The War Elephants take on Oman behind closed doors tonight in their final tune-up before the 2019 AFC Asian Cup kicks off on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates.
As the Thai squad prepared for the warm-up in Abu Dhabi, their vice-captain Chalermpong Kerdkaew advised his teammates to concentrate on their own game.
"We shouldn't worry too much about our opponents. It'll be much better if we remained focused on our own game," said Chalermpong.
"I agree that all the teams that have qualified for the finals are strong, but we aren't afraid of anyone.
"Of course, we should study our opponents' style but at the same time we should ensure that we prepare well for every match. It'll make things a lot easier for everyone."
Chalermpong, who wore the captain's armband during the last month's Suzuki Cup, added that the return of star trio of Teerasil Dangda, Theerathon Bunmathan and Chanathip Songkrasin to the national team has necessitated some tactical changes.
"It is good to have them back in the squad. We are stronger with them in the team.
"However, this means that we have to make certain adjustments to our tactics and we are getting used to the changes.
"The good thing is that the weather here isn't much different from Thailand so we have adjusted well to the conditions here."
Thailand have been drawn in Group A with India, Bahrain and the host country for the first round action. They play their first game with India on Sunday.
India coach Stephen Constantine has expressed confidence that his team will put on a good show despite being drawn in a tough group.
"Any group we were drawn in was going to be tough but we are here by merit the players and staff have worked extremely hard and all deserve to be here," said Constantine.
"We will give a good account of ourselves and make India proud, and as we always do take one game at a time," Constantine was quoted as saying by www.the-afc.com.
Qatar's quest
Qatar have what it takes to register their best Asian Cup performance when the continental showpiece kicks off this week, captain Hassan Al-Haydos has said.
The tiny, wealthy Arab state will make their 10th appearance in the Asian Cup and will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final appearances of 2000 and 2011.
The Maroons are in Group E alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North Korea -- the only side below them in the Fifa rankings.
"I think we can go beyond the quarter-finals in the UAE," Al-Haydos told Qatar's Gulf Times daily. "We have very talented players and an excellent coach who has been with the team for one-and-a-half years." bangkok post/reuters
