Goals by Teerasil Dangda and Heberty Fernandes swept away some gloom prevailing in the SCG Muang Thong United camp as the former champions picked up their first Thai League 1 victory of the season.
More was expected from Muang Thong United at their home ground on Saturday night, but the Kirins would be relieved to have recorded a 2-0 win over top-flight newcomers Chiangmai.
The victory may ease some pressure on Kirins coach Phairoj Bovornwattanadilok, but the manager may not be off the hook yet.
Muang Thong went into the match on the back of two straight losses after suffering defeats at the hands of PT Prachuap and True Bangkok United.
The Thai League 1 giants, boasting a number of Thailand national team stars in their ranks, were under immense pressure to deliver and they seemed heading for another heartbreak until the hour mark.
Thailand striker Teerasil struck on 60 minutes to inject fresh enthusiasm into his team and the Kirins dominated the game from then on.
Chiangmai, after holding their ground well for a long time, finally wilted under the pressure and ended up conceding a penalty in the dying moments.
The match referee suspected that Chiangmai's Wosaphat Silahiranrat had handled a Charyl Chappuis lob into the box and VAR confirmed the foul.
Heberty made no mistake from the spot, adding his name to the scoresheet and making it 2-0 in favour of the Kirins.
Bangkok United joined Port at the top for a day following a 1-0 win away at Trat, one of the three promoted sides to the top league this year.
A 65th-minute goal from Nelson Bonilla proved enough to earn the capital side three points.
Port overtook Prachuap and Samut Prakarn City -- both playing on Monday -- after rallying twice to eventually edge hosts Chonburi 3-2 in an exciting battle late Friday night.
Chonburi opened the scoring in the 39th minute, when Lukian Almeida fired a long shot past Port goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha. However, during the two-minute injury time, the visitors equalised through Ko Seul-Ki.
Chonburi peppered their rivals with attacks and their efforts paid off eight minutes into the second half when Worachit Kanitsribumphen gave them the upper hand one more time.
Port drew level again when a long Bodin Phala cross found Elias Dolah, who headed the ball back to Sergio Suarez to tap home from close range. Substitute Arthit Butjinda produced the winner for Port 20 minutes from time.
In another match on Saturday night, Nakhon Ratchasima edged hosts Ratchaburi 3-2, thanks to a Leandro Assumpcao brace and another goal from Amadou Ouattara
Swat Cats defender Ekkanat Kongket conceded an own goal late in the match before Ratchaburi found the net on their own in the final injury time, when Soo Il-Kang scored from a penalty.
