The Thai League 1 will have only 16 teams, down from the current 18, in the 2019 season with five relegated at the end of the 2018 campaign, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) confirmed yesterday.
Meanwhile, Bangkok United will host SCG Muang Thong United, clearly the highlight of the opening round of matches in the upcoming season.
The FAT yesterday held a meeting with representatives of domestic clubs to discuss the number of teams in each league.
After the meeting, FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang said the number of teams in the top flight will be cut to 16 from the 2019 season. The FAT had asked clubs to comment on the planned reduction and only five were against the move, he said.
"This means the majority of clubs agree to the move,'' Somyot said. "So five teams will be relegated at the end of the 2018 season to open way for a 16-team league."
He said the FAT will experiment the use of the video assistant referee (VAR) in the Thailand Champions Cup match between Thai League 1 champions Buriram United and FA Cup winners Chiang Rai United on Jan 19.
The FAT will then consider whether or not to use the VAR in domestic competitions.
After the meeting, a draw was held for the opening round of matches of the 2018 Thai League 1 season, which kicks off on Feb 9.
The draw delivered what could be a rousing encounter between hosts Bangkok United, who finished third last term, and Muang Thong, last season's league runners-up and League Cup champions.
Both teams have made drastic changes to their squads.
Bangkok United have parted ways with a number of players, including their top striker Dragan Boskovic who has joined Port.
Muang Thong have sold goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan to Belgian second division side OHL and loaned striker Teerasil Dangda and defender Theerathon Bunmathan to Japanese clubs Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe respectively.
Their midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin had joined Consadole Sapporo in July in a 18-month loan deal.
In the opening weekend of the 2018 season, defending champions Buriram United host Ratchaburi Mitr Phol. In other games, it's Air Force Central v Sukhothai, Bangkok Glass v Nakhon Ratchasima, Chainat v Suphanburi, Chiang Rai v Chonburi, Navy v Ubon UMT, Port v Pattaya United, and Prachuap v Police Tero.
Meanwhile, Muang Thong yesterday unveiled their theme "A New Challenge Begins" for the upcoming season. CEO Viluck Lohthong said the Kirins, under coach Totchtawan Sripan, aim to sweep all three domestic titles this year.
A budget of 400 million baht has been set aside to buy new players, he said.
Director Ronnarit Suewaja admitted that Muang Thong are in talks to bring in two forwards -- Baihakki Khaizan of Singapore and Brazilian Jakson 'Jaja' Coelho.
The Kirins still have a number of Thailand internationals, including Sarach Yooyen, Charyl Chappuis, Tristan Do, Adisak Kraisorn, and Siroch Chatthong.