In round 30 taking place on the evening of May 10, Muangthong United suffered a 0-3 defeat to Sukhothai. The result meant they only stopped at 14th place with 26 points after 30 matches, not enough to stay in the highest league in Thailand.
Statistics show that Muangthong United has only won 6 matches, drawn 8 and lost 16 matches. The attack scored 27 goals but the defense conceded 52 times, clearly reflecting the comprehensive decline of the team throughout the season.
This is considered a big shock for one of the most traditional clubs in Thai football. Muangthong once reached the top of the Thai League with championships in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2016, and also owns 2 League Cup titles and many other domestic achievements.
Not only stopping at the domestic arena, this team once left its mark at the 2017 AFC Champions League when they reached the knockout round, a rare achievement of Thai football in the continental arena at that time.
However, the glory of the past cannot hide the harsh reality. The instability of personnel, the defense constantly making mistakes and the decline in form of the attack have caused Muangthong United to lose their position.
Having to play in Thai League 2 marks the biggest step backwards for the club since returning to the highest league 17 years ago, and also poses a problem of rebuilding the force in the near future.
