Trat FC

Earning promotion to T1 for the first time in 2019, Trat impressed with their shrewd recruitment and extremely talented front three of Lonsana Doumbouya, Bireme Diouf and Adefolarin Durosinmi last season. The side finished 10th on 35 points last season, scoring an impressive 47 goals. However, COVID-19 has heaped financial difficulty on a side already expected to struggle with second-season syndrome after losing many of the players which made their side tick last season. A tough relegation battle likely lies ahead for the White Elephants.

Head coach – Phayong Khunnaen

After getting Trat promoted from T2, head coach Dusit Chalermsan dropped back into the second division to join BG – a move which many read as an indictment of the club’s financial situation and overall stability. Not much was expected of them when they hired Phayong Khunnaen as his replacement, but the former Thailand U17 coach managed to turn things around in miraculous fashion. With his renowned man-management ability, he helped the side significantly over-perform expectations and comfortably survive in T1. However, the upcoming campaign is likely to be much harder for the head coach.

Key Players

Ricardo Santos (Striker) – Signed from Chainat at the start of the 2020 season, Ricardo Santos is a commanding presence up front. While the Brazilian striker does possess a solid goal threat, the real selling-point for Santos is his incredible hold-up play and work-rate off the ball.

Amani Aguinaldo (Center-Back) – The Filipino international has been consistently impressing for the Azkals in recent international tournaments, and joined Trat after having a trial at Korean side Incheon United. The dynamic defender has already played every minute of Trat’s first four matches, and looks set to become the side’s new lynchpin in defense.

Rising Star

Sittichok Paso (Winger/Forward) – Joining the White Elephants on loan from Chonburi this season, Sittichok was expected to be the next big thing in his teenage years. However, a failed loan move to Kagoshima United has seen him squander his potential, and he struggled to find his way into Chonburi’s first team. Now 21, the forward needs a significant revival – Trat worked magic with a similarly exciting talent marred by off-field problems last season in Wongsakorn Chaikultewin, and could look to do the same for Sittichok.

Notable former players

Bireme Diouf, Lonsana Doumbouya, Adefolarin Durosinmi,

What’s to like?

A small club on the southeast coast of Thailand that give you the perfect excuse to travel on the away day, not only for the football, but also for the white-sand beaches and beautiful islands.