On the eve of the football World Cup in South Africa, it isn’t just Thai football fans getting excited about the start of the competition. Following the recent problems in Bangkok, the World Cup will provide some welcome relief to a number of businesses in Thailand with Thai exports expected to receive a boost on the back of increased consumer demand in Europe. Local economic analysts also say that as much as 60 billion Baht could be spent in Thailand during the month-long tournament which kicks-off in South Africa tomorrow. Much of the money spent will go on items such as new televisions, food and drink. However, more than 30 billion Baht is expected to come from illegal gambling. Two years ago, the Euro 2008 football tournament saw a similar surge in illegal betting.
World Cup Behind Bars
Thousands of locals, expats and tourists will attend the numerous clubs, pubs and bars throughout Thailand that will be hosting special events and viewings for the World Cup matches. Bars all over Thailand will be busy, but there is one particular venue in Bangkok where bars of another variety will be prominent. Bangkok’s Klong Prem Central Prison is holding the ‘World Cup Behind Bars’. The prison football tournament features 16 teams composed of inmates of various nationalities. If there aren’t enough inmates of one nationality, Thai inmates make up the remainder of the team. The prison tournament was also held in 2002 and 2006 with the winning team receiving a replica wooden World Cup trophy made in the prison workshop.
Thailand to Play England
Thailand’s national football team have never qualified for a World Cup tournament, but last month they did get to play at one of the World Cup venues in South Africa. Playing in Nelspruit, Thailand were defeated 4-0 by their South African hosts.
The Thai national team is currently coached by former England captain Bryan Robson who must be relishing the prospect of pitting his team against England. Last month, the English Football Association confirmed that England will play a friendly match against Thailand next year to mark the 65th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the Thai throne. The Thailand versus England match is scheduled for Bangkok in June 2011 although the exact date and venue are yet to be confirmed.
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