BANGKOK — When Thai football wanted to update its image for the new year, it turned to an urban hipster with a rural heart to come up with something a little country, a little rock ‘n roll.
Days before being embroiled in some fiery hooligan drama, the Football Association of Thailand on Thursday dropped its new Thai League roadmap, a logo and new anthem composed by DJ Maft Sai, who’s credited with popularizing country music in the capital, and the guitarist from a rock band of legendary cool.
The association’s updated logo recalls an elephant, the national animal, and the letter T, presumably for Thailand. Designed by the same firm behind that of Chonburi F.C., it incorporates different colors to identify separate leagues.
The new anthem incorporates traditional Thai instrumentation with a modern rock sound. The musical fusion was made possible by Nattapon Siangsukon, who as DJ Maft Sai has toured the world with the Paradise Bangkok Molam International band; and Piyanart Jotikasthira, guitarist of beloved band Apartment Khunpa.
For 2017, 18 teams will compete in five leagues under the Thai League. Amateur teams can participate in the Thai Amateur Tournament which is considered the last tier.
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