Thailand will use their friendly against in-form Qatar in Bangkok today as a dry run for their vital Asian Cup encounters with Iraq and Oman, with their overseas-based stars in the mix.
Coach Chanvit Phalajivin says Qatar are the ideal opponents for Thailand's final warm-up match before the continental tournament as they are similar in style to their Middle East neighbors.
Thailand meet Iraq in the opening game of the Asian Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok next Saturday.
"Qatar play the same way as Iraq and Oman so it will be a good test for us," said Chanvit.
"They won the Asian Games [in Doha] last year and this team is even stronger. It will be a tough game but it will give us an idea about the areas that still need work," he said.
Chanvit will field the quartet of overseas-based players who missed the recent training camp in Germany to check on their match fitness.
Influential midfielders Therdsak Chaiman, Datsakorn Thonglao and Nirut Surasiang and winger Sutee Suksomkit joined the rest of the squad on Wednesday.
Therdsak, nicknamed "Thunderboots" for his lethal free kicks, starred in Thailand's 1-0 win over China last month but missed the 3-1 reversal to the Netherlands earlier this month.
"I am fit and so are the other players who missed the training camp," said Therdsak, who plays his club football in Singapore.
"Our team is much better than when we were in the Asian Cup in 2004, he said. "During that time we were in a tough group and did not prepare well. But this time, we are playing at home in front of our own fans and we have to do our best."
Chanvit may also give striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee another chance to prove himself.
The Vietnam-based Sarayoot was reportedly dropped from Thailand's preliminary 30-man squad after failing to shine in the loss to the Netherlands.
However, he showed up for training on Thursday evening.
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