distances at 50kph (30mph) is quite an unnecessary endurance test.
I didn’t like the first 2 ‘tourist’ stops too much, whilst the 3rd stop at Wat Tha Sung was very special, and if in the area again, I will make a point of visiting at a quieter time, and allow myself more time to look around. One of the big problems was the language barrier, and I didn’t know how long we were stopping. I knew the place was very special just by looking at the outside, and couldn’t have imagined what was waiting inside.
Being of larger proportions (some may say ‘fat git’), booking the double seat on the bus was a stroke of genius.
As for the football, losing is a large part of the game. I fear this season, it is something we will have to become accustomed to.
3rd stop, I think was Wat Tha Sung (The Golden Castle). As with the previous 2 temples this was extremely busy. Unfortunately, I got to the building entrance, and couldn’t be bothered to remove my shoes, so didn’t go inside (regrets now), although looking at videos today, I doubt it’s the kind of place I’d have been permitted to take photos. Actually, I did wonder why I was the only one taking photos outside. Was it even permitted?
Because I was too lazy to take my shoes off, and just wandered around the outside, I suddenly found myself all alone in this place. I’d done everything I needed to do here, so I walked back to the bus. Oh dear, no bus! I looked everywhere, the bus was nowhere to be seen. All sorts of things were going through my mind – what if this was another walkthrough place, and the bus was waiting at the other side? Where was the other side? I decided not to panic, I found myself a little wall in the shade of a tree near the entrance to the building and sat there. Eventually I saw a few Ratchaburi shirts start to appear, so, like a professional stalker, I followed at a discreet distance.
When we got to where they were going, it was pretty obvious – no bus, but more free food (I haven’t mentioned it yet, but this was the 5th time they’d eaten since leaving Dragon Solar Park). Again, I didn’t fancy the food, so found a seat a discreet distance away and watched as they ate. I was sure they would know where the bus was. More and more green and white bodied people gradually joined the feast.
When the first group had finished, it was time to follow again. Damn!!! They had decided to go shopping, which turned out to be snacks to eat on the bus.
I walked back to find the other diners, and found another group to stalk on their way, hopefully back to the bus. Success this time, and the bus was parked in a field beside a picturesque little lake. I’d have never found it on my own.
All aboard and it was off to see the footie, or was it? It turned out I was not the only one left in the dark. Another one of our party was lost, and she could speak the language. Eventually somebody called her on her phone, and managed to talk her in, but this meant a 30 minute delay.
It was interesting being back in Uthai Thani. I’d been there 4 years earlier for a karate tournament, and it was basically closed. Driving through the streets, it didn’t look as though much had changed, it still looked closed.
We arrived at the stadium. I must say, first impressions disappointed me. It looked a pokey little place. I followed the crowd to the ticket office. What a nice surprise, only 150฿. I hadn’t seen prices that low since Prachuap’s early rise to T1. Of course, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon, and now charge 200฿ like everybody else.
Next stop was to buy a bottle of water. It was so hot, the iced water barely hit the sides. Then the first hint of a friendly club. I’m walking along with my empty bottle, and I see rubbish bags tied beyond the barriers. I asked a police office if I could drop my bottle into one of the bags, and he took it, and dumped it for me. Just a little bit of decency, but I remember – it was a gesture above and beyond.
Then sitting outside the stadium, waiting to get in. Ratchaburi supporters were there necking their pre-match beer from their huge travelling cold box. Several of them offered me a glass, but unfortunately, whilst I wanted to say yes, Thai beer gives me significant stomach problems. I had to say no, but another lovely gesture.
When I got inside the stadium, although it was small, I honestly rate it as probably the best (for Away supporters) outside of the Dragon Solar Park. Pitch side accommodation, under cover – perfect. A very compact ground, and despite having a running track, the ‘behind the goal’ terracing had been built between the running track and the pitch. It actually looked like a stadium built for football. I heard on the Thai Football Podcast recently that Samut Prakan had done something similar. I wish many other clubs would consider the same, it would completely change many T1 stadium’s viewing perspective.
As for the game itself, I think most travelling fans were expecting 3 points, but we were without our defensive general, Junheong Park. We often struggled to play the ball out of defence, and it just came straight back at us. Thankfully Kampon was on fire in goal, and it took a penalty for Uthai Thani to score. Ratchaburi had plenty of chances, but unfortunately it was not to be.
We arrived back at Dragon Solar Park at 01:20, rather saddle sore.
Conclusion
Whilst I enjoyed the trip, I have decided it is probably the last time I travel by supporter’s bus (never say never). In future, for longer journeys, I will simply book hotels at convenient rest points and drive myself. Such huge distances at 50kph (30mph) is quite an unnecessary endurance test.
I didn’t like the first 2 ‘tourist’ stops too much, whilst the 3rd stop at Wat Tha Sung was very special, and if in the area again, I will make a point of visiting at a quieter time, and allow myself more time to look around. One of the big problems was the language barrier, and I didn’t know how long we were stopping. I knew the place was very special just by looking at the outside, and couldn’t have imagined what was waiting inside.
Being of larger proportions (some may say ‘fat git’), booking the double seat on the bus was a stroke of genius.
As for the football, losing is a large part of the game. I fear this season, it is something we will have to become accustomed to.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Hull City
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season
Points 51; Position 21
Consolidated - Championship Next Season