In a recent survey conducted by the Center for Research and Development of Human Capital at Krirk University, it was revealed that a significant majority of Thai football fans are deeply engaged with European football leagues. The online poll, which took place from April 30 to May 2, 2025, gathered responses from 1,141 participants aged 18 and older, showcasing their interests and preferences in the realm of football.
The findings indicate that approximately 75.60 percent of respondents expressed a keen interest in European football, while 17.11 percent were uncertain, and 7.29 percent showed no interest at all. This overwhelming enthusiasm underscores the growing popularity of international football among Thai fans.
When it comes to how fans keep up with the latest matches and news, social media emerged as the dominant platform, with 71.13 percent of respondents using it as their primary source for updates. Traditional media outlets lagged behind, with only 12.40 percent relying on television and radio, 5.83 percent on newspapers, and 4.55 percent on general broadcast stations. This shift highlights the changing landscape of sports consumption, where digital platforms are taking precedence.
Interestingly, the motivations behind following European football are diverse. A substantial 42.55 percent of fans cited the presence of top-tier global players as their main draw. Additionally, 27.63 percent were attracted by the excitement of the matches and the atmosphere in stadiums, while 14.38 percent appreciated the organizational standards of the clubs. Other factors included the professionalism of team managers and the quality of officiating.
As for which leagues capture the hearts of Thai fans, the English Premier League stands out as the clear favorite, with 95.80 percent of respondents identifying it as their top choice. Following closely is Spain's La Liga at 87.13 percent, Germany's Bundesliga at 83.20 percent, France's Ligue 1 at 78.92 percent, and Italy's Serie A at 64.70 percent. These statistics reflect the global reach and influence of these leagues, particularly the Premier League, which has become synonymous with high-quality football.
In terms of favorite clubs, Liverpool leads the pack with an impressive 91.85 percent of fans expressing their support. Manchester United follows with 89.92 percent, Real Madrid at 83.10 percent, Arsenal at 76.31 percent, and Barcelona at 71.69 percent. The rankings continue with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen rounding out the top ten. This loyalty to specific clubs illustrates the emotional connection fans have with their teams, often transcending geographical boundaries.
Meanwhile, a separate poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has shed light on the perceptions of residents in Thailand's three Southern Border Provinces—Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala—regarding the government's handling of local issues. The survey, conducted from April 28 to 30, 2025, involved 1,100 respondents aged 18 and older, and revealed a mixed outlook on the security situation in these regions.
When asked to evaluate the security situation over the past 20 years, 33.45 percent of respondents felt that it had remained the same, while 20.36 percent believed it had improved. Conversely, 18.55 percent indicated that the situation had slightly worsened, and 14.64 percent felt it had significantly deteriorated. Only 10.00 percent believed the security situation had markedly improved, reflecting a general sense of stagnation or decline.
In terms of development in the Southern Border Provinces, 42.18 percent of participants indicated that conditions had somewhat improved, while 37.45 percent felt there had been little progress. A smaller segment of 14.55 percent reported no development at all, and only 5.82 percent believed the situation had improved significantly. These sentiments suggest that while there is some recognition of progress, many residents feel that their needs are still not being adequately addressed.
Furthermore, the relationship between government officials and citizens has also been a point of concern. The survey found that 33.55 percent of respondents felt the relationship had remained unchanged, while 30.64 percent noted a slight improvement. However, 19.91 percent felt the relationship had worsened, which raises questions about the effectiveness of government outreach and engagement strategies in these regions.
Regarding the government's prioritization of addressing unrest in the Southern Border Provinces, a significant 42.36 percent of respondents felt that the government was not placing enough emphasis on the issue. Additionally, 31.82 percent believed the government was completely indifferent to addressing these concerns. Only 5.91 percent felt that the government was taking the matter seriously, highlighting a critical disconnect between citizens' expectations and government actions.
As the upcoming elections approach, the survey also examined how the government's handling of issues in the Southern Border Provinces might influence voter decisions. A notable 47.55 percent of respondents indicated that they would consider the government's approach to these issues as a significant factor in their voting decisions. This suggests that residents are increasingly aware of the implications of governance on their daily lives and are ready to hold their leaders accountable.
In summary, the surveys from both Krirk University and NIDA illustrate the complex landscape of sports enthusiasm and regional governance in Thailand. While football continues to unite fans across the nation, the challenges faced by residents in the Southern Border Provinces highlight the need for more effective government intervention and support. As the country moves forward, it remains to be seen how these factors will influence both the sporting and political arenas.
