Port F.C.

Football club From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Port Football Club (Thai: สโมสรฟุตบอลการท่าเรือ), also known as Thai Port (formerly known as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club after its namesake owner), is a Thai professional football club based in Khlong Toei district of central Bangkok that currently competes in the Thai League 1.

Full namePort Football Club
สโมสรฟุตบอลการท่าเรือ
NicknamesPort Lions (team)
Khlong Toei Lions (supporters)
Founded1967; 59 years ago (1967) as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club
Quick facts Full name, Nicknames ...
Port
การท่าเรือ เอฟซี
Full namePort Football Club
สโมสรฟุตบอลการท่าเรือ
NicknamesPort Lions (team)
Khlong Toei Lions (supporters)
Founded1967; 59 years ago (1967) as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club
GroundPAT Stadium
Klong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand
Capacity6,250
Owner(s)Muang Thai Insurance
Port Authority of Thailand
ChairmanChalermchoke Lamsam
Head coachAlexandre Gama
Sarawut Treephan (Interim)
LeagueThai League 1
2024–25Thai League 1, 5th of 16
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Alongside Buriram United and Muangthong United, Port is also one of the most successful clubs in Thai football having won 3 Thai FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 8 Kor Royal Cup and 6 Queen's Cup. Port also came close to winning the top flight league in 1999 finishing second in the league.

History

Club foundation (1967–1968)

Founded in 1967 as Port Authority of Thailand Football Club by Major Prachuap Suntranakul, who was the director of Port Authority of Thailand at the time. He took on the role of chairman of Port Authority of Thailand and was instrumental in helping the club during its initial years.

Golden age (1968–1980)

In 1968, Port Authority of Thailand were crowned Kor Royal Cup winners, which sparked the most successful era in the club's history as they went on to win six Kor Royal Cup titles between 1968 and 1979. Port also had plenty of success in the Queen's Cup, winning it 4 times in succession from 1977 to 1980. Following the 1980 Queen's Cup win, Port Authority of Thailand won four trophies in 13 years.

Development of club's name and cup champions (2009–2010)

At the start of the 2009 Thailand Premier League season, the club changed its name from Port Authority of Thailand to Thai Port Football Club, The name change was introduced to be in line with the new Football Association of Thailand regulations that meant all teams in the top flight must be registered as limited companies.

Lineups of the 2009 Thai FA Cup Final between Port and BEC Tero Sasana[1]

Thai FA Cup champions

In the same year, Thai Port ended a 16-years wait for a trophy when they were victorious in the 2009 Thai FA Cup final where their opponents on 23 October 2009 at the Suphachalasai Stadium were BEC Tero Sasana. The match finished 1–1 after extra time where Edvaldo scored a goal, which sees the match advance to penalty shoot out where Port won 5–4. Pipat Thonkanya scored the decisive spot kick after Thai Port keeper Pattarakorn had saved BEC Tero Sasana's fifth penalty.[2] In the next season, Thai Port performed a miracle in the 2010 Thai League Cup where they advanced all the way to the final facing off against Buriram United on 21 November 2010. Thai Port went on to become champion of the Thai League Cup after defeating their opponent 2–1. Thai Port also see themselves qualified to the 2010 AFC Cup where they were drawn in Group H alongside Vietnamese club SHB Đà Nẵng, Singaporean club Geylang United and Hong Kong club Tai Po. On 17 March 2010, Thai Port registered their first continental win after Pitipong Kuldilok scored the only goal in the match against Tai Po at the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground. Thai Port went on to finished the group stage as runners-up thus qualifying to the round of 16. There, Thai Port faced off against Indonesian club Sriwijaya where Thai Port manage to thrash their opponent 4–1 thus qualifying to the quarter-finals. Thai Port was then drawn against Kuwaiti club Al-Qadsia but suffered a 3–0 defeat in the second leg at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium thus knocking out from the competition.

Darkest period (2011–2015)

The Port Authority of Thailand has been granted the rights to operate the Thai Port in the Thai Premier League.

