Thai leg of Asean final sold out in hours

Thailand stormed into the final of the biennial tournament with a blistering run that has seen the three-time champions win all but one of their five matches. Dominating performances culminating in a highly impressive 3-0 aggregate victory over the Philippines – the region’s top team according to Fifa’s world rankings – in the semi-finals have caught the imagination of Thai fans.

The growing hype surrounding the Thai team was apparent in Wednesday’s semi-final home leg against the Philippines, world No 128, when Rajamangala was filled to the rafters for the first time in years.

With 2010 winners Malaysia now standing between the Thais and the title, the buzz among supporters is getting even stronger. Seemingly endless queues were seen at Central Latphrao and Major Cineplex Ratchayothin as fans sought tickets at Thaiticketmajor booths for the first leg. Many, though, were left disappointed when the 42,000 tickets sold out within hours, while the demand online caused Thaiticketmajor’s website to crash. Trying to cash in on the frenzy, some posted tickets for sale online, where prices rose as high as five times the face value. 

With the Thai side set to play in front of a capacity crowd again, Football Association president Worawi Makudi asked fans to behave, after the Philippines fixture was marred by the lighting of flares, leaving the Thai FA facing punishment from the regional governing body.

“We still have to wait to see what penalty the AFF gives us for the fans who lit flares during the Philippines match. We don’t expect it to be as severe as having to play the game behind closed doors.

“We will be more diligent in checking fans at the ground for the final’s home leg. If we find anything wrong, we can ban them from entering. I would ask fans not to bring objects such as firecrackers or anything that could cause damage to the stadium. We should support the team in a family-friendly environment,” said Worawi.