2024–25 Thai League 3

The 2024–25 Thai League 3 marks the eighth season of the Thai League 3, Thailand's third-tier professional football league.[1] This season retains the structure of 69 clubs divided into six regional groups, with an adjusted regional distribution to better reflect geographical locations.

2024–25 Thai League 3
Season2024–25
Dates14 September 2024 – 27 April 2025

For the 2024–25 season, the regions are organized as follows: Northern (11 clubs), Central (11 clubs), Northeastern (11 clubs), Eastern (12 clubs), Western (12 clubs), and Southern (12 clubs). Notably, the Bangkok Metropolitan Region has been replaced by the Central Region. Clubs previously competing in the Bangkok Metropolitan, Eastern, and Western regions have been reallocated to the new regional groups based on their geographical positions.

The league maintains a two-stage format, beginning with the Regional Stage, where clubs compete within their respective regions. The 2024–25 season kicks off on 14 September 2024 with the first match of the Regional Stage,[2] and the top two clubs from each region, the champions and runners-up, advance to the National Championship Stage. This final phase, featuring 12 clubs, culminates with the second leg of the national final on TBD, marking the official close of the season. In this phase, clubs compete for the national title and the opportunity for promotion to Thai League 2 for the next season. By reorganizing the regional groups, Thai League 3 continues to play a crucial role in the development of football nationwide, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participating clubs. This revised regional structure aims to promote competitive balance and foster the growth of football across all regions of Thailand.

Seasonal Changes

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The 2024–25 Thai League 3 season introduces several significant changes from the previous season, impacting club composition, league structure, and regional distribution.

Relegation from Thai League 2

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Chiangmai, who originally secured their spot in Thai League 2, were relegated to Thai League 3 after failing to meet the club licensing standards.[3] As a result, Kasetsart, which had the best ranking among the clubs in the relegation zone, remained in Thai League 2 instead.[4] Toko Customs United (formerly Customs United) and Krabi were also relegated to Thai League 3 and will compete in the Eastern and Southern Regions, respectively.[5][6] Chiangmai will compete in the Northern Region.

Promotions from Thailand Semi-pro League

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Six clubs have earned promotion to Thai League 3 from the Thailand Semi-pro League:

Promotion to Thai League 2

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The top three clubs from the 2023–24 Thai League 3 season have been promoted to Thai League 2: Bangkok (National champion),[13] Sisaket United (National runners-up),[14] and Mahasarakham SBT (National 3rd place).[15]

Clubs relegated due to club licensing failures

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Several clubs from Thai League 3 that met competitive criteria failed to pass the club licensing for the 2024–25 season, resulting in their relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League:

Consequently, Nakhon Sawan See Khwae City, which finished last in the Northern Region, was retained in Thai League 3 due to these failures.[19]

Clubs relegated due to finishing last in their regions

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These clubs have been relegated to the Thailand Semi-pro League for the 2025 season.

Regional redistribution and renaming

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A significant change this season is the renaming of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region to the Central Region. This renaming was part of a broader effort to align the regions more closely with the geographical locations of the clubs. To further support this adjustment:

These changes ensure that clubs are placed in regions that better reflect their actual geographical locations, promoting a more balanced and competitive league structure. The renaming of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region to the Central Region, along with the redistribution of clubs, is intended to create clarity and prevent confusion as the league continues to evolve.[22]

Club name and logo changes

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Several clubs have rebranded or changed their logos for the 2024–25 season:

