Thailand League Cup
The Thailand League Cup is a knockout competition run by the Football Association of Thailand for clubs from Thai League 1 and League 2. It injects excitement into the domestic calendar, offering a shot at silverware beyond the league title. Teams clash in high-stakes elimination games where upsets are common, and fans savor thrilling action under Thailand's tropical skies.
History and foundation
Launched in 2010 as the Thai League Cup, it replaced the FA Cup as the secondary major knockout event. Muangthong United claimed the inaugural title, beating Buriram Pegasus. Buriram United dominates with five wins, including a 2019 double. Notable moment: In 2017, Rayong FC, from a lower division, stunned Chonburi in penalties after a 2:2 draw to lift the trophy. COVID-19 paused it in 2020, but it returned stronger, boosting Thai football's ASEAN profile.
Tournament format
Over 60 teams from T1, T2, T3/4 enter. Early rounds are single-leg knockouts for lower tiers, with top clubs seeded into later stages via draw. From the round of 16, it's two-legged ties (home and away), culminating in a neutral-venue final. Runs July to November, dodging national team breaks.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.8, spiking above 3 in early rounds with open play. All-time top scorer: Diogo (Buriram) with 25 goals. Icons include Surat Sukha (Chonburi), hat-trick hero in the 2011 final; Krishnan Prabakhar (Rayong), 2017 upset star. Current standouts: Teerasil Dangda (BG Pathum) and Esteban Pineda (Phuket), dazzling with skill and strikes. Young gun Suphanan Buriram hints at future ASEAN stardom.