The recall to the King's Cup squad came as big surprise to second-tier Krabi FC's striker Supoj Jodjum, who yesterday described his selection to the national team as a "dream come true".
Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac on Thursday named a 23-member squad for the annual tournament, which will take place on March 22 and 25 at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium.
The team include Thailand's four foreign-based stars -- goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan (OH Leuven, Belgium) and Teerasil Dangda (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Theerathon Bunmathan (Vissel Kobe) and Chanathip Songkrasin (Consadole Sapporo).
With the exception of the inclusion of Supoj, who had previously received a call-up to the national team once last year, there were no major surprises in Rajevac's squad.
Rajevac has once again opted to build the team mostly around players from Thai League 1 champions Buriram United and their arch-rivals SCG Muang Thong United.
However, the veteran Serbian coach ignored the Kirins' regular starters Charyl Chappuis and Tristan Do.
Injured Muang Thong striker Adisorn Promrak was also left out, which probably opened the door for Supoj's inclusion in the team.
Supoj admitted that he wasn't expecting a return to join the War Elephants' ranks.
"I was very happy to hear the news of my selection," he said.
Supoj, who celebrated his 28th birthday last week, added: "I never thought I would be a part of the final 23 for the King's Cup. It is a great feeling -- it's like a dream come true."
The Krabi forward admitted he was aware of the fact that it would not be easy for him to earn any protracted playing opportunities.
"With players like Teerasil Dangda in the team, it will be very difficult to get a place in the starting line-up, so any opportunity to be on the pitch would be welcome," said Supoj.
"I will concentrate on everything in training and put in an extra effort to get a chance to the play in the King's Cup.
"The King's Cup is a very important tournament for the Thai players so they will all try to put on an excellent show and impress the team fans."
Supoj added: "I think it was my good run of form dating back to the last season that earned me the selection. I have been able to score goals on a regular basis."
Thailand, who won the title at the previous two editions of the tournament, will face Gabon, led by Arsenal striker Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang, on March 22 at 7.30pm, with star-studded Slovakia, Marek Hamsik, taking on the United Arab Emirates at 4.30pm on the same day.
The third-place and the final matches will be played on March 25. All matches will be televised live by Thai Rath HD.
This year's King's Cup will take place during the Fifa break and world rankings are at stake for the participating teams, who have named full-strength sides for the prestigious tournament.
Rajevac said on Thursday that all teams taking part in the event are strong, making it "a good learning experience for the Thais".