  • Phitsanulok Unity, a club in the Northern Region, redesigned its logo from a field rat to a fighting cock, symbolizing King Naresuan the Great's legendary fighting cock.[23]
  • TPF Uttaradit (formerly Uttaradit Saksiam), a club in the Northern Region, changed both its name and logo, retaining the iconic image of Phraya Phichai.[24]
  • Kasem Bundit University, a club in the Central Region, underwent a full logo redesign to modernize its image.[25]
  • ACDC, a club in the Eastern Region, updated its logo's typography to a more modern design.
  • Navy, a club in the Eastern Region, introduced a completely new logo that emphasizes its naval roots but with a contemporary look.[26]
  • Toko Customs United (formerly Customs United), a club in the Eastern Region, updated its logo, changing the text to reflect its new name.[27]
  • Nonthaburi United, a club in the Western Region, changed its logo, replacing the bear-and-durian tree design with a crow, representing strength and resilience.[28]
  • Pattani, a club in the Southern Region, updated its logo by changing the cannon from black to gold, adding two hibiscus flowers, and incorporating a floral pattern.
  • PSU Surat Thani City (formerly Wiang Sa Surat Thani City), a club in the Southern Region, updated its logo, keeping the Arowana fish but changing the text to reflect its new name.[29]

Regional stage

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The Regional Stage of the 2024–25 Thai League 3 includes 69 clubs divided into six regions: Northern (11 clubs), Central (11 clubs), Northeastern (11 clubs), Eastern (12 clubs), Western (12 clubs), and Southern (12 clubs). Each region operates in a round-robin format where clubs play each other in both home and away matches. The top two clubs from each region, the champion and the runner-up, qualify for the National Championship Stage. This stage serves to determine the regional winners and which clubs advance to the national competition.

Northern region

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League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Maejo United 10 6 4 0 16 5 +11 22 Qualification to the National Championship stage
2 Chiangmai 10 6 3 1 21 10 +11 21
3 TPF Uttaradit 10 5 3 2 13 11 +2 18
4 Khelang United 10 5 2 3 12 9 +3 17
5 Phitsanulok 10 5 0 5 7 8 −1 15
6 Kamphaengphet 10 4 2 4 11 15 −4 14
7 Chattrakan City 10 3 3 4 13 13 0 12
8 Nakhon Sawan See Khwae City 10 2 5 3 10 10 0 11
9 Phitsanulok Unity 10 3 0 7 8 14 −6 9
10 Chiangrai City 10 2 2 6 12 18 −6 8
11 Northern Nakhon Mae Sot United 10 1 2 7 8 18 −10 5 Relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League
Updated to match(es) played on 24 November 2024. Source: Thai League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goal scored; 5) Overall goal difference; 6) Overall goal scored; 7) Fair play points; 8) Play-off without extra time).

Central region

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League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Prime Bangkok 10 7 2 1 27 12 +15 23 Qualification to the National Championship stage
2 Lopburi City 10 6 3 1 24 10 +14 21
3 North Bangkok University 10 5 5 0 18 7 +11 20
4 Kasem Bundit University 10 5 3 2 13 8 +5 18
5 Chamchuri United 10 3 3 4 15 17 −2 12
6 Royal Thai Air Force 10 1 8 1 12 11 +1 11
7 PTU Pathum Thani 10 3 2 5 8 13 −5 11
8 Saraburi United 10 2 3 5 11 23 −12 9
9 Angthong 10 1 5 4 10 16 −6 8
10 AUU Inter Bangkok 10 1 4 5 11 16 −5 7
11 Dome 10 0 4 6 6 22 −16 4 Relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League
Updated to match(es) played on 24 November 2024. Source: Thai League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goal scored; 5) Overall goal difference; 6) Overall goal scored; 7) Fair play points; 8) Play-off without extra time).

Northeastern region

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League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Rasisalai United 10 10 0 0 45 7 +38 30 Qualification to the National Championship stage
2 Udon United 10 6 3 1 18 10 +8 21
3 Roi Et PB United 10 5 2 3 15 13 +2 17
4 Khon Kaen 10 5 1 4 12 9 +3 16
5 Muang Loei United 10 4 3 3 12 10 +2 15
6 Yasothon 10 3 4 3 12 13 −1 13
7 Ubon Kruanapat 10 3 2 5 16 12 +4 11
8 Surin City 10 2 5 3 9 10 −1 11
9 Khon Kaen Mordindang 10 3 0 7 10 27 −17 9
10 Suranaree Black Cat 10 2 1 7 5 17 −12 7
11 Surin Khong Chee Mool 10 1 1 8 3 29 −26 4 Relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League
Updated to match(es) played on 24 November 2024. Source: Thai League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goal scored; 5) Overall goal difference; 6) Overall goal scored; 7) Fair play points; 8) Play-off without extra time).

