Rules relaxed for fans attending Socceroos match with Thailand

Fans attending Australia's 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Thailand in Bangkok will be allowed to cheer, sing, bring in banners and wear jerseys after the Thai government announced restrictions would be lifted the day before the November 15 match.

Socceroos fans against Greece in Melbourne Source: Getty Images

Originally football fans had been told to resist any "joyful activities" at the match, such as chanting, and to wear neutral colours like black, white and grey after the death of Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej sent the country into a state of collective grief.  

Thailand’s military government declared a period of mourning for which some temporary new laws were introduced regarding public behaviour.

However the Thailand Football Association (FAT) announced that the restrictions would be lifted on November 14, one day before the match. 

"The Thai Cabinet has announced that the restrictions on entertainment activities, including sports organizations, shall be lifted on 14 November 2016 after the completion of the first 30 days of mourning period."

"In this regard, all supporters attending the match shall (1) dress in polite manner as they see appropriate, (2) use cheering equipment, (3) show symbols and bring banners inside the stadium (4) sing cheering songs and (5) appropriately conduct joyful activities both inside and surrounding areas of the stadium"

"However, all details shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA."