Buriram United
Thai Premier League champions Buriram United (formerly known as Buriram PEA) are tipped as favourites to win the title again this season.
The Thunder Castle are hot favourites to retain the title. They won their first TPL crown last season as Buriram PEA and have since merged with their sister club Buriram FC and become Buriram United.
Although Buriram, who also won the FA Cup and the League Cup last season, have lost a couple of key players including Thailand international Rangsan Vivatchaichok, the Thunder Castle still have "Two Franks" Frank Acheampong of Ghana and Franck Ohandza of Cameroon. The forwards have played for their country's junior sides.
They have signed several players including Jirawat Makkharom, Prathum Chutong and Uzbekistan's Askar Jadigerov.
Jirawat scored twice and Jadigerov added the other in their first competitive match for Buriram in the club's 3-2 win over Kashiwa Reysol in the AFC Champions League last week.
Buriram are strong at their 24,000-seat New I-Mobile - the country's largest private stadium.
Owned by former Cabinet member Newin Chidchob, who is serving a five-year political suspension, the Thunder have a large fan base and are one of the richest clubs.
Coach: Attapol Bussapakom
Key players: Frank Acheampong, Franck Ohandza
Stadium: New I-Mobile stadium
Website: http://www.burirampea.com
SCG Muang Thong United
Teerasil Dangda, left, remains a key player in Muang Thong’s attacking line-up.
The Kirins are hoping to reclaim the title they won in 2009 and 2010. They are now probably the wealthiest club with financial support from Siam Cement Group (SCG).
SCG has bought a 30 percent stake worth 600 million baht in the club, owned by sports media empire Siam Sports Syndicate. So Muang Thong United have become SCG Muang Thong United and their home now is SCG stadium.
From the dominant force in their first two seasons in the top flight in 2009 and 2010, Muang Thong were empty-handed last season and finished third in the TPL.
They used three coaches last season - Carlos Roberto Carvalho, Henrique Calisto and Robbie Fowler. This season, they are under Slavisa Jokanovic. The Serb, who played for Chelsea from 2000-2002, is a former coach of Partizan Belgrade in his home country.
With a budget of 150 million baht, the Kirins have brought in several new players including Adnan Barakat from the Netherlands, Mario Djurovski of Macedonia, Ekapoom Photharongroj, Thitiphan Puangjan and Natarid Thmmarossopon.
They will play alongside some of Thailand's top players such as Teerasil Dangda and Datsakorn Thonglao.
Coach: Slavisa Jokanovic
Key players: Teerasil Dangda, Datsakorn Thonglao, Kawin Thammasatchanant
Stadium: SCG stadium
Website: http://www.mtufc.com
Chonburi FC
Veteran midfielder Therdsak Chaiman is still with 2007 champions Chonburi FC.
Backed by the Khunpluem family, Chonburi are one of the best organised football clubs in Thailand who won the title in 2007.
The Sharks have since failed to take the crown although they have never finished outside the top three since the winning season.
Their striker Ekaphan Inthasen has moved to BEC Tero Sasana but several key players remain with the team such as Chonlatit Jantakam, Therdsak Chaiman, Suttihun Phukhom, Anucha Kitpongsri, Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool and Adul Lasoh.
They have signed several new players including striker striker Ludivick Takam of Cameroon, France's Geoffrey Doumeng and Fode Bangaly Diakite from Ivory Coast and Togo's Tomas Dossevi who joins the Sharks from English club Swindon.
The Sharks' strong points are their home form and their boss Witthaya Laohakul, who is one of the most repected Thai coaches. However, if they are to win the title they have to improve their away results.
The Sharks' confidence has been boosted by their win over Buriram United in the King's Trophy match last Sunday.
Chonburi came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Takam hitting the equaliser in the dying moments and then beat Buriram on penalties.
Coach: Witthaya Laohakul
Key players: Ludovick Takam, Therdsak Chaiman, Chonlatit Jantakam
Stadium: Chonburi stadium
Website: http://www.chonburifc.net
Bangkok Glass FC
Buriram United’s Ghanaian forward Frank Acheampong, second right.
Bangkok Glass have often been seen as a contender for the title but have failed to live up to expectations although they have spending power with support from owner Bangkok Glass Co and sponsor Singha Corporation.
Having finished fourth last season, the Rabbits look more dangerous this season with the arrival of Thailand striker Teerathep "Leesaw" Winothai.
However, Sarayuth "Joe Five Yards" Chaikamdee, another Thailand striker, has moved to Army United.
Most of their key players are still with the team including Sutee Suksomkit, Anawin Jujeen, Peter Lange and Supachai Komsilp.
Their chance of winning the title has been boosted by the return of coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong following a spell as assistant to national coach Winfried Schaefer.
While the Rabbits are believed to have an outside chance of winning the title, they should attract more fans with the presence of pin-up boys Teerasil and Anawin.
Coach: Surachai Jaturapattarapong.
Key players: Teerathep Winothai, Sutee Suksomkit, Anawin Jujeen
Stadium: Leo stadium
Website: http://www.bangkokglassfc.com
BEC Tero Sasana
The Fire Dragons won the league in 2001 and became the first Thai team to reach the AFC Champions League final the following year before losing to Al Ai of the United Arab Emirates in the championship match.
They have since failed to make their presence felt and chairman Brian Marcar wants to see the Fire Dragons become successful in the year of dragon.
They have a new coach in Andrew Ord and have signed Thailand international Rangsan Vivatchaichok from champions Buriram United.
BEC Tero Sasana finished eighth last season and with the departure of Thailand striker Teerathep Winothai, their prospects to win the league do not look so bright.
Coach: Robert Procurer
Key players: Ronnachai Rangsiyo, Rangsan Vivatchaichok
Stadium: Thephatsadin stadium
Website: http://www.becterosasana.in.th
Tomorrow: The relegation contenders and the also-rans.