True Bangkok United started their Thai League 1 campaign with a convincing win a day after defending champions Chiang Rai United dropped points in their first game at Samut Prakan City on Friday night.
A 13th-minute striker by Nattawut Suksum and a first-half own goal by Adul Muensamaan gave hosts Bangkok United a 2-0 victory over PT Prachuap.
Former champions SCG Muang Thong United were given a precursor of what lies ahead as they were stunned 2-1 by 10-man BG Pathum United.
The Rabbits were left shorthanded when defender Irfan Fandi Ahmad was sent off a few minutes after Derley converted a 38th-minute penalty for the Kirins.
Pathum United turned the tide with second-half goals from Victor Cardozo (penalty) and Thailand star Thitiphan Puangjan.
Also yesterday, Sukhothai went ahead on four minutes and then successfully defended the edge given by a Evandro Nascimento goal to claim a 1-0 home victory over Suphanburi.
Earlier on Friday night, defending champions Chiang Rai United could only manage a 1-1 draw away at Samut Prakan City.
The hosts were put ahead in the third minute by Aris Zarifovic but the Beetles pulled level soon after the break when Piyaphon Phanichakul delivered the equaliser.
Samut Prakan City coach Masatada Ishii praised his men for wresting back control from Chiang Rai in the second half but regretted his team's inability to claim three points from the game.
"I have been with the team for only two months and I am pleased that they were able to play at such a high level," added Ishii.
Meanwhile, Thai national team strikers Supachai Jaided and Suphanat Mueanta are unlikely to find places on Buriram United's starting line-up for their first league match of the season against promoted Police Tero today.
The Thunder Castle, who ended the 2019 season without any silverware to the credit, look likely to start with new strike duo of Argentinian Bernardo Cuesta and Brazilian Ricardo Bueno.
Buriram were hit hard by the departure of their prolific scorer Diogo Luis Santo last year and they will be hoping that their scoring prowess returns against Police Tero.
Coached by former Thai international Rangsan Viwatchaichok, Police Tero are all too familiar with life in the top flight despite spending a year in the second tier. They will also be eyeing an impressive start to the season at their home ground.