On Sunday (Mar 23) they play PSU Surathani City at home at the Phang Nga Provincial Stadium, with the crucial match kicking off at 3:30pm. The season will then culminate in a decisive clash against FC Yala the following Saturday (Mar 29), with that match scheduled to begin at 4pm.
PAFC’s season has been nothing short of chaotic. The arrival of Higher Sports and their purchase of the club, under the leadership of president Russ Horsley, was supposed to herald a new era of prosperity. However, the club has lurched from one crisis to another, with instability becoming the defining characteristic of their campaign.
A revolving door in the manager’s office has hardly helped matters. The club is now on its third coach of the season. The dismissal of Coach Go set the tone for a campaign of upheaval, and the subsequent parting of ways with Coach Tum further exacerbated the sense of turmoil. Now, with Coach M at the helm, PAFC are desperately seeking stability and results when they need them most.
On the pitch, results have been woefully inadequate. PAFC have failed to register a single victory in this calendar year, a dismal record that has plunged them deep into relegation trouble. The stark reality is that relegation has now become a two-horse race, with PAFC and Yala City FC battling to avoid the drop. Both teams are currently languishing on a meagre 14 points after 20 games played, highlighting the desperate nature of their struggles. Yala City currently occupy the higher position only by virtue of their superior goal difference.
However, even securing six points from their final two games may not be enough for PAFC. Their fate is not entirely in their own hands, as Yala City’s final fixtures could prove decisive. Yala City face Satun FC tomorrow (Mar 22 at 4pm) and then play Phatthalung FC away next Saturday (Mar 29 at 4pm). Crucially, both of Yala City’s opponents have nothing tangible to play for, with their positions in the league table already secure.
While PAFC’s match against PSU Surathani City also falls into this category of mid-table obscurity, their final game against FCYala is anything but. FC Yala will still be in the promotion hunt, adding another layer of complexity to PAFC’s survival bid. Furthermore, there are whispers of close ties to Yala City FC, adding fuel to the fire of this relegation battle.
The stakes could not be higher for PAFC. Relegation without entry into a lower league would have catastrophic consequences for the club. It would likely trigger an exodus of players, with all current squad members out of contract.
The club would also be unable to re-enter the league through the Thai Semi-Pro League until March 2026, leaving them in a state of limbo for an extended period. Given the club’s existing financial difficulties, it is unclear whether the owners would be willing or able to sustain the club through such a prolonged period without competitive football.
In the face of such adversity, it is crucial that the club receives maximum support in their final hour of need. In a rallying cry to the fans, there is an urgent call for them to come and cheer for the club one last time this season, and perhaps ever. A show of unity and passion could provide the players with the inspiration they need to pull off a great escape. For those wishing to travel to the crucial match, there is a bus departing from Phuket for B200. Reservations can be made through Khun Bow at 098 050 7529.
The future of Phuket Andaman FC hangs in the balance. The next two matches will determine whether the club can survive or if it will face an uncertain future.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Football Siam’ blog which covers all things Thai football.