Thailand’s one-time status as the kings of South East Asian football may have been usurped by Singapore in recent years but against Iraq, Australia, and Oman the three-time regional champions will be out to prove they can compete at the very highest level of Asian football.
 
In addition to an intensive training camp in Germany in June and the Asean Football Federation Championship at the start of the year, the Thais have warmed up with numerous friendlies, including matches with the Netherlands, China and Group A rivals Iraq.
 
Seven of the Asian Games team – including over-age players Kosin Hathairattanakool, right-back Suree Sukha, and Sutee Suksomkit – went on to be core members of the senior squad as preparations for the Asian Cup began in earnest.
 
In late December, Thailand saw off the challenge of Vietnam, Singapore and Kazakhstan to win the annual King’s Cup, which was marked by the return of talismanic Kiatisuk Senamuang after a gap of more than two years.
 
Kiatisuk’s influence was apparent but niggling injuries restricted his appearances at the Asean Football Championship, where the Thais lost 3-2 on aggregate to Singapore.
 
However, despite their undeniable speed and skill there is yet to emerge an out-and-out goal scorer for the Thais, who might find themselves over-relying on long range shots and free-kicks from the likes of Datsakorn Thonglao, Sutee and, Therdsak.
 
What they lack in height they make up for in heart and the Thais are unlikely to be bullied by teams that are supposedly much stronger physically.