Thai fans brave heat and rain to show up at Supachalasai stadium

Fans made their way to the stadium since morning to watch the only exhibition match being played by English Premier League teams in the Kingdom this year. In contrast, the Thai fans last year had the privilege of watching three matches. However, the turnout was not so huge as the two teams do not have a big fanbase in the country compared to Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea who drew plenty of fans last year.

While the game was due at 6pm, hundreds of match-goers started gathering in front of the stadium hours before the start and occupied themselves with hands-on activities at several booths of sponsors and teams’ fanclubs. Not many showed up with the teams’ jerseys but there were still some die-hard fans of the Foxes who won the Championship in April to earn promotion to the Premier League. “I am excited to see them play again, especially here in Thailand. I’m happy when they won the Championship and I’m pretty sure they will perform well in the coming season and stay in the English Premier League,” said 25 year-old Leicester-based Jordan Buxton.

There were more people wearing Everton jerseys than Leicester in the compound yesterday, which did not come as a surprise. The Toffees are quite familiar to the locals, who have been following the English Premier League fanatically for decades. Among them was 11-year-old Wisanu Nasonthong, who accompanied his father to watch the game.

“I support Everton because of my dad. I like them because they are a big team and they finished fifth last season. I’m so excited to finally see them in the flesh,” said the young admirer who has a big collection of the Blues’ items at home.

Yet, the game strangely attracted the attention of a Liverpool fan, Naris Techataweewan, who made an appearance to support his rival team.

“Since Liverpool is not coming this year, I came to see Everton play as they come from the same city. I like [Ross] Barkley. His style reminds of me Steven Gerrard,” said the 25-year-old Naris, an engineer.

Many tickets were given away to fans and members of King Power, the owner of Leicester City. The duty free retail business operator set up a special lounge for card members, handed out free tickets and designed a ball-kicking game for fans to win picnic chairs and luggage.

A huge crowd assembled in front of the Leicester’s Fanpage booth not only attracted by the fun-filled activities but also the presence of beautiful girls. Several dozens male fans queued up to take photos with the pretty girls and those who clicked like and hastag their fanpage were offered free face painting.

The Air Asia booth also distributed interesting souvenirs such as key chains, towels, teddy bear dolls, pens, mugs, and bags to fans who took part in a ball kicking game.