Cup eligibility
Being members of a league at a particular level also affects the eligibility for Cup competitions.
*
Thai FA Cup
The Thai FA Cup ( th, ไทยเอฟเอคัพ), known officially as The Football Association of Thailand Cup, is a football cup competition in Thailand. Thai FA Cup is an annual knockout association football competition in men's domest ...
: Levels 1 to 5
*
Thai League Cup
The League Cup ( th, ไทยลีกคัพ) is a football cup competition in Thailand. It is also known as Toyota League Cup for sponsorship reasons.
It was re-formed during the 2010 domestic football league season in Thailand and runs alo ...
: Levels 1 to 3
Current system
Former system
Before 1996 season
Before the top level of Thai football league,
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
was constituted in 1996, the ''Football Royal Cup'' was the football competitions of Thailand at that time.
The Thailand football competition system before 1996 is listed below:
1916–1961 seasons
In 1916,
Football Association of Thailand
The Football Association of Thailand under Patronage of His Majesty the King ( th, สมาคมกีฬาฟุตบอลแห่งประเทศไทย ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์), or FA Thailand for s ...
was found ''Yai Cup'' (ถ้วยใหญ่, i.e. "big cup") and ''Noi Cup'' (ถ้วยน้อย, i.e. "small cup") for the purpose of annual football competitions in Thailand.
1962–1995 seasons
In 1962, because of the abundant football clubs in Thailand then the
Football Association of Thailand
The Football Association of Thailand under Patronage of His Majesty the King ( th, สมาคมกีฬาฟุตบอลแห่งประเทศไทย ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์), or FA Thailand for s ...
changed the name of ''Yai Cup'' (ถ้วยใหญ่) to the ''
Kor Royal Cup
Kor Royal Cup ( th, ถ้วยพระราชทาน ก. ; ถ้วย ก.), known as the Yai Cup ( th, ถ้วยใหญ่) until 1963, was the highest level of club football competition which competed in the tournament in Thailand ...
'' (ถ้วย ก.) and changed the name of ''Noi Cup'' (ถ้วยน้อย) to the ''Khǒr Royal Cup'' (ถ้วย ข.) and added the ''Khor Royal Cup'' (ถ้วย ค.) and the ''Ngor Royal Cup'' (ถ้วย ง.) to the Football Royal Cup competitions.
1996–1998 seasons
In 1996 season, The
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
, The top level of football league was constituted by
Football Association of Thailand
The Football Association of Thailand under Patronage of His Majesty the King ( th, สมาคมกีฬาฟุตบอลแห่งประเทศไทย ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์), or FA Thailand for s ...
rather than
Kor Royal Cup
Kor Royal Cup ( th, ถ้วยพระราชทาน ก. ; ถ้วย ก.), known as the Yai Cup ( th, ถ้วยใหญ่) until 1963, was the highest level of club football competition which competed in the tournament in Thailand ...
. and FAT also found
Division 1 League in the next season (1997).
Kor Royal Cup
Kor Royal Cup ( th, ถ้วยพระราชทาน ก. ; ถ้วย ก.), known as the Yai Cup ( th, ถ้วยใหญ่) until 1963, was the highest level of club football competition which competed in the tournament in Thailand ...
The trophy contested in an annual Super Cup competition match between the champions of
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
and the runners-up of
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
or Thai FA Cup
The Thailand football league system in 1996–1998 season before
Division 2 League and
Provincial League
Provincial League (formerly known as Professional League) also known as Pro League was the old regional Football league in Thailand in 1999–2008. It was founded in 1999 under the name "Provincial League" organized by Sports Authority of Thaila ...
was created is listed below:
1999–2002 seasons
In 1999 season,
Provincial League
Provincial League (formerly known as Professional League) also known as Pro League was the old regional Football league in Thailand in 1999–2008. It was founded in 1999 under the name "Provincial League" organized by Sports Authority of Thaila ...
was found by the ''Football Association of Thailand'' for this reason, There are two separate football league competitions in Thailand in the meantime.
Although there are two separate leagues in Thailand, only the winner and runner-up from the
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
, which is controlled by Football Association of Thailand, are eligible to play in
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League (abbreviated as ACL) is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation, and contested by Asia's top-division football clubs. It is the most prestigious club competition ...
and
AFC Cup
The AFC Cup is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Under its current rules, the competition is played primarily between clubs from nations that did not receive direct qualifying ...
respectively.
