While the club has made some headway in addressing the issue, clearing some of the backlog and parting ways with higher-earning players, a significant portion of the wage bill, almost two months’ worth, remains outstanding.
This problem, unfortunately, isn’t unique to Phuket Andaman. Samut Prakan FC, a League 2 team, recently faced a similar crisis, unable to field a team due to unpaid wages. The consequences for Samut Prakan are severe: dreaded expected expulsion from the league and a three-year ban for their owners from any involvement in Thai football. This serves as a stark warning for Phuket Andaman and highlights the precarious situation they face.
Transfer window activity
The mid-season break, which began after the first leg concluded on Nov 24th, has seen a flurry of activity from The Lobsters. Foreign players Torky and fan favourite Bebe have departed, along with central defender ‘Mark’ Rungsak and at least five other squad players. While this exodus has undoubtedly trimmed the wage bill, the club has, somewhat surprisingly, been active in recruiting new talent.
David Daniellson, a 24-year-old Swedish centre-forward, joins from Tvaaker in the Swedish league, while Kai Boham Davy, a 21-year-old Dutch/Indonesian centre-back, arrives from Telstar in the Netherlands.
Luke Pavone, a 28-year-old American defensive midfielder formerly with the Richmond Kickers in the USL Championship (USA’s second tier), has finally had his registration approved after a clerical error prevented him from playing in the first leg despite being on the payroll since August.
In addition to these foreign acquisitions, Phuket Andaman has also bolstered their ranks with three Thai players: midfielder Teerapat Laksamianrunothai, experienced left-back Pongsakorn Klinasaowakon and box-to-box midfielder Thitchot Rotchanawiphak.
These signings represent a significant upgrade in terms of player quality and should, in theory, improve the club’s standing in the league. However, it raises a critical question: why increase the wage bill, especially for a club with no apparent sustainable income stream? Phuket Andaman lacks a major sponsor, and revenue from merchandise and ticket sales at the ageing and dilapidated Surakul Stadium is far outweighed by matchday expenses. Adding to the uncertainty, at the time of writing, it remains unclear whether all the new signings will be registered, with confirmation from the Thai FA still pending.
Relocation controversy
In a move that has sparked outrage amongst fans, the club announced on Tuesday (Jan 14) that all their ‘home’ games for the remainder of the season will be played at the Phang Nga Provincial Administrative Organisation Stadium in Phang Nga town, approximately 1.5 hours from the island. The club cited the ongoing renovation of Surakul Stadium, which will be unavailable for the rest of the year, as the reason for the relocation.
Due to recent FA regulation changes, university stadiums are no longer automatically eligible for FA approval for League 3 and above games. Phuket Andaman had reportedly applied to play at Rajabhat University, which fielded a team in the Thai Semi-Pro League (the fourth tier) last year.
However, the application was rejected, and the costs associated with upgrading the facilities were deemed prohibitive, forcing the club to seek an alternative venue in Phang Nga province.
The timing of the announcement, just five days before their next home game, has drawn sharp criticism from fans, who have likened the move to the controversial relocation of Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes in the UK, where they were rebranded as the MK Dons.
This relocation is unprecedented in Thai football, as clubs have never moved provinces mid-season. Typically, a club must be owned for two years before being eligible for an inter-provincial move. Questions remain about whether the FA will permit the club to return to Phuket after the season concludes, a matter that is yet to be clarified.
Emergence of new competitors
The Thai Semi-Pro League on Wednesday (Jan 15) announced the list of clubs registered for the upcoming season, which runs from February to June 2025. The winner of the southern division gains automatic promotion to League 3 next season, provided they meet the league’s stadium and financial requirements.
There is also the possibility of additional promotion spots opening up if clubs are expelled from League 3 due to financial irregularities. Several League 3 South clubs are currently reportedly facing financial difficulties, creating further uncertainty.
Among the new clubs competing this year is Phuket United, a new venture on the island. It is also understood that at least one more club from Phuket will be participating in the fourth tier this year. This development offers a glimmer of hope for the island’s football fans, who are yearning for a well-run club to support.
The search for a buyer continues
PAFC are still actively seeking a buyer to take over the club and negotiations are reportedly underway with several interested parties. However, with the wage bill mounting, the threat of FIFA sanctions looming, and time running out, the situation appears increasingly bleak.
Despite the off-field turmoil, there is hope that the team can provide some cheer on the pitch on Saturday (Jn 18) against Satun FC, who currently sit in 6th place. A strong performance would lift the spirits of the fans who make the long journey to Phang Nga and provide a much-needed boost for everyone associated with the club.
Simon Causton is the co-Host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and author of ‘The March of the Lobstermen’ A Phuket Andaman FC Blog.