Striker Poramet Arjvilai is confident that the absence of three experienced stars from the Thai national team will not affect the War Elephants' performance in the 50th King's Cup, which kicks off in Songkhla on Friday.
With an eye on the future, Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii has opted for a side that is missing battle-hardened veterans Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda and Sarach Yooyen.
Thailand are scheduled to take on the Philippines on Friday evening with Syria playing Tajikistan earlier on the same day.
Winners of the two matches will face off in the final at Tinsulanonda Stadium on Oct 11, while the two losing sides will fight it out for third place.
Young striker Suphanat Mueanta joined the team in Songkhla Tuesday as the 23-member Thai squad had a training session Tuesday morning.
Poramet said after training: "We have players who are capable of replacing each other and I don't think there will be any drop in the standard of our game because of the absence of veteran stars.
"What is even more important is the presence of Thai fans at the venue.
"I have played in this region once before and know that people here are very passionate about football. I am expecting large crowds for our matches."
Poramet added that he was fully fit and "ready to help the team win the King's Cup".
Coach Ishii said on Monday that the War Elephants would be gunning for the King's Cup title in Songkhla.
"That's the target I have set for the team," said the Japanese tactician.
Meanwhile, Thailand centre-back Elias Dolah said before Tuesday's training session: "I am very happy that the King's Cup this year has come to Songkhla. I have my family and friends here.
"My performance with Bali United [in Indonesia] is much better than before so I am hoping to put on a good show in this tournament.
"We must not take the Philippines for granted because they have some quality players who play in different leagues in the Asean region and some even in Europe."
BG Pathum United have transferred Japanese coach Makoto Teguramori to the post of team advisor with immediate effect.
The move has come in the wake of a string of lacklustre performances by the big-spending club.
Former Thailand midfielder Surachai Jaturapattarapong has been appointed as the interim coach of the team.
With an eye on the future, Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii has opted for a side that is missing battle-hardened veterans Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda and Sarach Yooyen.
Thailand are scheduled to take on the Philippines on Friday evening with Syria playing Tajikistan earlier on the same day.
Winners of the two matches will face off in the final at Tinsulanonda Stadium on Oct 11, while the two losing sides will fight it out for third place.
Young striker Suphanat Mueanta joined the team in Songkhla Tuesday as the 23-member Thai squad had a training session Tuesday morning.
Poramet said after training: "We have players who are capable of replacing each other and I don't think there will be any drop in the standard of our game because of the absence of veteran stars.
"What is even more important is the presence of Thai fans at the venue.
"I have played in this region once before and know that people here are very passionate about football. I am expecting large crowds for our matches."
Poramet added that he was fully fit and "ready to help the team win the King's Cup".
Coach Ishii said on Monday that the War Elephants would be gunning for the King's Cup title in Songkhla.
"That's the target I have set for the team," said the Japanese tactician.
Meanwhile, Thailand centre-back Elias Dolah said before Tuesday's training session: "I am very happy that the King's Cup this year has come to Songkhla. I have my family and friends here.
"My performance with Bali United [in Indonesia] is much better than before so I am hoping to put on a good show in this tournament.
"We must not take the Philippines for granted because they have some quality players who play in different leagues in the Asean region and some even in Europe."
BG Pathum United have transferred Japanese coach Makoto Teguramori to the post of team advisor with immediate effect.
The move has come in the wake of a string of lacklustre performances by the big-spending club.
Former Thailand midfielder Surachai Jaturapattarapong has been appointed as the interim coach of the team.
