Thailand aim to secure a World Cup berth with a good result at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Ho Chi Minh.
Thai players train ahead of today’s game against China.
The Thais hope to get off to a good start against China on Thursday in their opening game at the Women’s Asian Cup which is also a qualifying round for the 2015 Women’s World Cup to be held in Canada.
In today’s other Group B game, South Korea take on Myanmar.
Group A features world champions Japan, Australia, Jordan and hosts Vietnam.
The top two teams of each group advance to the finals while the third-placed sides meet in a play-off for the other spot.
Thailand’s chances have been boosted as North Korea, who played in the previous World Cup, are suspended.
China and South Korea are favourites in Group B but Nuengruethai Sathongwieng is confident that her team can get at least a point against the Chinese.
"We trained for three months for the tournament and every player is looking forward to our first match against China," Nuengruethai said yesterday.
"China are a world-class team but they are not as strong as they were a few years ago. They have made changes to the team with several new players. I think it is going to be an exciting match.
"We have nothing to lose against a world-class team and our aim is to qualify for the 2015 World Cup."
If they are successful, they will be the first Thai side, men or women, to qualify for the World Cup at the senior level.
Thailand manager Nuanphan Lamsam said: "I have told the team to try to get a point or not to concede too many goals as goal difference could be crucial."
China coach Hao Wei said: "We trained together for only one month but everything looks good.
"It will not be an easy game against Thailand and we hope to get a point."