Chainat PAO crowned champions of the 7HD Football Championship 2025!

Chainat PAO crowned champions of the 7HD Football Championship 2025!

On November 8, 2025, the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok witnessed an exciting day as Chainat Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) won the final of the 2025 7HD Football Championship against Monthongwittaya School 2-1. Over 20,000 spectators gathered in the stadium and it was clear that the atmosphere of the encounter was charged with excitement and enthusiasm. Some of the spectators even had to sit along the track to watch this exciting final up close, as Bangkok Post reports.

In a fast-paced game, the students from Monthongwittaya School initially took a 1-0 lead. But Chainat PAO showed a strong comeback: they equalized in the 34th minute and finally turned the game around in the 41st minute to win the final 2-1. This is the first championship title for Chainat PAO in the 7HD Championship, which comes with a prize of 200,000 baht in addition to a bonus of 1 million baht announced by Anucha Nakasai for the historic victory, as highlighted by Nation Thailand.

Enthusiasm for youth football

Monthongwittaya School performed remarkably in the tournament. Previously, the team eliminated Dhepsirin School 7-6 in a thrilling penalty shootout in the quarterfinals and beat Assumption College Sriracha 6-3 in the semifinals. Coach Sakol Kliengprasert chauffeured the players in an old songthaew, the so-called “dream chaser’s bus,” which became a dream trip for many. Despite the defeat, the team won the hearts of the spectators and has certainly won their place in the minds of football fans.

The lively atmosphere in the stadium and the large number of spectators are a clear sign of the growing interest in youth football in Thailand. This development is also reflected in the extensive sponsorship opportunities supported by TV Channel 7. In a country where the overall sports sector is gaining popularity, there is increasing focus on young talent, even if there are challenges that make international success difficult, as Statista shows.

Growth and challenges in sport

Thailand has gained in sporting importance in recent years, particularly through football, volleyball and Muay Thai. While the Thai League, the country's top football league, has increased significantly in market value, the sports sector faces significant infrastructural challenges. A lack of modern sports facilities and financial resources makes it difficult for athletes to compete internationally. The women's volleyball team in particular has made a name for itself in Southeast Asia, but often faces financial hurdles.

It remains to be seen how football and other sports will develop in Thailand. However, with less international success than desired and a growing esports community, Thailand offers a diverse and dynamic environment that presents both challenges and opportunities for future athletes.