Teerasil Dangda has been named Thailand captain for next month's Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Coach Milovan Rajevac has given the armband to the striker, who is the only remaining member from the 2007 tournament, the last time Thailand played at the continental championship, after goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan pulled out of the squad due to injury.
Left back Theerathon Bunmathan and Nakhon Ratchasima FC defender Chalermpong Kerdkaew have been named vice-captains.
Kawin, who has not played for his club OH Leuven in Belgium since injuring a foot in October, joined the training camp but failed to regain his fitness in time for the tournament.
The team will train behind closed doors this evening before jetting off to the United Arab Emirates later tonight.
In six previous appearances, Thailand have only progressed beyond the group phase once -- in 1972 when they finished in third position.
At the UAE tournament, the War Elephants are in Group A with the hosts, India and Bahrain.
They will kick off their campaign against India on Jan 6, Bahrain on Jan 10 and the UAE on Jan 14.
The top two teams in each of six groups and four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage.
Sharks sharpen attack
Chonburi FC have boosted their attacking line-up with the signing of American striker Chris Cortez. The 30-year-old has joined the Thai League 1 club from Phoenix Rising FC in the US Soccer league.
The 193cm tall striker became the Sharks' eight signing in the close season.
Meanwhile former Buriram United midfielder Go Seul-Ki has joined Port FC on loan next season.
The 32-year-old Korean spent three seasons at the Thunder Castle before being loaned out to Incheon United in January. He helped the club finish third in the K League 1 this season.
Go, who has passed the medical at Port, will start a pre-season training with them next week after spending the holiday with his family.
