Thailand’s aggression, however, bore fruit in the 19th minute when Theerathon sent a pinpoint cross into the centre of the box with Teerasil rising high to score his sixth goal of the tournament. 

 

Malaysia, to their credit, fought back but couldn’t find a way past Thailand goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul. 

Kampol first denied a Darren Lok header in the 36th minute before comfortably saving Mukhairi Ajmal’s free-kick from 20 yards out six minutes later.

 

Thailand head coach Alexandre Polking sent on fresh legs at the start of the second half with Adisak Kraisorn replacing Teerasil, and the striker nearly assisted Ekanit Panya into doubling their lead, only to be denied by Malaysia’s defenders. 

But there was only so much pressure Malaysia’s defence could take and they fell further behind in the 55th minute when Ekanit turned provider, cutting back to an unmarked Bordin (pictured above), who let loose a crackling volley past Syihan.

 
Malaysia sent on Safawi Rasid in the 68th minute but there was little the striker could do to stop Thailand, who scored their third in the 71st minute through Adisak (pictured below, right), who pounced on the ball after it had rebounded off the upright from his initial effort.