The Football Association of Thailand or the FAT and the Thai Premier League ruled on the legal dispute between the Port Authority of Thailand and the Thai Port Company, over the operating rights of the Thai Premier League's Thai Port.

According to the ruling, the Port Authority of Thailand, the club's original owner, has been granted operating rights of the team for the 2011–12 Thai Premier League season.

The FAT claimed its decision is based on the fact that the club's ownership was never officially signed over to the Thai Port Company.

Meanwhile, President of Thai Port Company, Pichet Munkong, threatened to file a civil lawsuit in the court of law, citing Thai Premier League regulations which says that a state-enterprise such as the Port Authority of Thailand, is prohibited from operating a football club.

Pichet is planning to sue the FAT, the Thai Premier League, and the Asian Football Confederation.

However, Thai Port will only be permitted to compete in the upcoming season of the country's top flight league, set to begin on February 12, once its operator is registered as a for-profit corporation.

It remains unclear how the Port Authority of Thailand is planning to proceed with this matter.[3]

The ongoing boardroom disputes finally took their toll as Thai Port dropped to Division 1 for the first time in 2012. Investment in the team wasn't forthcoming as several departing players were replaced with lower quality ones. Thai Port failed to find the back of the net in almost half of their league games and were relegated on the penultimate round of fixtures when they lost 2–1 at home to Muangthong United. As Port was relegated the 2013 Thai Division 1 League, The club was then renamed to Singhtarua which then finished the season as runners-up thus earning promotion back to the Thai top flight in 2014.

Madam Pang's takeover (2015–2023)

Nualphan Lamsam chairperson of Port from 2015 to 2023
Port before the Thai FA Cup final 2019

In 2015, Singhtarua was taken over by Nualphan Lamsam, Thai business woman, by signing the Memorandum of Understanding of a 5-year contract with Port Authority of Thailand to control the club's management where the club name was reverted back to Port Football Club.[4] Nualphan, commonly known to locals as ‘Madam Pang’ the majority shareholder of Muang Thai Life Insurance and the Assistant Secretary General of the Democratic Party, which has held power over Bangkok for over a decade.[5] Since Port Co took over the management of the club in 2015 by Nualphan, the team's results have improved.

In 2017, Port returned to Thai League 1, Nualphan Lamsam announced the appointment of Kiatisuk Senamuang as the new head coach of the club; Kiatisuk was manager of the Thailand national team from 2014 to 2017.[6] Kiatisuk resigned as coach of Port after just three months in charge, managing just one win, six losses and three draws during his time with the club.[7]

In 2018, ‘Madam Pang’ loosened the purse-strings significantly in the transfer window, making a clear statement to the rest of the division. Arrivals such as winger Nurul Sriyankem from Chonburi, left-back Kevin Deeromram from Ratchaburi Mitr Phol, and most significantly, forward Dragan Bošković from Bangkok United.[5] The club finished third in the 2018 Thai League 1 season and created history by claiming 61 points – the club's highest points in a single season[8] under Jadet Meelarp manager.

Expected to be one of the contenders for the 2019 Thai League 1 title, Port looked on course for a successful campaign until June, when a poor run of form led to the sacking of Jadet Meelarp.[10] The club subsequently appointed national team assistant Choketawee Promrut as head coach and former Manchester City defender Spencer Prior as technical director, sparking a reversal of the team's form as they won five of their next six games.[11] They also qualified for the 2019 Thai FA Cup Final for the first time in a decade.[12]

Thai FA Cup winners

Port won the 2019 Thai FA Cup after defeating Ratchaburi Mitr Phol 1–0 in the final held at the Leo Stadium, Midfielder Sergio Suarez scored the only goal of the game in the third minute of the second half to give Port their second Thai FA Cup title in front of FIFA president Gianni Infantino who was among those in attendance. All eyes were on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology which was employed by the Football Association of Thailand for the cup final.[13]

