Thailand's national football team departed for Laos on Thursday ahead of Saturday's opening Group B fixture against the hosts in the Asean Football Championship, also known as the Hyundai Cup.
Head coach Anthony Hudson began preparations with his 24-man squad 10 days ago, working to integrate a number of new faces while managing problems with players' fitness levels.
"We have many new players in the camp and our main target is to make the players understand how we play together," Hudson said.
"The physical condition of each player differs depending on their club's pre-season plan, and we are trying to help their fitness development as much as possible. Before this first match against Laos, I don't foresee problems, and I believe we are ready."
Hudson acknowledged his squad had started training later than several rivals who had already staged warm-up fixtures, but said the group's dedication in training had eased his concerns. He added that his priority throughout the competition would be for players to sharpen their match fitness with each game.
Midfielder Sarach Yooyen echoed his coach's assessment, describing conditioning as the squad's principal challenge given the compressed preparation period.
He said the coaching staff had placed heavy emphasis on stamina work, and warned that the Asean Championship carries its own unique pressures, from travel demands to the weight of national prestige attached to each fixture. Thailand's immediate focus, he said, was securing victory over Laos in the opening match.
Defender Manuel Tom Bihr said representing the national team remained an honour regardless of the tournament, and called on Thai supporters to back the War Elephants.
He that added the squad had trained through difficult conditions, including intense heat and rains, but insisted there could be no excuses once the competition began.
Thailand's opening match kicks off at 8pm at the Laos National Stadium, with live coverage on the True Visions Now application.
Asian Games draw
Thailand's men's football team have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong for the 20th Asian Games, following yesterday's draw ceremony staged by the Olympic Council of Asia in Nagoya.
For the women's football competition of the Games, Thailand were drawn in Group E, once again with Japan. The other two countries in the pool are Taiwan and Vietnam.
The men's tournament, featuring 15 nations, will run from Sept 15 to Oct 3 this year, while the women's competition, involving 12 countries, begins a day earlier on Sept 14 and concludes on Oct 2.
