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The Thai football league had been in the doldrums for years, largely because participation was monopolised, at least perceptibly, by either government or major private outfits. There was little popularity, little loyalty, little passion.

But the wind of change came with the promotion a few years back of the Chon Buri club, the first provincial team to play in the Thailand Premier League (TPL). The Eastern Seaboard province's arrival was a breath of fresh air, due to the team's strong fan backing. With its fans' fervent support, games featuring Chon Buri resembled what was normally seen in European top leagues.

What was only a minority culture spread as the public's interest in the TPL grew markedly during the season. The dull atmosphere that had long gripped the league disappeared, replaced by scenes of fans chanting and dancing in support of their favourite clubs.

Talk about football - once dominated by either Manchester United or Liverpool - became localised. And that has bode well for Thai soccer. For this reason, every Thai who has been shouting his or her heart out for a local team in the Thai Premier League is the fourth runner up for The Nation's 2009 Person of the Year.