Chonburi F.C.

Did You Know?

• In August 2013, the football management simulation Top Eleven added Chonburi's official logo and home and away jerseys to its in-game club shop.
• Chonburi's main rivals were Sriracha, also based in Chonburi Province before their move and dissolution.

History

The club originated as Chonburi-Sannibat Samut Prakan Football Club, the team of Assumption College Sriracha, managed by Annop Singtothong, Thanasak Suraprasert, Sontaya Khunpluem, and Wittaya Khunpluem. After the Sannibat Samut Prakan Association finished second in the Khǒr Royal Cup in 1996, a merger created Chonburi-Sannibat Samut Prakan, which entered Thai Division 1 League. In 2000, the Chonburi Sports Association fielded a separate team in the Provincial League, leading to the formation of Chonburi Football Club, which remained in Division 1. The Provincial League side, drawing players from Assumption College Sriracha and Chulabhon's College Chonburi, finished third in its first season. Chonburi won the Provincial League title in 2005 by defeating Nakhon Ratchasima, earning promotion to the 2006 Thailand Premier League. In 2006, the club reached the Singapore Cup final, losing 2–3 to Tampines Rovers after extra time, and placed 8th in the Thai Premier League. The following year, Chonburi won the Kor Royal Cup and then secured the Thailand Premier League championship, qualifying for the 2008 AFC Champions League. Head coach Jadet Meelarp received the Coach of the Year award, and Pipob On-Mo was named Player of the Year.

Academy development

Chonburi is known for producing talent from its youth program; over 80% of the 2007 championship squad came from the academy. Previously, youth players boarded at schools such as Assumption College Sriracha and Chulabhon's College Chonburi. In 2009, the club built a dedicated academy in Ban Bueng District, featuring dormitories and training facilities, on land once rented to JMG Academy. The restructuring was led by former head coach and technical director Witthaya Laohakul. Players are recruited through scouting and trials; Worachit Kanitsribampen was an early success from the new academy.

Stadium

Chonburi used the 5,000-capacity Chonburi Municipality Stadium at the start of 2007. After disagreements with local authorities, the club moved to Princess Sirindhorn Stadium in 2009 and then to IPE Chonburi Stadium in 2010. For the 2008 AFC Champions League, the club played at the National Stadium to meet FIFA standards, also using it for the 2009 AFC Cup. In 2011, Chonburi moved to the newly built Chonburi Stadium, which holds 8,000 and meets FIFA requirements for AFC Cup matches. During renovations in 2019, the team temporarily played at Sattahip Navy Stadium.

Affiliated clubs

Chonburi partnered with Manchester City in 2007 following Thaksin Shinawatra's takeover of the Premier League club, facilitating youth and reserve player loans and coaching exchanges that contributed to Chonburi's 2007 league title. In 2012, a business partnership with Vissel Kobe of the J1 League was announced, enabling player and staff exchanges at professional and youth levels, friendly matches, football school development, and marketing opportunities.