The 15,000 capacity multi-purpose stadium is undergoing renovations to improve the overall physical infrastructure of the venue, including seating and roofing, electrical and drainage systems, the field surface and the surrounding running track, with a budget of B60 million allocated for the project.
The renovation is being overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) whose president, Rewat Areerob, led a site inspection on Tuesday (Sept 16) to assess the status of the project.
Mr Rewat was joined by PPAO Vice President Anupap Wetchwanichsanong and the head of the Sports Association of Phuket, Thammawat Wongcharoenyot.
Development work will see the main grandstand improved, with extra seating and lighting introduced and an extended roof built, while the car park is also being enhanced. The entire stadium will be freshly painted and all toilet facilities within the venue will be upgraded.
Mr Thammawat also explained that a new field surface will be implemented utilising the most advanced and safest synthetic 3G turf systems that will enable top class action to take place on the pitch once completed.
‘Investment’
The renovation work is the largest in scale at the stadium since it opened in 1959, explained Mr Thammawat, who also serves as the president of local Thai League 3 football club Phuket Andaman FC.
Mr Rewat confirmed that the ongoing renovation work was positive and on target to be finalised before the end of the year, revealing Dec 15 as the date pin-pointed for completion.
“The stadium renovation project is an investment for the people of Phuket,” Mr Rewat said at the site on Tuesday. “The development plans include enhanced roofing on the stands, improved seating to provide better viewing opportunities for fans and developing the car park facilities.
“Additionally, an indoor mini-football facility is being built, which will be especially important if Phuket wins the right to host the 2027 National Youth Games,” he added.
This followed a site visit on May 6 by Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Chief Inspector from the Prime Minister’s Office, Inspection Area 6, and Chairwoman of the Phuket Provincial Governance Committee, who led an inspection team alongside Phiraphi Ongcharoen, Vice Chairwoman of the Phuket Provincial Governance Committee.
Ms Ruenvadee and Ms Phiraphi Ongcharoen were delivered a progress report on site by Rewadee Matsakun, Director of the Construction Engineering Division, who confirmed that work is on track to be completed within the specified timeframe.
Following the onsite visit, a further meeting was conducted at Phuket Provincial Hall where Ms Ruenvadee reiterated that the project is transparent and in accordance with original plans to provide maximum benefit to local residents.
The work at Surakul Stadium is part of the Phuket Provincial Action Plan for 2025, which includes a total of 19 projects with an overall budget of B360mn.
Heated
The Stadium was constructed in 1959 by the State Department of Public Works and was selected to co-host the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup as a last minute replacement to Bangkok after airport takeovers by the People’s Alliance for Democracy resulted in complications flying in and out of the capital.
Surakul is also remembered for hosting a heated King’s Cup encounter between Thailand and Lebanon in 2009 which saw the incensed middle eastern team walk off the pitch before the game had finished, citing biased refereeing decisions as the reason.
Over the years the stadium has served as host venue for a range of tournaments and competitions, including regional qualifying events for the National Games and the National Handicapped Games, in addition to a host of local youth-based events involving schools across the island.
It is also the only football stadium in Phuket certified by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to host national championship matches, serving most recently as the home ground for Phuket Andaman FC.
Affectionately known as The Lobsters, the team played all their home games at Surakul Stadium for the first half of last season before the construction project meant they had to temporaily relocate to Phang Nga Provincial Administrative Organisation Stadium. It is there that the club plays host to Krabi FC tomorrow (Sept 20) in their first home game of the season in the 2025/26 BYD Dolphin League 3, having lost their opening encounter at Trang United 3-1 last Saturday.
Despite confirming the anticipated completion date of mid December, officials did not state whether Phuket Andaman FC will be returning to Surakul Stadium as their home base.