Pascal Della Zuana photographer: Football Passion

A fresh, vibrant mood is sweeping across Thai football this season. Crowds are coming, media coverage is expanding and sponsors are lining up to join the party.
There is a good air of positive vibes radiating around stadiums. For those who saw Thai football fall into despair less than 2 years ago, the turnaround is nothing short of miraculous.
In 2008 the Football Association of Thailand decided it was time for action. They merged the leagues into one, integrating the relatively higher professional standards of the Thailand League with the large fan base generated by the Pro League. As a result, Thai football bade farewell to teams such as Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai Bank and welcomed Pattaya United, Bangkok Glass FC, Chula United, Bangkok United, Buriram PEA and other sides who enjoy regional loyalty from their fans.
Only clubs that embraced the concept of becoming commercial entities, as required by Asian Football Confederation, were admitted to the new streamlined league.
For Thai fans, it meant they now had a reason to support their teams. To enhance the football experience, clubs beefed up branding, sold jerseys, scarves and giant flags on match days and a european-like chanting culture filled stadiums with song and colour.
One of the major reasons for the success of the last season is that the communication is closer between the club and the fans.
Before no club wanted to invest to improve the team. Now things have changed and the quality of football is higher.

photos: Pascal Della Zuana..................season 2010