A Heberty Fernandes brace helped True Bangkok United avoid a losing start as they rallied from a one-goal deficit to edge newcomers Chiangmai United and bag three points from their first outing of the season on Saturday night.
However, former champions SCG Muang Thong United weren't so lucky as they saw a late penalty rob them of a win over PT Prachuap with the clash ending in a 2-2 stalemate.
The coronavirus-hit 2021-2022 season got underway on Friday night when newcomers Nongbua Pitchaya surprised Nakhon Ratchasima 2-0.
Hosts Chiangmai United moved ahead in the 19th minute when Bangkok United defender Peerapat Notechaiya deflected the ball into his own net.
Chiangmai United, back in the top flight after spending a season in Thai League 2, held the lead until the break.
Bangkok United put on a better show in the second half and Heberty pounced on a pass from Vander Luiz to grab the equaliser in the 50th minute.
Heberty then had the opportunity to put the visitors ahead but his effort to convert a penalty -- awarded after Tristan Do was fouled inside the box -- was warded off by Chiangmai United goalkeeper Nont Muangngam.
It didn't Heberty long to make amends as he delivered winner in the 78th minute which helped secure three points for Bangkok United in their first game of the season.
The match between Muang Thong and Prachuap was played at Buriram Stadium under the official Covid-19 prevention protocols.
Prachuap started off well when Ferreira dos Santos scored the first goal for the Wasps in the fourth minute of the match.
The Kirins upped the pressure after conceding the goal but found it difficult to get the ball through to their veteran striker Adisak Kraisorn.
Prachuap meanwhile had another chance to double their advantage but his shot was cleared by Muang Thong goalkeeper Somporn Yos.
The Wasp, PT Prachuap got chanced when Metee Sarakum opened the ball to Anawin Jujeen but his shot was saved by Somporn Yos.
The Kirins continued playing attacking football and Adisak was denied by Prachuap custodian Kwanchai Suklom in the 26th minute.
Muang Thong finally equalised in the 68th minute when Suporn Peenagatapho lobbed the ball to Willian Popp to score.
The Kirins went into the lead in the 80th minute when Poramet Arjvilai found the net but Chartchai Saengdao committed a handball in the penalty area to let Willian grab the leveller from the spot three minutes from time.