2003 season
In 2003 season, the
Provincial League
Provincial League (formerly known as Professional League) also known as Pro League was the old regional Football league in Thailand in 1999–2008. It was founded in 1999 under the name "Provincial League" organized by Sports Authority of Thaila ...
was organized by the
Sports Authority of Thailand
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports ( Abrv: MOTS; th, กระทรวงการท่องเที่ยวและกีฬา, ) is a cabinet ministry in the Government of Thailand. The ministry's primary areas of responsibility are tou ...
; relegation was to the ''Pro League 2'' for the next season. There are two separate football league competitions in Thailand in the meantime.
Although there are two separate leagues in Thailand, only the winner and runner-up from the
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
, which is controlled by Football Association of Thailand, are eligible to play in
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League (abbreviated as ACL) is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation, and contested by Asia's top-division football clubs. It is the most prestigious club competition ...
and
AFC Cup
The AFC Cup is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Under its current rules, the competition is played primarily between clubs from nations that did not receive direct qualifying ...
respectively.
2004 season
In 2004 season,
Provincial League
Provincial League (formerly known as Professional League) also known as Pro League was the old regional Football league in Thailand in 1999–2008. It was founded in 1999 under the name "Provincial League" organized by Sports Authority of Thaila ...
was found
Pro League 1 and
Pro League 2 by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) for this reason
2005 season
In 2005 season, the winner and runner-up of the Provincial League 2005,
Chonburi FC
Chonburi Football Club ( th, สโมสรฟุตบอลจังหวัดชลบุรี) is a Thai professional football club based in the city of Chonburi, Chonburi province, that competes in the top division in Thai football, t ...
and
Suphanburi FC began the practice of move to play in the
Thai Premier League 2006
The 2006 Thai Premier League had 12 teams. No clubs would be relegated as the league would be expanded to 16 teams for the 2007 season. Two teams promoted from the rival Pro League and two clubs from Thailand Division 1 League. The official name ...
.
Although there are two separate leagues in Thailand, only the winner and runner-up from the
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
, which is controlled by Football Association of Thailand, are eligible to play in
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League (abbreviated as ACL) is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation, and contested by Asia's top-division football clubs. It is the most prestigious club competition ...
and
AFC Cup
The AFC Cup is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Under its current rules, the competition is played primarily between clubs from nations that did not receive direct qualifying ...
respectively.
2006 season
In 2006 season,
Provincial League
Provincial League (formerly known as Professional League) also known as Pro League was the old regional Football league in Thailand in 1999–2008. It was founded in 1999 under the name "Provincial League" organized by Sports Authority of Thaila ...
renamed
Professional League by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the
Division 2 League was founded by the
Football Association of Thailand
The Football Association of Thailand under Patronage of His Majesty the King ( th, สมาคมกีฬาฟุตบอลแห่งประเทศไทย ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์), or FA Thailand for s ...
in this season,
1st and 3rd of the
Provincial League
Provincial League (formerly known as Professional League) also known as Pro League was the old regional Football league in Thailand in 1999–2008. It was founded in 1999 under the name "Provincial League" organized by Sports Authority of Thaila ...
2006,
TOT and
Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom ( th, นครปฐม, ) is a city (''thesaban nakhon'') in central Thailand, the former capital of Nakhon Pathom province. One of the most important landmarks is the giant Phra Pathommachedi. The city is also home to Thailand' ...
began the practice of moving to play in the
Thai Premier League 2007.
The proposed merger of the Provincial League and Thai Premier League into one entity, though supported by the Football Association of Thailand, had been attempted several times without success. Finally, in January 2007, the FAT announced a merger that would make the Provincial League a part of the Thai Premier League.
The Thailand football league system in 2006 season before combined the
Thai Premier League
The Thai League 1 ( th, ไทยลีก 1), often referred to as T1, is the top level of the Thai football league system. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. Seasons run from Augu ...
,
Division 1,
Division 2 and Provincial League together in 2007 is listed below:
*1st and 3rd 2006 Pro League 1 Promoted to
2007 Thailand Premier League
The 2007 Thai Premier League had 16 teams, combining the 12 member clubs from the 2006 season, the top two clubs from Division 1, and two clubs from the Pro League 1. The official name of the league at this time was Thailand Premier League.
Mat ...
*5th,7th,9th,11th,13th 2006 Pro League 1 move to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group A
*4th,6th,8th,10th,12th,14th 2006 Pro League 1 move to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group B
*15th–16th 2006 Pro League 1 Relegation to
2007 Thailand League Division 2
The 2007 Thailand League Division 2 (Division 2 Football League 2007) had 12 teams. The top two teams were promoted to Thailand Division 1 League, and the bottom two teams were relegated.
Member clubs
* Army Welfare Department
*Bangkok Christ ...
.
*Winner 2006 Pro League 2
Ratchaburi
Ratchaburi ( th, ราชบุรี, ) or Rajburi, Rat Buri) is a town (''thesaban mueang'') in western Thailand, capital of Ratchaburi Province.
Ratchaburi town covers the entire ''tambon'' Na Mueang (หน้าเมือง) of Mueang ...
Promoted to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group A
*Runner-Up 2006 Pro League 2
Samut Songkhram
Samut Songkhram ( th, สมุทรสงครามPronunciation) is the capital of Samut Songkhram Province.
Etymology
The word "samut" originates from the Sanskrit word "samudra" meaning "ocean", and the word "songkhram" from the Sanskrit ...
Promoted to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group B
*Winner 2005–06 Khǒr Royal Cup (ถ้วย ข.)
Royal Thai Marine Promoted to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group B
*Runner-Up 2005–06 Khǒr Royal Cup (ถ้วย ข.)
Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, trading as THAI (, th, บริษัท การบินไทย จำกัด (มหาชน)) is the flag carrier airline of Thailand. Formed in 1961, the airline has its corporate ...
Promoted to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group A
*Winner
2006 Thailand League Division 2 Chula-Sinthana Promoted to
2007 Thailand Division 1 League Group B
2007–2008 seasons
In the 2007 season, Division 1 was divided into two groups (22 clubs). In the 2008 season, Division 2 also was divided into two groups. Until the 2009 season, the number of teams from all leagues in the High division will consist of 16 clubs.
*
Lopburi FC
Lopburi City Football Club ( th, สโมสรฟุตบอลลพบุรี ซิตี้) is a Thailand semi professional football club based in Lopburi Province. The club is currently playing in the Thai League 3 Western region.
...
2007 Provincial League Winner was promoted to
Thailand Division 2 League 2008 (Group B).
*
Songkhla FC 2007 Provincial League Runner-Up was promoted to
Thailand Division 2 League 2008 (Group A).
*
Raj Pracha 2007–08 Khǒr Royal Cup (ถ้วย ข.) Winner was promoted to
Thailand Division 2 League 2008 (Group A).
*
Kasem Bundit University 2007–08 Khǒr Royal Cup (ถ้วย ข.) Runner-Up was promoted to
Thailand Division 2 League 2008 (Group B).
In 2008 season no team in Provincial League was promoted to Division 2 League.
However, in the 2009 season, FAT needed to develop the Thai football league system and specify the quality of the team in high-division for conforming to AFC regulation. Consequently, they determined to adjust the Division 2 competition form by combining it with Provincial League and dividing Division 2 league into 5 regions (Bangkok and perimeter, Central and Eastern, Northern, North-Eastern, and Southern).
The Thailand football league system in 2007–2008 season before combined Division 2 League and Provincial League together in 2009 is listed below:
2009–2012 seasons
2013–2015 seasons
2016 season
2017–2018 seasons
2019 season
See also
*
Worldwide football league system
*
Football in Thailand
Football is the most popular sport in Thailand. Although the professional football leagues are new to Thai people, football was introduced to Thailand as far back as 1897. Many Thais also watch football on local and paid-cable TV. Many match ...
*
Thai football records and statistics
*
List of football clubs in Thailand
This is a list of association football clubs in Thailand.
Thai League 1
* Bangkok United
* BG Pathum United
* Buriram United
* Chiangrai United
* Chonburi
* Khon Kaen United
* Lamphun Warriors
* Muangthong United
* Nakhon Pathom Un ...
External links
Football Association of ThailandSports Authority of Thailand
{{League systems
Football competitions in Thailand
Football leagues in Thailand
Football league systems in Asia