Only three clubs have won Thailand's top league title since it was rebranded in 2009 -- Buriram United (six), Muang Thong United (four) and Chiang Rai United (one).
Indeed, Chiang Rai won their first ever Thai League 1 crown in dramatic fashion in the final minutes of last season.
Going into the last round of matches last season, Buriram held a two-point advantage over Chiang Rai and needed a simple win at already-relegated Chiangmai to win a record-extending seventh title.
It seemed everything was following the plot as Buriram led Chiangmai with a few minutes left.
But miracle did happen for Chiang Rai, who were enjoying a big lead in their last game of the season, as Chiangmai stunned Buriram with an equaliser in the final minutes.
Chiang Rai and Buriram finished the season with the same number of points but the Beetles were crowned champions thanks to their head-to-head record against the Thunder Castle.
Chiang Rai are among the favourites to win the title in the 2020 season, which kicked off yesterday.
However, it remains to be seen whether the northern club can cope with changes to the team.
Brazilian coach Ailton dos Santos quit as their coach after the historic success.
In came, Japanese coach Taki Masami, former coach of Thai Honda FC.
"My team and I will work hard to meet our target -- win the Thai League 1, FA Cup and League Cup titles," Masami said last month.
The Beetles were dealt a blow as Brazilian forward William Henrique, a key player in their title-winning campaign, left for PT Prachuap.
Chiang Rai were not among the busy clubs in the transfer market although they signed Brazilian winger Mailson Francisco to replace William.
William and striker Bill Rosimar, also from Brazil, formed a deadly strike force for Chiang Rai last term and Mailson may need time to gel with Bill.
Chiang Rai's other key players include captain Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, South Korean midfielder Lee Yong-Rae, and 20-year-old Thailand forward Ekanit Panya.
Chiang Rai opened their Thai League 1 campaign at Samut Prakan City last night just three days after they lost 1-0 at Australia's Melbourne Victory in the AFC Champions League debut.
Chiang Rai are the only Thai club in the ACL this season and their Thai League 1 title defence could be distracted by the continental competition.
Port players and officials pose with the FA Cup trophy. Apichit Jinakul
Lions ready to roar
In the eyes of many observers, Port are the top contenders to win the league crown.
Port, under chairwoman Nualphan Lamsam, ended their long title drought by lifting the FA Cup trophy last season.
Club bosses believe the success will lead to more trophies.
Port, who finished third last term, were the busiest team in the transfer market, signing about one dozen players.
"They have enough players to form three teams," said one critic.
Their new players include Heberty Fernandes, Adisak Kraisorn, Nattawut Sombatyotha, Sansern Limwattana, Tanasith Siripala, Karnarin Thawornsak, Tanakorn Dangthong, Chatmongkol Thongkiri, Jaturapat Sattham and Charyl Chappuis.
Under coach Choketawee Promrut and with their loyal fans, the Lions could become the only fourth team to win the league title.
Port were knocked out in the ACL following a 1-0 shock home loss to the Philippines' Ceres Negros in the play-offs.
The setback could be a blessing in disguise as they can now focus solely on domestic competitions.
Buriram United's new signings Bernardo Cuesta, left, and Ricardo Bueno.
Thunder strike back?
After an empty-handed season, Buriram United are eager to stage a comeback.
"We won't let the mistake from last season happen again," said Buriram chairman Newin Chidchob after his men let the Thai League 1 trophy slip out of their hands last term.
"Our priority is to win back the Thai League 1 title."
The Thunder Castle have struggled to find the back of the net since the departure of Brazilian striker Diogo Luis Santo.
They have used a number of strikers but still can't find the right one as Thailand forward Supachai Chaided has been less than impressive at club and international levels.
Buriram have signed two forwards from South America -- Argentina's Bernado Cuesta and Brazil's Ricardo Bueno -- and midfielder Jung Jae-Yong from South Korea.
But several critics believe the Thunder Castle should have brought in more players in the transfer window which closed on Monday as a number of their key members look too old, including defender Andres Tunez, while inspirational midfielder Suchao Nutnum has left to play for Muangkan United, a third-tier team in his home province of Kanchanaburi.
It could be a difficult season for Buriram judging from their 3-0 loss to Shanghai SIPG in the ACL play-offs.
Players and officials pose at a press conference ahead of the new league season.
Dark horses
Four-time champions Muang Thong United believe they are genuine title contenders this term.
The Kirins have brought in several new stars such as Thai defender Anawin Jujeen and Uzbekistan midfielder Sardor Mirzaev, who joined the Kirins on the transfer deadline day.
Other new stars include Saharat Kanyaroj, Brazilian defender Lucas Rocha and Brazilian striker Willian Popp.
Over the past few years, Muang Thong have lost several key players, including Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan and Teerasil Dangda, who all now play in Japan.
Worse is that reports claim Sarach Yooyen is close to joining the trio in Japan.
During the close season, Adisak, Chappuis and Heberty left the Kirins for Port.
Once a powerhouse, Muang Thong have become also-rans since winning their last league title in 2016 as their owner Siam Sport Syndicate, the country's sports media giant, has been hit hard by the slump being experienced in the media industry.
Bangkok United, backed by True Corporation, have been tipped to be league champions for several years but have yet to meet the expectation.
Under Mano Polking, one of the most respected coaches in the domestic competition, Bangkok United were relatively quiet in the transfer market.
Newcomers BG Pathum United, formerly Bangkok Glass, are making a quick return to the top flight after one season in Thai Leauge 2.
They have several new players, including Malaysia striker Norshahrul Talaha, Brazilian defender Victor Cardozo, while Thailand midfielder Thitiphan Puangjan has returned from his loan spell with Japanese side Oita Trinita.
Coached by Dusit Chalermsaen, BG Pathum look capable of springing some surprises.
Uzbekistan midfielder Sardor Mirzaev has Joined Muang Thong United.
Relegation contenders
Promoted Rayong FC, Sukhothai and Suphanburi are seen as the top contenders to go down to Thai League 2.
It will be Rayong FC's first ever season in the top flight.
Although they have several players, who have experience playing in Thai League 1, including Diouf Bireme and goalkeeper Todsaporn Srireung, the other players lack exposure and probably skills to help the eastern club stay up in the top league.
Suphanburi were probably the luckiest team of last season.
They were destined for Thai League 2 after finishing third from last. But they remained in the top flight after PTT Rayong withdrew from Thai League 1.
With club owner Varawut Silpa-archa now minister at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, they seem to have lost motivation.
Sukhothai have avoided relegation several times but critics believe their stay in the top league is likely to reach an end this term.
Promise of 'entertainment'
The Football Association of Thailand believes this season will be an exciting one.
VAR will be used in Thai League 1, which will get four berths in the ACL.
For the first time, there will be play-offs for promotion to Thai League 2.
The top two teams at the end of the season will earn automatic spots in the top league while the third- to sixth-placed teams play in play-offs with the eventual winners going up to Thai League 1 in the mould of England's Championship.
"It will be an exciting and entertaining season," Supasin Leelarit, chairman of the Thai league organising committee, told a press conference last week.
He claimed Thai League 1 is now ranked eighth in Asia, up from No.12 or No.13 a few years ago.
"We have made fast progress and this makes us in Thai football proud," Supasin said.
"exciting" - Google News
February 15, 2020 at 04:01AM
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An 'exciting season' on the cards - Bangkok Post
"exciting" - Google News
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