Thai coach Chanwit Polchivin gave experienced striker Suthee Suksomkit his first run after almost two years in exile from the team.

It proved to be a shrewd move as the pacy forward, who is one of the over-age players in the side that will contest this year's Asian Games in Qatar in December, played a major role in masterminding the victory despite operating in the unfamiliar role of left-side midfielder.

Chanwit singled out Suthee, who play in Singapore's S-League for Home United, for his contribution, saying he added a new dimension to attacks on the left side.

"This game my lads did very well in attack, especially on the left side where Suthee helped us a lot in controlling the rhythm of the play," he said.

"In the second half we eased off the pace, but generally I am satisfied with the overall performance. However, we still have some points to sort out when we face the Arab teams, particularly in dealing with their surging runs," added Chanwit.

Assistant team manager Virat Chanpanich also said Suthee was in outstanding form.

"We played well and got the early lead that took the pressure off us," he said. "For Suthee, he still needs more time to adapt with the younger players, but he helps us a lot in slowing down our play."

Chanwit's side took the game to Bahrain from the opening whistle and went 1-0 up through Aekapan Intasen's poacher goal in the fifth minute.

Prat Samakraj nodded Jakrit Bunkam's right corner to the six-yard box where Teeratep Winothai was lurking, but could not connect properly, triggering a goal-mouth scramble from which Aekapan reacted quickest to open the account for his side.