Following an inspection of facilities on Monday, the AFC voiced dissatisfaction with preparations, especially on the renovation of two main venues - Rajamangala National Stadium and Suphachalasai Stadium, also known as the National Stadium.

A group of AFC representatives led by secretary general Peter Velappan and key figures in Thai football including Vijit Getkaew, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), and honorary FAT president Chaipak Siriwat, met with Tourism and Sports Minister Dr Suvit Yodmani to discuss the issue yesterday. After the meeting, Velappan said to maintain its status as host Thailand must submit a new contract by November 15 that shows its commitment to staging the quadrennial tournament, which will be co-hosted by Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

He insisted the AFC does not wish to strip the Kingdom of its right to hold the event, which is planned as part of the commemoration of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary next year.

Dr Suvit promised Thailand would do its best to host the Cup as planned.

"I've already had a talk on the issue with the prime minister. The prime minister confirmed that we will go ahead and stage the event to preserve the reputation of the country," he said.

"I will bring the issue to the Cabinet meeting on October 24 to consider what sort of budget we can use to support the preparation.

"Then I will talk with the FAT before we submit the document to confirm our commitment ahead of the deadline."

Although there is much work ahead to renovate the stadiums as stated in the initial contract, Chaipak, who is chairman of Thailand's Asian Cup organising committee, was optimistic about Thailand's chances of hosting the tournament.

"So far, we have just had the spotlights changed", while projects such as replacing stadium bleachers with seats have not yet begun, Chaipak said.

"Up to this point, the government has pledged to support us in holding the event. So I am confident we will not have any more problems.

"I have already appointed Viroj Kitkulananaek, who had experience staging the Women's Under-19 World Championship in 2004, to oversee all work on the preparation."