Following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Football Association of Thailand cancelled the remaining league and cup season on 14 October 2016, stating that the FA Cup winners would be determined by a lottery draw. This was at the semi-final stage of the competition and would determine who would represent Thailand in Asian competition.[1][2]
The following day however (15 October), FAT appeared to do a U-turn and announced that further discussions with key stake holders would determine whether the league campaign would continue. These discussions were required as teams that were in the relegation places at the time of the original announcement were voicing their concerns.[3]
After the discussions, FAT decided that the four semi-finalists were awarded 2016 Thai FA Cup co-winners. A draw was held among them to select the team that will participate in 2017 AFC Champions League Play-off[4][5] and was won by Sukhothai, while Chonburi withdrew from the draw.[6]