AFC Champions League debut

In 2021, Port qualified to the 2021 AFC Champions League group stage after finishing the 2020–21 Thai League 1 as runners-up. Port was then drawn in Group J alongside Japanese club Cerezo Osaka, Hong Kong club Kitchee and Chinese club Guangzhou. Port then got their first win in the AFC Champions League on 27 June 2021 where they defeated Guangzhou 3–0. Port then finished the group stage in third place with 8 points but was knocked out from the tournament. During the first round of the 2021–22 Thai FA Cup on 27 October 2021, Port recorded their highest win in an official match where they went on to thrash fourth division club MBF Amphawa 22–1 where Nantawat Suankaew, Nurul Sriyankem and Tanasith Siripala scored a poker in the match.

Under new chairman (2023–present)

On 25 December 2023, chairwoman Nualphan Lamsam left her position to participate as a candidate to run for presidency of the Football Association of Thailand which a position she subsequently won in February 2024.[14] Port will then be under a new chairman, Chalermchoke Lamsam who is a relatives of Madam Pang under the same Lamsam family name.

On 20 June 2024, AFC confirmed Port will participate in the inaugural 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two group stage where the club was drawn in Group F alongside Chinese club Zhejiang, Singaporean club Lion City Sailors and Indonesian club Persib Bandung. Port then went on to finished the group sharing 10 points with Lion City Sailors but finished as runners-up due to goal difference. Port then faced Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the round of 16 but suffered a 5–0 aggregate defeat thus going out from the competition.

In July 2025, Port was invited by Football Association of Indonesia for the 2025 Piala Presiden held in Bandung. Port then won 2–0 against Persib Bandung on 6 July and also won 2–1 against Dewa United where Irfan Fandi notably scored a

90+5' stoppage time diving header to win the match for Port on 10 July thus finishing as group leaders thus advancing to the final where Port face against EFL Championship club Oxford United on 13 July. As Port was 1–0 down, Teerasak Poeiphimai scored an equaliser right before half-time, in the 48' minute, the club new signing Brayan Perea scored the winner for Port thus helping the club to win the 2025 Piala Presiden cup.

Team image

Supporters

More information Season, Attendance ...
Season Attendance Total attendance
20143,51766,834
20154,04468,763
20163,04342,609
20174,21067,361
20183,98767,790
20195,08776,312
As of 8 November 2019[15][16][17][18][19]
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Supporters of Thai Port are often referred to as the Khlong Toei Army. The name Khlong Toei Army refers to Khlong Toei District, the location of the club. "Nakrob Sad Nam-ngurn" refers to Orange-red Blue Warrior, the Thai Port's shirt colours.

The supporters of Thai Port and Chonburi have forged a very close friendship. Many supporters of Thai Port went to the FA Cup final in 2010 wearing Thai Port colors to cheer for Chonburi against Muangthong United. Likewise plenty of kitted-out Chonburi fans came to support Thai Port in their 2010 League Cup Final against Buriram PEA

The club also attracts a large number of “Farang” (foreign) supporters, probably the largest foreign matchday following of any club in Thailand. Foreign fans are attracted due to the club's central location and proximity to the MRT rail network.[20]

Stadium

PAT Stadium

Port moved into the PAT Stadium in Khlong Toei district, Bangkok in 2009 which proved to be a very popular move with local supporters. Attendances rose sharply over the year and the club decided to build two new stands to increase the capacity from 6,000 to 7,000.[2] Match tickets cost 100–120 baht and are bought from a small ticket office next to the stadium.

The club has a souvenir shop which is located in the Stadium grounds. The shop stocks replica shirts, scarves and other merchandise.

Stadium and locations by season records

More information Coordinates, Location ...
Coordinates Location Stadium Capacity Year
13°57′04″N 100°37′28″E Pathum Thani Thupatemee Stadium 25,000 2007
13°46′00″N 100°33′10″E Bangkok Thai-Japanese Stadium 6,600 2008
13°42′54″N 100°33′35″E Bangkok PAT Stadium 12,000 2009–present
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Academy development

In 2015, Port opened its first youth academies, under a collaboration agreement with Patumkongka school,[21] U-14, U-16 and U-18 teams play in Thailand Youth League.[22] Port under-14 team won the 2019 U-14 Paris Saint-Germain Cup.[23]

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

List of Port jersey since their interceptions.

More information Year, Kit manufacturer ...
Year Kit manufacturer Main sponsors
1990–1996 Thailand Grand Sport Japan Mitsubishi Motors
1997–1998 No sponsors
2003–2004 Thailand Carabao
2004–2008 Thailand Port Authority of Thailand
2009–2010 Germany Adidas Thailand FB Battery
2011 In house production
2012 Thailand FBT
2013–2014 Thailand Grand Sport Thailand Port Authority of Thailand
2015 Spain Joma Thailand Carabao
2016–2021 Thailand Grand Sport Thailand Muang Thai Insurance
2021–2023 Thailand Ari
2023–2025 Thailand Grand Sport
2025–present Japan Mizuno
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Players

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

More information No., Pos. ...
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    Out on loan

    Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

    More information No., Pos. ...
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    Management and staff

    More information Position, Name ...
    Position Name
    Owner Thailand Chalermchoke Lamsam [24]
    Chairman Thailand Photipong Lamsam
    Club Advisor Thailand Dr. Ongart Korsintha
    Head coach Brazil Alexandre Gama
    Thailand Sarawut Treephan (Interim)
    Assistant coach Brazil Rodrigo Cabaleiro
    Thailand Jakarat Tonhongsa
    Goalkeeper coach Brazil Beto Guastali
    Physical & Fitness coach Brazil Vitor Oliveira
    Thailand Kritapoj Dangkula
    Conditioning coach & Video analyst Thailand Peerapong Cheuaithaisong
    Physiologist Serbia Dejan Tosevski
    Thailand Borworn Raiwichai
    Masseur Thailand Warun Petcharat
    Interpreter Thailand Jirapat Jarurat
    Team Coordinator Thailand Waroot Phongkanittanon
    Kit man Thailand Prapatpong Sripo
    Thailand Phanthakan Kaeokoed
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    Honours

    Domestic

    More information Team, Winners ...
    Team Winners Runners-up Years won Years runner-up
    Thai League 1 011999
    Thai League 2 012013
    FA Cup 311982, 2009, 20191994
    League Cup 1120102011
    Thailand Champions Cup 012020
    Kor Royal Cup 811968, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1985, 19902010
    Queen's Cup 631977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1987, 19931972, 1983, 1984
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    International

    Player records

    As of 20 January 2026.

    More information Rank, Player ...
    Top 10 all-time appearances
    Rank Player Years Club appearances
    1 Thailand Pakorn Parmpak 2016–2025 249
    2 Thailand Bordin Phala 2018–present 232
    3 Thailand Kevin Deeromram 2018–2025 180
    4 Thailand Siwakorn Jakkuprasat 2011–2012,

    2015–2023

    178
    5 Spain Sergio Suárez 2017–2023 175
    6 Thailand Worawut Srisupha 2015–present 171
    7 Thailand Nitipong Selanon 2016–2022 168
    8 Thailand Elias Dolah 2017–2023 158
    9 Thailand Tanaboon Kesarat 2019–present 148
    10 Spain David Rochela 2015–2023 142
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    More information Rank, Player ...
    Top 10 all-time scorers
    Rank Player Club appearances Total goals
    1 Spain Sergio Suárez 175 73
    2 Thailand Teerasak Poeiphimai 115 45
    3 Thailand Bordin Phala 232 43
    4 Montenegro Dragan Bošković 57 35
    5 Thailand Pakorn Parmpak 249 32
    6 Brazil Hamilton 48 26
    Spain David Rochela 142
    8 Brazil Josimar 47 22
    9 Thailand Nurul Sriyankem 99 17
    10 Brazil Barros Tardeli 44 16
    El Salvador Nelson Bonilla 47
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    • Biggest wins: 22–1 vs MBF Amphawa (27 October 2021)
    • Heaviest defeats: 2–6 vs Bangkok United (25 February 2017)
    • Youngest goal scorers: Natthakit Phosri ~ 17 years 2 months 05 days old (On 13 April 2025 vs Nakhon Pathom United)
    • Oldest goal scorers: Spain Sergio Suárez ~ 36 years 4 months 06 days old (On 12 May 2023 vs Lamphun Warriors)
    • Youngest ever debutant: Natthakit Phosri ~ 17 years 2 months 05 days old (On 13 April 2025 vs Nakhon Pathom United)
    • Oldest ever player: Narong Wisetsri ~ 39 years 1 month 22 days old (On 22 November 2015 vs Jumpasri United)

