Having won 2-1 in the tight opening match, Thailand added insults into the old foes' injury courtesy to the impressive performances of veteran players including evergreen striker Kiartisak "Zico" Senameung who once were deemed surplus to the national team.

The 33-year-old captain Kiartisak who was recalled into the team after more than two years in exile proved that his experience was valuable asset for Chanwit Pholchivn's side by having a hand in creating Thailand's first two goals which eventually helped them to reclaim the title.

Chanwit, the national team's head coach, was glad to claim the victory as the New Year's present for local fans and did it on the auspicious occasion when Thailand celebrated the 60 anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

The experienced coach who took the reign after German trainer Siegfried Held was controversially suspended from his duty admitted that Thailand faced a stern test from the Vietnamese before his side's superior finishing provided a difference between the two.

"They (Vietnam) are well-prepared for the event and the game was very tough. We could not create as many chances as we wanted. But when we finally got ahead, everything was click," said Chanwit.

"Our play on both flanks was good and we took our chances very well today. We had only ten days for preparation so playing to the tactic was very important in compensating for any of our disadvantage," added Chanwit who also revealed that he would use the King's Cup wining side for the next year's Asian Cup.

Thousands of fans filled in the stadium an hour earlier before the kick-off, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of the old days with sounds of drums and cymbals resonancing over the venue throughout the game.

Chanwit, the national team's head coach made two alternations to his regular side, with pacey forward Pipat Tonkanya who scored the second goal in the 2-2 draw with Kazakhstan retaining his berth up front in place of Sarayoot Chaikamdee and young Pannarat Klinsukon holding on the left-back position following the shoulder injury to Nattaporn Panlit.

With the support from the largest number of fans that has ever seen for years, Thailand took the game to the visitors from the opening whistle.However, the boisterous crowd had to wait for the breakthrough until the 38 minute from the goal that Kiartisak was the architect.

The veteran striker broke clear on the right side before presenting a golden chance to Sutee Suksomkit who was left unchecked at the far post. The Vietnamese keeper somehow managed to deny Sutee a certain goal before picking up himself to spoil Datsakorn Thonglao' powerful follow-up from outside area.

The ball fell to Kiartisak again and he presented Suthee the second chance to slam home inside six-yard box, leaving the stadium exploded in celebration.

Three minutes later Thailand extended their advantage which Kiartisak involved in the build-up led to the goal.

Kiartisak hold up ball in front of the penalty area and laid it to overlapping Pannarat on the left side who delivered a cross to the far post where Pipat needed no second invitation to slam home.

After the restart, the visitors tried to come back to the game and could claim a lifeline in the 68th minute from Phan Thanh Binh's goal. However, Thailand responded instantly from Suchao Nutnum who sneaked in to turn in Sutee's cross barely six yards out which all but ended Vietnam's any hopes of a comeback. Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation