After struggling to claim a point through Suchao Nutnum's last-ditch equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Burma on Friday, the three-time champions bounced back in style by producing their typical flowing football that resulted in a massacre at the venue.

Thailand made light of the absence of their injured evergreen striker Kiartisak "Zico" Senameung, who was the backbone of the team since his return after more than two years in exile, to put their campaign in the biennial event, formerly known as Tiger Cup, back on track.

Sarayoot, coming in place of Kiartisak, repaid the faith of Chanwit Pholchivin, the national team head coach, by scoring two goals to stake his claim for a regular place in the side.

Sarayoot, with his pace and movement, was a nightmare for the visitors' defence throughout the evening. Had he shown more composure in front of the goal, the striker would have put more pressure on Chanwit in picking up the team for the next game.

The goalless draw between Burma and Malaysia in the other match yesterday helped Chanwit Pholchivin's side to tie with Malaysia at the top of the standings with four points.

Thailand next face Malaysia tomorrow. A victory or a draw will help them qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament they last won four years ago. Judging by the performance of the Malaysians in the dull draw against Burma, Thailand, Asean's dominant force, can expect an easy encounter.

Chanwit's decision to field Sarayoot bore fruits handsomely as the forward rose to the occasion by firing the hosts to a 1-0 lead. After putting the visitors under sustained periods of pressure from the opening whistle, Thailand broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Sutee Suksomkit won the possession in the opposition area and released Sarayoot clear into the right side of the box before the forward, dubbed "Jo five-yard", made no mistake from the distance he normally scores.

The Filipinos barely had time to shake their heads when they found themselves two behind in the 22nd minute from a goal delicately created by Datsakorn Thonglao.

The dynamic midfielder showed his excellent vision by picking out Pipat Thonkanya with a deep cross into the penalty area before the pacy forward beat the advancing keeper to send the ball into the empty net.

Six minutes later, the hosts effectively ended the contest when Pipat latched onto the ball on the left side inside the box and delivered a cross to the far post where Sarayoot sent his downward header into the net to make it 3-0.

Sarayoot missed a golden chance to clinch his hat trick six minutes before the break as his spot kick went out off the outside of the keeper's right-hand post after Suree Sukha won the penalty following a defender's clumsy challenge on the overlapping right back.

The game went along the same pattern after the interval as the hosts continued to enjoy the bulk of possession even though the Philippines came out with more determination.

Despite creating a series of opportunities, Chanwit's side showed their profligacy in attack as their strikers let chance after chance go begging.

Thailand had to wait until the 83rd minute to make the win more convincing when substitute Natthapong Samana received a pass from Sarayoot inside the box to fire home a powerful shot beyond the outstretched hands of the keeper into the far post.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation