Chiang Rai spend big, aim high with a new set of stars

Chiang Rai spend big, aim high with a new set of stars

Tanaboon Kesarat, centre.
Tanaboon Kesarat, centre.

Thai League side Chiang Rai United have splashed around 300 million baht to strengthen their ranks, aiming to qualify for the AFC Champions League.

Chiang Rai acquired Thailand defender Tanaboon Kesarat from 20163 league winners SCG Muang Thong United on Wednesday for a record fee of 50 million baht.

Their other signings for the 2017 season are Suriya Singmui (from Muang Thong), Chatchai Butprom (Samut Prakan), Silvakorn Tiesakul (BEC Tero), Pithiwat Sukjitthammakul (BEC Tero), Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom (Pattaya United) and Chinapat Lee-or (Pattaya United).

Chiang Rai chairman Mitti Tiyapairach said at the official unveiling of new team players yesterday: "Last season, we finished eighth and we are not very happy. We want to see Chiang Rai United at the top in the Thai League.

"Our goal is to qualify for the Asian level events like AFC Champions League every year."

Tanaboon, 23, said his only regret was that he would not be able to participate in the Asian club competition with Muang Thong, who are the only Thai club to earn a place in the AFC Champions League main draw.

Sukhothai and Bangkok United have been granted places in the play-offs for Asia's top club competition.

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