Chanathip Songkrasin's first goal of the season helped SCG Muang Thong United claw their way up to second spot in the Thai League after a 1-0 victory over Chonburi yesterday.
Goalscorer Chanathip Songkrasin, centre, is congratulated by Adisak Kraisorn.
The Kirins now have 21 points to their credit, the same as Bangkok Glass who are in third place owing to an inferior goal difference.
The result also meant that Chonburi's miserable season under new coach Therdsak Chaiman continues as the Sharks, fourth last year, have gone without a win in their last four games.
Bangkok United lead the standings with 22 points after winning seven matches, drawing one and with their only loss coming in their first game against Buriram United in March.
Defending champions Buriram United are in fourth place with 20 points, followed by Sukhothai (17 points) and Ratchanburi (16).
Chanathip netted his first goal for Muang Thong in a spectacular fashion.
The Thai national team playmaker brought down a long lob from Sarach Yooyen to fire a sizzling volley into Chonburi's net in the 18th minute and give Muang Thong a 1-0 lead which they succeeded in maintaining until the end.
Meanwhile, newcomers Pattaya United continued their recovery by registering their third straight victory yesterday.
Pattaya United, winless in their first six appearances in the top flight since earning a promotion this year, added to struggling Chainat's woes by handing them a 3-1 defeat.
The away win lifted Pattaya to 11th place in the standings while Chainat went plunging down to the drop zone following their seventh defeat in a row.
Pattaya had effectively sealed victory in the first period with two goals from Brazilian Junior Negrao, who struck home in the sixth minute and during first-half injury time. Soony Saad added the third to the visitors' tally in the 73rd.
Narutchai Nimboon gave Chainat some consolation by pulling one back a few minutes before the final whistle.
Army United pulled off an upset when they edged mid-table Chiang Rai 1-0 at home yesterday.
A 32nd-minute effort by Josimar Souza proved enough to help Army claim three points and improve their aggregate to 10 points after nine matches.