The Sideline Is Not a Seat | Football Etiquette Thai Fans Must Learn

“The Sideline Is Not a Seat”

Football is a game that brings laughter, joy, and hope —
and sometimes, tears.
But the saddest thing in every match is this:
the most overlooked element is often
“the audience’s manners.”

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During the recent final between Chai Nat Provincial Administration and Monthong Wittaya School,
the sight of people flooding down to sit along the grass line
was a clear warning sign —
that our culture of cheering
still has a long way to go.

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A football field isn’t marked for decoration.
Those lines are the boundaries of safety.
When spectators sit or stand right at the edge —
especially on fields with no barriers —
they put everyone at risk.

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Players sprinting at full speed
can slide out of bounds at any moment.
A powerful strike can damage cameras and sideline gear.
And when emotions run high during Monthong Fever,
some fans may cross the line — literally and figuratively.

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If security reacts a second too late,
a serious accident could happen —
one that nobody intended.

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“The pitch belongs to the players, not the spectators.”
That’s a universal rule —
from FIFA to the Premier League,
down to school-level tournaments.

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According to FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations (2022)
and the UEFA Stadium Code of Conduct,
the following rules are crystal clear:

1️⃣ Spectators must remain only in designated areas.
Entering or stepping on the pitch without permission is prohibited.

2️⃣ Do not touch players, officials, or field equipment —
even for photos or greetings.

3️⃣ Do not throw objects, light flares, or engage in dangerous acts.
Football is not a stage for recklessness.

4️⃣ Respect opponents and referees.
Cheers should never become insults, boos, or hate speech.

5️⃣ Follow staff instructions immediately.
Do not claim special privileges or insist on getting closer.

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These rules exist to preserve the dignity of the game.
Every beautiful match begins with respectful fans.

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Allowing people to sit on the field edge
might seem harmless — “just this once.”
But in field management,
it’s costly damage.

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Natural grass fields cost 700,000–1,000,000 THB per year to maintain —
covering water, fertilizer, mowing, and soil care.
Artificial turf requires 200,000–500,000 THB annually,
to maintain infill and repair compressed areas.

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Experts abroad note:

“Every step made on the turf by a non-player
requires repair within 24–48 hours.”

Just 10 spectators stepping onto the grass
can cause thousands of baht in repair costs
and force the field to rest for weeks.

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If we truly want Thai football to grow,
organizers and officials must step up their management —
and fans must learn one simple truth:

“The best cheers don’t come from standing at the sideline,
but from knowing your rightful place.”

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We were lucky this time —
no accidents occurred.
But must we wait for tragedy
before we start taking this seriously?

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