The domestic football season kicks off on Friday with champions BG Pathum United seen as the favourites to retain the Thai League 1 title.
With a new coach in Australian Aurelio Vidmar, the Rabbits beat FA Cup winners Chiang Rai United 1-0 in the Thailand Champions Cup match on Wednesday.
Although the match was just a curtain-raiser to the new season, the victory would help boost Pathum United's confidence in their defence of the T1 crown.
"The win will be a motivation for us and give us confidence ahead of the new season," Vidmar said.
Vidmar, 54, replaces Dusit Chalermsan who left the Rabbits after guiding them to their first ever title in the top flight last season. Dusit is now at Port.
After the appointment, the Australian said he was more than happy to return to the club he coached in the 2016-17 season.
"I'm happy to be back at this place again. It feels like I have never left," he said.
"I continued to follow BG Pathum United, and the group of staff coaches whom I had worked with during my first tenure are still at the club."
The Australian then steered BG to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League (ACL) and then lift the Thailand Champions Cup.
BG Pathum, formerly Bangkok Glass, look strong in every department.
Thailand goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom's job is made easier with defenders Victor Cardozo and Andres Tunez in front of him although the latter is out for a couple of weeks due to injury.
Their strike force is led by Diogo Luis Santo and Teerasil Dangda who are supported by midfielders Sarach Yooyen and Sumanya Purisai.
After finishing third in T1 last season, Port made their debut in the ACL group stage and had a tournament to forget as they were eliminated although all matches in their group were played on home soil.
Port striker Sergio Suarez, centre, in action against Buriram United last season. PR Boat Lagoon
Dusit back at Port
The disappointing performance prompted Port chairwoman Nualphan Lamsam to hire a new coach in Dusit as Sarawut Treephan took over the role of technical adviser.
The 51-year-old Dusit helped Port gain promotion to the top flight in 2013 in his first stint with the Klong Toey-based team.
"He is a legend here. I believe Coach Ong [Dusit] will take us to our target," said Nualphan, who was recently appointed manager of the national men's team and U23 side.
Port recently signed forward Javier Patino of the Philippines but surprisingly he has been left out of the club's official list of players.
Port will once again pin their hopes for goals from prolific Spaniard Sergio Suarez.
Buriram United also will return with a vengeance after failing to win the title for two seasons in a row.
Chiang Rai, the 2019 champions, SCG Muang Thong United and True Bangkok United are also considered contenders for the coveted title in the 2021/22 season which is scheduled to end in May.
Promoted clubs Nongbua Pitchaya, Chiangmai United and Khon Kaen United are seen as favourites to make quick returns to Thai League 2.
The new season opens today with Nuangbua facing Nakhon Ratchasima with the match slated for a 6pm kick-off at Pitchaya Stadium.
In the 2021/22 campaign, matches in the top flight -- which has been rebranded the Revo Thai League -- will be shown live on Channel 5 and PPTV, and via AIS Play online and smartphone platforms.