The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has announced that fans will be allowed to cheer and sing when the War Elephants take on Australia in their 2018 AFC World Cup qualifier in Bangkok on Nov. 15.
The FAT has relaxed the restrictions it had imposed for the upcoming Group B tie, following the passing of Thailand's monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej last month. Having originally suggested the game be held outside Thailand at a neutral venue, the FAT then agreed to play in Bangkok on the condition that several rules were respected.
Thailand remains in a period of mourning and, in accordance with the principles applied in everyday life, it was proposed that there would be no singing, cheering or drumming at the game, and people would wear black or white. As a result, it was expected that the game would proceed in a sombre atmosphere to reflect the mood of the nation.
However, after a meeting on Wednesday, the FAT announced that it would instead adhere to the government's guidance on the resumption of normal activities from Nov. 14. As such, Thai football's ruling body released a statement on its Facebook page to clarify the change of heart.
Among the revised guidelines, it was suggested that supporters "dress in polite manner as they see appropriate", "sing songs" and "appropriately conduct joyful activities both inside and surrounding areas of the stadium".
Though what is considered appropriate remains open to interpretation, the news will certainly be welcomed by the 1,500 Australia fans expected to make the trip to Bangkok. For many, this will be the only opportunity to take in an away game in the current campaign, given that other matches take place in West Asia or Japan.
But a spokesperson for Australian travel company, Academy Travel Sports, told ESPN FC that the fan numbers would be much higher if not for the uncertainty after the King's death.
"With all the expats in the region, it'll be more like 2,000 to 2,500 Aussies at the game. It would have been more if it wasn't for the uncertainty of the last three weeks," the spokesman said.
Aussie fan Pablo Bateson will be in Bangkok to attend his 41st consecutive Socceroos' World Cup qualifier since 2008. Pablo is encouraging all Australian fans to wear black armbands and ribbons as a mark of respect for the loss of their beloved King.
"The relationship between our nations is a close one," he told ESPN FC. "We hope this football game can further strengthen these links through mutual respect and in the spirit of fair play."
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The Socceroos sit second top of the Group B table, having earned eight points in the first four games. They will be keen to get back to winning ways after drawing their last two games, first in Saudi Arabia, and then at home to Japan.
At the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, they defeated Thailand 4-0 in Bangkok in a game that was tightly contested until the final 10 minutes.
The War Elephants are even more desperate for a victory following four defeats in four, including a humiliating 4-0 loss against Iraq in their most recent qualifier on Oct. 11.
They begin their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign four days after their match against Australia, with a Nov. 19 game in Group A against Indonesia at the Philippine Sports Stadium.