It's been a comfortable night here at Ban Charika despite a rather hard bed. For the 500 baht I paid, everything is manageable and there is a good internet connection. We employ our mobile kitchen, well sort of and seem to be well organised which is just a well as there is a long journey ahead of over 7 hours allowing for stops. We seem to be on target for an earlier start.
We manage an 8.45 am start and that should put us in Nakhon Si Thammarat by 4.30 pm which is close on 500 kilometres to the south. From Prachuap Khiri khan we continue onto Chumphum, Surat Thani and then Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Each of these provinces is huge. We arrive at Pura Nakhon Hotel at the expected time and deposit our belongings. Pura Nakhon Hotel could not be any different from last night and seems quite comfortable, but we will have to settle in later as this is a repeat of last night.
We find the night market and order food, but we must get to Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Stadium for a 6.00 pm kick-off. The stadium is hosting a game in the Thai League 2nd Division and is a first for us. The home team. Nakhon Si United FC are host to Sisaket, a team from Thailand's northeastern region. Both teams are in mid-table with not too much to play for but the players won't be thinking that.
As the game kicks off I'm not sure what to expect or who the favourites are and for a while there is nothing between the teams but approaching 30 minutes the home team win an obvious penalty giving them the lead which they carry through to half-time.
Into the 2nd half the visitors get a goal back through poor defending, but then it's Sisaket who return the favour with two late goals both scored in similar fashion with players skillfully rounding the keeper. The game ends 3 : 1 and the hosts take all 3 points after a splendid last quarter of a hour while the visitors have a long way to travel empty-handed.
As regards this little stadium, it clearly operates on a small budget and the facilities reflect that. It's hard to see how the team would fare if they won promotion. Surely changes would have to be made, but this hypothetical scenario is set to remain just that.
Over a couple of days we've travelled some distance now. Back at Pura Nakhon, a easy drive away, we can take a break. We still have travelling to do, but only 3 hours is needed tomorrow. Regarding the room for tonight, it looks tidy and clean with modern decor. Let's hope for a peaceful night.

Source: Visit