Between 1916 and 1995, the Kor Royal Cup was the top level of club football competition.

In 1996 the Thai Premier League (official name: Johnnie Walker Thailand Soccer League) was established by the Football Association of Thailand, sponsored by whiskey manufacturing brand Johnnie Walker.

In its first season, 1996/97, the Thai Premier League consisted of 18 teams from the Kor Royal Cup.

The defending Champions of the Kor Royal Cup, Thai Farmers Bank FC, would enter the next edition of the Asian Club Championship.

February 23, 1997 March 16, 1997 † Champions : Bangkok Bank (Qualification for the Asian Club Championship).