    Former players

    Managerial history

    More information Name, Period ...
    Name Period Honours
    Thailand Daoyod Dara 1996–2001
    Thailand Niwat Srisawat 2002–2007
    Thailand Somchart Yimsiri 2008
    Thailand Paiboon Lertvimonrut 2009
    Thailand Sasom Pobprasert 2009–2011 2009 Thai FA Cup

    2010 Thai League Cup

    Thailand Thongchai Sukkoki 2011–2012
    Thailand Piyakul Kaewnamkang 2012
    Thailand Adul Leukijna 2012
    Thailand Worakorn Wichanarong 2012
    Thailand Dusit Chalermsan 2012–2014
    Thailand Somchai Chuayboonchum 2014–2015
    Thailand Paiboon Lertvimonrut 2015
    England Gary Stevens 2015
    Thailand Somchai Subpherm 2015
    Japan Masahiro Wada 2015–2016
    Thailand Jadet Meelarp 2016–2017
    Thailand Kiatisuk Senamuang 2017
    Thailand Jadet Meelarp (2) 2017–2019
    Thailand Choketawee Promrut 2019–2020 2019 Thai FA Cup
    Thailand Jadet Meelarp (3) 2020
    Thailand Sarawut Treephan 2020–2021
    Thailand Dusit Chalermsan (2) 2021
    Thailand Sarawut Treephan (2) 2021–2022
    Thailand Weerayut Binebdullohman (interim) 2022
    Thailand Jadet Meelarp (4) 2022
    England Scott Cooper 2022
    Wales Matthew Holland (interim) 2022–2023
    Thailand Choketawee Promrut (2)

    Thailand Surapong Kongthep

    2023
    Thailand Rangsan Viwatchaichok 2023–2025
    Thailand Choketawee Promrut (interim) (3) 2025
    Thailand Wasapol Kaewpaluk 2025
    Brazil Alexandre Gama 2025–present 2025 Indonesia President's Cup
    Thailand Sarawut Treephan (interim) (3) 2026–present
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    Season by season record

