Thai Premier League side Muang Thong United unveiled two new players yesterday in their bid to regain the title.
The duo are Japanese defender Naoaki Aoyama from J-Leauge club Ventforet Kofu and Thai midfielder Peeradol Chumratsamee from League Two side Chamchuree United.
Naoaki Aoyama
"Aoyama is strong in defence and his experience in the J-League will be an asset for us,'' said Muang Thong director Ronnarit Suewaja.
"We are happy to sign him because several clubs were interested in him."
Aoyama, 28, said: "This is a new challenge for me and my goal is to help Muang Thong win the Thai Premier League title. I know that there will be pressure and I will try to do my best.
Peeradol, 23, said: "It will be my first time in the top league. Muang Thong have a lot of good players and I will have to work hard to get a first-team place."
Muang Thong coach Dragan Talajic said both Aoyama and Peeradol were good players.
"Aoyama is a strong player and has a lot of experience from playing in the J-League. Peeradol is a rising star who could become a better player. They both will make us stronger,'' he said.
Muang Thong last won the title in 2012 with bitter rivals Buriram United crowned champions in 2013 and 2014.
The Kirins finished fifth last season _ 17 points behind Buriram.
The new season starts on Feb 14.