The comprehensive victory convinced Worawi Makudi, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president, to put Chanvit Pholchivin's side on an equal footing with their Group A rivals in the forthcoming Asian Cup.

"I'm very pleased with the team's preparation, particular in fitness and tactics. Seeing them score eight goals made me confidently predict that they have a great chance in the group.

"It would be a close fight for qualification," said a beaming Worawi.

Despite playing under tough conditions with rain and cold battering the players, Chanvit's men managed to keep the gunpowder dry and fired at will, with star striker Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai scoring a second-half hat-trick to secure their second win of the German trip.

It was a huge improvement for the Thai team after an unconvincing 2-1 victory over a makeshift German side containing players from three clubs in Fulda. The win was a confidence-booster to the Kingdom, who will embark on the continent's top-flight competition where they face strong opponents in Australia, Iraq and Oman.

Chanvit conceded that he would get a headache in choosing the final 23 given the performance by the players.

Kittiratt Na Ranong, the team manager, reserved high praise for Tawan Sripan. The veteran midfielder, who was recalled into the team after an absence of more than two years, responded with an impressive performance.

"It was one of those games where everything went perfectly, not only the finishing but also the build-up. He [Tawan] was excellent. The only remaining work is to address the problem of handling the long balls," said Kittiratt.