The 1997–98 Thailand Division 1 League was its first season. A total of 10 teams participated, with 6 teams relegated from the Thailand Soccer League and 4 teams promoted from the Khǒr Royal Cup.
Member clubs locations 6 clubs relegated from 1996–97 Thailand Soccer League Thailand Tobacco Monopoly Osotsapa Bangkok Bank of Commerce Chula-Raj-Vithi (Rajvithi-Agfatech) Krung Thai Bank Thamrong Thai Samosorn (Singha-Thamrongthai)
4 clubs promoted from 1996 Khǒr Royal Cup Rayong-Rajapruk (Rayong Sport Association) Chonburi-Sannibat-Samut Prakan (Samut Prakan Confederation) Crown Property Bureau Bank for Agriculture (Bank for agriculture and agricultural co-operatives)
Final league table
Promotion and relegation Playoff
The club that came 9th would play in a relegation / promotion match against the runner-up in the Khǒr Royal Cup.
February 17, 1998
Team 1 Result Team 2 † Chula-Raj-Vithi 3-0 Petroleum Authority of Thailand
† Chula-Raj-Vithi remain at the Thailand Division 1 League. References https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513823975311977&type=3 ฟุตบอลดิวิชั่น 1 ครั้งแรกของเมืองไทย (พ.ศ. 2540) - สารานุกรมฟุตบอลไทย Thailand 1997 RSSSF