Thailand's preparations for their next two 2022 World Cup qualifying battles got underway yesterday under the supervision of Japanese coach Akira Nishino.
The War Elephants will be playing their fourth Group G game in Malaysia on Nov 14 before facing regional foes Vietnam in an away game five days later.
The Thais share the top spot in the group with Vietnam but are ahead on goal difference. The UAE, the seeded team in the group, have six points and Malaysia three. Indonesia are still looking for their first point.
The eight group winners and four best runners-up advance to the continent's 12-team final qualifying stage for Qatar 2022 and also earn places at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup finals in China.
The first set of 24 players led by national team captain Siwarak Tedsungnoen reported to the training camp yesterday. They also included Teerasil Dangda, Sarach Yooyen, Ekanit Panya and Supachok Sarachart.
Three first-timers -- Chayawat Srinawong, Sarawut Inpan and Teerapol Yoryoei -- also joined the camp yesterday.
Teenage Buriram United striker Suphanat Mueanta will train with the national team before joining the Thailand U19 squad for the AFC U19 Championship qualifiers in Cambodia, where Thailand will play against Brunei on Nov 4 and Northern Mariana Islands on Nov 6.
Four Port players will join the camp on Nov 7 after their FA Cup final against Ratchaburi tomorrow and the four foreign-based stars -- Chanathip Songkrasin, Thitiphan Puangjan, Theerathon Bunmathan and Kawin Thamsatchanan -- will start training with the team during the Fifa break.
