Southeast Asia Thailand

Chiangmai join Trat and PTT Rayong in Thai Top Division

The Thai second division wrapped up this weekend amid major drama, as third-placed Chaingmai FC managed a draw away at fourth-placed Khon Kaen to seal promotion to the first division next season.

This result means that the Northerners will join PTT Rayong and Trat FC in the T1 League next season. The former were promoted as Champions, ensuring that they returned to the first division after a four year long absence.

On the other hand, this promotion will mark a debut appearance in Thailand’s top flight for both Chiangmai and Trat, with the latter reaching the high point of an upward spiral that began with their formation back in 2012.

Khon Kaen were denied a promotion slot on the last day of the season despite being considered as one of the division’s strongest teams. They will remain in T2 alongside Nongbua Pitchaya, who ultimately finished five points off the promotion places despite maintaining a place in that zone for the majority of the season.

The head-to-head ruling was used to settle a five-way tie in mid table, as Samut Sakhon, Udon Thani, Army United, Lampang and Sisaket all finished the season with 34 points.

Krabi and Angthong are set to fall into the third division, with JL Chiangmai, MOF Customs United and Ayutthaya United set to replace them in T2.