The 2017 Thai League will kick off on Feb 11 with defending champions SCG Muang Thong United facing a tough opener against Bangkok Glass away at Leo Stadium.
The official draw for the 2017 season took place at the Royal Thai Police Club yesterday and the match schedules for all tiers of the country's prime sporting event were finalised.
The draw went ahead despite appeals from Chainat Hornbills and Army United, the two teams who were relegated to the Thai League 2 at the end of the last season, to postpone the exercise to a later date.
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) decision to proceed with the draw was criticised by Chainat vice-president Anirut Nakasai.
Anirut said: "The ruling on our appeal submitted to the Professional Sports Appeals Committee is pending, so we are not accepting the draw today. However, if the committee turns down our appeal, we will accept our relegation and play in the Thai League 2."
All Thai football games were cancelled following the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 13 and the Kirins were declared the winners of 2016 Thai League crown.
Chainat were yesterday drawn to face Chiang Mai at home, while Army United take on Krabi. The Thai League 2 matches also start on Feb 11.
In another enticing fixture in the top flight, which has been renamed as Thai League 1, five-time champions Buriram United host Chonburi at their I-Mobile Stadium on the opening day.
Big-spending Chiang Rai United, who start the season as one of the title favourites this year, kick off their campaign against Super Power Samut Prakan.
Chiang Rai made headlines by paying a record sum of 50 million baht to sign Thailand defender Tanaboon Kesarat from Muang Thong and parted company with another 250 million baht to acquire other players.
In an Isan derby, Si Sa Ket will test the mettle of newly-promoted Ubon UMT United, who feature national striker Sirod Chatthong.
Port will mark their return to the Thai League 1 after a year in the lower division with a trip to Ratchaburi.