Eastern region

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League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Navy 11 10 1 0 26 7 +19 31 Qualification to the National Championship stage
2 Fleet 11 6 2 3 15 7 +8 20
3 Bankhai United 11 5 5 1 13 6 +7 20
4 Saimit Kabin United 11 5 2 4 14 13 +1 17
5 ACDC 11 4 4 3 15 15 0 16
6 Chachoengsao Hi-Tek 11 3 5 3 10 10 0 14
7 Padriew City 11 4 2 5 12 18 −6 14
8 Pluakdaeng United 11 3 4 4 7 9 −2 13
9 BFB Pattaya City 11 3 3 5 12 15 −3 12
10 Toko Customs United 11 2 4 5 9 13 −4 10
11 Marines 11 1 3 7 10 17 −7 6
12 Samut Prakan 11 1 3 7 6 19 −13 6 Relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League
Updated to match(es) played on 27 November 2024. Source: Thai League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goal scored; 5) Overall goal difference; 6) Overall goal scored; 7) Fair play points; 8) Play-off without extra time).

Western region

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League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Thonburi United 11 8 2 1 25 13 +12 26 Qualification to the National Championship stage
2 Samut Sakhon City 11 7 2 2 28 16 +12 23
3 Thap Luang United 11 6 4 1 20 8 +12 22
4 Rajpracha 11 6 2 3 15 12 +3 20
5 Hua Hin City 11 5 3 3 25 21 +4 18
6 Nonthaburi United 11 4 4 3 18 14 +4 16
7 Assumption United 11 5 0 6 17 21 −4 15
8 VRN Muangnont 11 2 6 3 10 10 0 12
9 Maraleina 11 1 4 6 11 23 −12 7
10 Kanchanaburi City 11 1 4 6 11 25 −14 7
11 Samut Songkhram City 11 1 3 7 17 25 −8 6
12 Royal Thai Army 11 0 6 5 10 19 −9 6 Relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League
Updated to match(es) played on 24 November 2024. Source: Thai League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goal scored; 5) Overall goal difference; 6) Overall goal scored; 7) Fair play points; 8) Play-off without extra time).

Southern region

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League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Songkhla 11 7 4 0 12 4 +8 25 Qualification to the National Championship stage
2 Phatthalung 11 6 2 3 12 7 +5 20
3 Yala 11 5 5 1 10 5 +5 20
4 Pattani 11 5 3 3 15 11 +4 18
5 Nara United 11 4 5 2 11 9 +2 17
6 Satun 11 3 5 3 8 10 −2 14
7 Muang Trang United 11 3 4 4 13 13 0 13
8 PSU Surat Thani City 11 2 6 3 13 13 0 12
9 Krabi 11 3 2 6 13 14 −1 11
10 Phuket Andaman 11 3 2 6 12 19 −7 11
11 Ranong United 11 2 2 7 7 14 −7 8
12 Yala City 11 1 4 6 5 12 −7 7 Relegation to the Thailand Semi-pro League
Updated to match(es) played on 24 November 2024. Source: Thai League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goal scored; 5) Overall goal difference; 6) Overall goal scored; 7) Fair play points; 8) Play-off without extra time).

National Championship stage

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The 2024–25 National Championship Stage features 12 clubs from the Regional Stage, including champions and runners-up from six regions. These clubs are divided into three groups: Group A (Northern and Central), Group B (Northeastern and Eastern), and Group C (Western and Southern). Each group plays in a round-robin, home-and-away format. The top club from each group advances to the semi-finals, along with the best second-placed club from all groups.

