Myanmar–Thailand football rivalry

Myanmar and Thailand have a long and complicated history. Two countries are both dominant Theravada countries, and enjoying a long Buddhist connection of two nations. However, since 16th century, series of wars occurred between two nations, which Burma managed to conquer Siam (old name of Thailand) twice while the Siamese under Naresuan conquered Burma once. However, the most catastrophic and tragic part of Thai history came after the 1765–67 war, which the Burmese brutally burnt and destroyed Ayutthaya to ruins and stole Siamese greatest goods to Burma.[1] As for the result, a deep enmity and strong anti-Burmese sentiment developed in Thailand for decades.

During 1950s to 1970s, Burma was one of Asia's best football countries, produced many popular stars while Thailand had not yet consolidated its power. Since 1980s, Thailand started to rise while Burma fell, and the tide turned from the Burmese to the Thais. Today, the rivalry between Myanmar and Thailand has been less important due to rapid rise of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam; but it remains highly noticed.[2] Myanmar, since 1983, has yet to defeat Thailand again.