    More information Season, League ...
    Season League[28] FA Cup League Cup Queen's
    Cup
    Kor Cup /
    Champions
    Cup
    ACL AFC Cup /
    ACL Two
    Top scorer
    Division P W D L F A Pts Pos Name Goals
    1996–97 TPL 34 9 14 11 44 39 41 11th N/a N/a N/a N/a
    1997 TPL 22 9 5 8 36 35 32 4th N/a N/a N/a N/a
    1998 TPL 22 10 7 5 50 27 37 4th N/a Thailand Ronnachai Sayomchai 23
    1999 TPL 22 12 3 7 31 16 39 2nd N/a N/a N/a N/a
    2000 TPL 22 8 6 8 18 21 30 5th N/a N/a N/a N/a
    2001–02 TPL 22 6 10 6 26 23 28 6th N/a Thailand Pitipong Kuldilok 12
    2002–03 TPL 18 10 3 5 25 19 33 3rd N/a Thailand Sarayuth Chaikamdee 10
    2003–04 TPL 18 9 1 8 29 28 28 5th N/a N/a N/a
    2004–05 TPL 18 7 5 6 26 27 26 4th Thailand Sarayuth Chaikamdee 10
    2006 TPL 22 7 7 8 21 28 28 7th GR Thailand Nirut Kamsawad 6
    2007 TPL 30 9 9 12 36 43 36 12th Thailand Pitipong Kuldilok 7
    2008 TPL 30 7 9 14 30 47 30 13th Thailand Teerawut Sanphan 6
    2009 TPL 30 12 8 10 33 30 44 6th W Not Enter Thailand Pipat Thonkanya 10
    2010 TPL 30 13 9 8 41 29 48 4th R3 W GR RU QF Thailand Sarayuth Chaikamdee 13
    2011 TPL 34 12 9 13 33 38 45 7th R3 RU Thailand Ekkachai Sumrei 4
    2012 TPL 34 8 9 17 32 48 33 16th R4 R3 Sweden Olof Hvidén-Watson 10
    2013 DIV 1 34 20 5 9 61 40 65 2nd QF R1 Brazil Leandro Oliveira 24
    2014 TPL 38 15 9 14 44 52 45 [29] 13th R4 R2 Brazil Leandro Oliveira 10
    2015 TPL 34 10 3 21 31 49 33 17th R4 R2 Thailand Wuttichai Tathong 6
    2016 DIV 1 26 13 8 5 55 30 47 3rd QF SF Brazil Rodrigo Maranhão 10
    2017 T1 34 14 8 12 60 63 50 9th R3 R2  –  –  –  – Brazil Josimar 13
    2018 T1 34 19 4 11 73 45 61 3rd QF R2  –  –  –  – Montenegro Dragan Bošković 21
    2019 T1 30 15 8 7 55 36 53 3rd W R1  –  –  –  – Spain Sergio Suárez 10
    2020–21 T1 30 17 5 8 58 36 56 3rd R3  –  – RU PR2  – Spain Sergio Suárez 14
    2021–22 T1 30 11 6 13 41 37 39 8th R3 R1  –  – GR  – Spain Sergio Suárez 9
    2022–23 T1 30 14 10 6 52 38 52 3rd SF R1  –  – PO  – Brazil Hamilton 15
    2023–24 T1 30 16 9 5 72 37 57 3rd R1 SF  –  – PO  – Thailand Teerasak Poeiphimai 15
    2024–25 T1 30 13 9 8 52 39 48 5th R1 QF  –  –  – R16 Thailand Teerasak Poeiphimai 10
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    Continental record

    More information Season, Competition ...
    Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
    1986 Asian Club Championship Qualifying stage Malaysia Selangor 0–1 0–1 0–2
    1991 Asian Club Championship Quarter-finals
    (Group A)
    Qatar Al Rayyan 1–3 3rd out of 4
    Bangladesh Mohammedan SC 4–1
    United Arab Emirates Al Shabab 1–3
    2010 AFC Cup Group H Vietnam SHB Đà Nẵng 2–3 0–0 2nd out of 4
    Hong Kong Tai Po 2–0 1–0
    Singapore Geylang United 2–2 1–0
    Round of 16 Indonesia Sriwijaya 4–1
    Quarter-finals Kuwait Al-Qadsia 0–0 0–3 0–3
    2020 AFC Champions League Preliminary round 2 Philippines Ceres–Negros 0–1
    2021 AFC Champions League Group J Hong Kong Kitchee 1–1 0–2 3rd out of 4
    China Guangzhou 3–0 5–1
    Japan Cerezo Osaka 0–3 1–1
    2022 AFC Champions League Play-off round South Korea Ulsan Hyundai 0–3
    2023–24 AFC Champions League Play-off round China Zhejiang Pro 0–1
    2024–25 AFC Champions League Two Group F China Zhejiang Pro 1–0 2–1 2nd out of 4
    Singapore Lion City Sailors 1–3 2–5
    Indonesia Persib Bandung 2–2 1–0
    Round of 16 South Korea Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 0–4 0–1 0–5
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    References

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