The knockout stage, held over two legs, uses aggregate scoring, with the away goals rule applied in case of a tie. If still level, extra time and penalties will decide the winner. Semi-final winners reach the final and secure promotion to Thai League 2, while the semi-final losers compete for third place, with the winner also earning promotion. This format ensures strong competition and offers promotion opportunities to the top clubs.

Group stage

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Knockout stage

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Preparations Ahead of the 2024–25 Thai League 3 Season Kickoff (in Thai)". matichon.co.th. 4 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Announcement of the Opening Day for the 2024–25 Thai League 3 Season (in Thai)". matichon.co.th. 31 August 2024.
  3. ^ "Chiangmai Relegated Due to Failure to Meet Club Licensing Criteria (in Thai)". today.line.me. 29 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Kasetsart Secures Spot in Thai League 2 Following Chiangmai's Relegation (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 21 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Customs United has been relegated but confirms their readiness to continue competing in Thai League 3. (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 28 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Andaman Eagle has been relegated to Thai League 3 after their defeat in the most recent second-tier league match (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 25 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Chattrakan City Partners with Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University to Form Team for First Professional League Campaign (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 11 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Dome Unveils 33 Players with Squad Numbers for T3 Central Region Campaign (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 29 August 2024.
  9. ^ "Roi Et PB United Defeats Hi-Tech Chaiyaphum United 3–0, Advances to Thai League 3 (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 27 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Attapong Suryajan: Beyond Dreams, From Intern Coach to Leading His Hometown to the Professional League (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 9 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Samut Songkhram City Appoints Panupong to Lead the Team Alongside Rungroj (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 26 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Yala City Promoted to T3 After Winning the Southern Zone Semi-Pro League Title (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 10 March 2024.
  13. ^ "Bangkok promoted to the Thai League 2 (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 1 April 2024.
  14. ^ "Sisaket United promoted to the Thai League 2 (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 1 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Mahasarakham SBT promoted to the Thai League 2 (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 27 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Kongkrailas United Withdraws from the New Season (in Thai)". supersubthailand.com. 24 June 2024.
  17. ^ "Rongseemaechaithanachotiwat Phayao Disbands Amid Financial Issues (in Thai)". soccersuck.com. 20 May 2024.
  18. ^ "MH Nakhon Si City Disbands Following Financial Struggles (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 28 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Nakhon Sawan See Khwae City Continues for the New Season (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 23 August 2024.
  20. ^ "Changes in Central, Eastern, and Western Zones for the 2024–25 Thai League 3 Season (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 20 July 2024.
  21. ^ "Changes in Central, Eastern, and Western Zones for the 2024–25 Thai League 3 Season (in Thai)". today.line.me. 22 July 2024.
  22. ^ "Changes in Zone and Competition Format for Thai League 3 in the 2024–25 Season (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 12 July 2024.
  23. ^ "Phitsanulok Unity has changed its logo in preparation for the 2024–25 season (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 22 June 2024.
  24. ^ "The Broken Sword Warriors have announced a change in the club's name and logo (in Thai)". today.line.me. 21 August 2024.
  25. ^ "Kasem Bandit has changed its logo and revamped the club's image as well (in Thai)". thinkcurve.co. 5 September 2024.
  26. ^ "Navy is ready to showcase its new logo as they fully prepare for the Thai League 3 competition (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 11 July 2024.
  27. ^ "Customs partners with a Japanese investment group, rebranding as TOKO Customs United to compete in Thai League 3 (in Thai)". siamsport.co.th. 27 July 2024.
  28. ^ "The Big Bear has officially changed its nickname to Golden Crow as well (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 17 April 2024.
  29. ^ "Wiang Sa Surat Thani City rebrands before competing in Thai League 3 Southern Zone (in Thai)". ballthai.com. 13 June 2024.
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