The Chiangrai derby delivered four goals and a dramatic late twist as Chiangrai Thawee and Chiangrai City FC played out a 2-2 draw in Thai League 3 on 25 October 2026. Chiangrai Thawee looked in control after building a two-goal lead, but Chiangrai City FC fought back with a determined second-half display to claim a point that felt significant for both sides.

The match had the intensity expected of a local rivalry, with a lively crowd, committed challenges and a momentum shift that few inside the stadium could have predicted at half-time. What began as a controlled home performance turned into a night of frustration for Thawee and a showcase of resilience for City.

Match overview

Chiangrai Thawee started brightly and used the width of the pitch to stretch City’s back line. Their early pressure paid off when a neat move down the right ended with a low driven cross that was turned in from close range. The home side continued to press and doubled their advantage before the break, capitalising on a loose pass and moving the ball quickly into the penalty area for a composed finish.

At 2-0, the game appeared to be moving comfortably in Thawee’s direction. But Chiangrai City FC made tactical adjustments at half-time, pushing their wing-backs higher and committing an extra body into midfield. The change altered the rhythm of the contest, and City gradually began to find space between the lines.

Key moments

• Chiangrai Thawee opened the scoring in the first half with a well-worked move down the right, finished with a close-range strike.
• The home side doubled their lead before half-time after a turnover in midfield and a quick exchange on the edge of the box.
• Chiangrai City FC pulled one back after the break when a corner was only partially cleared and the follow-up was driven through a crowded penalty area.
• City pushed for an equaliser and struck the frame of the goal with a curling effort from outside the box.
• The visitors finally levelled late on, capitalising on a defensive mistake and finishing calmly past the goalkeeper.

Tactical story

Chiangrai Thawee’s first-half performance was built on quick transitions and aggressive pressing. They forced City into mistakes and looked dangerous whenever they attacked the flanks. But after taking a two-goal lead, Thawee dropped deeper and invited pressure, allowing City to build momentum. The home side’s midfield began to sit closer to the back four, and the gap between defence and attack grew wider as the second half wore on.

Chiangrai City FC’s response was impressive. Their manager changed the shape, brought fresh legs into wide areas and instructed the team to play more directly. The equaliser came from persistence as much as quality, with City refusing to let their local rivals see out the game comfortably. The visitors’ late surge showed why they are capable of competing in the division, even if their first-half display left them with too much to do.

Standout players

Chiangrai Thawee’s attacking midfielder Sittichok Kaewprom was the standout in the first half, linking play and creating the opening goal with a sharp pass. Forward Nattapong Sriwichai led the line well and took his goal confidently. For Chiangrai City FC, substitute Chatchai Phromphao changed the game after coming on, adding energy and directness, while captain Thanawat Inthasorn drove the comeback from midfield.

City goalkeeper Saran Chaiyaporn also deserves credit for keeping his side in the contest with two important saves before the fightback was complete. His composure under late pressure allowed City to commit numbers forward in search of the equaliser.

What the point means

The draw leaves both teams with mixed emotions. Chiangrai Thawee will view it as two points dropped after controlling large parts of the first half, while Chiangrai City FC will take heart from a comeback that underlined their character and tactical flexibility. In a competitive Thai League 3 campaign, such derby results can shape momentum, and City’s late equaliser may prove just as valuable psychologically as it is in the standings.

For Thawee, the focus will be on game management and maintaining the intensity that gave them a two-goal advantage. For City, the challenge is to produce that second-half level for a full 90 minutes. Both sides leave the derby with lessons to learn and a point on the board.