Thailand opened its ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign emphatically, sweeping aside Laos 5-0 at Laos KM16 National Stadium, Vientiane, to move to the top of Group B after the opening round.
Anthony Hudson’s side delivered a dominant performance from start to finish, with Theerasak Poeiphimai, Kakana Khamyok, Sarach Yooyen, and Yotsakorn Burapha all finding the net as the War Elephants underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Thailand wasted little time asserting their authority and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.
A cleverly worked short corner allowed Sarach Yooyen to deliver a pinpoint cross that was powerfully headed home by Theerasak Poeiphimai, giving the visitors a deserved early lead.
Laos created their first meaningful opportunity midway through the first half when Chony Vanprasert raced onto a through ball, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Thailand quickly responded. In the 27th minute, Sarach intercepted possession in midfield before releasing Kakana Khamyok, who turned brilliantly inside the penalty area before firing a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to double Thailand’s advantage.
The hosts’ task became even harder shortly before halftime when defender Phetdavan Somsanit was shown a straight red card in the 43rd minute for pulling back Yotsakorn Burapha as the striker raced through on goal.
Thailand entered the break firmly in control with a 2-0 lead and a one-man advantage.
The second half quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Just four minutes after the restart, Yotsakorn Burapha got on the scoresheet after combining with Seksan Ratree, before rifling an unstoppable shot past the Laos goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Thailand struck again only three minutes later. A lightning-fast counterattack ended with Kakana Khamyok pulling the ball back for Sarach Yooyen, who calmly finished from outside the penalty area to extend the lead to 4-0.
The fifth goal arrived in the 59th minute when Narubadin Weerawatnodom found Theerasak on the right, whose clever cutback allowed Kakana to score his second goal of the evening.
With the result safely secured, Hudson rotated his squad by introducing Oussama Tiengkham, Waris Chuthong, Chawanwit Saelao, Pokklao Anan, and Jehanapi Mama to preserve energy for the demanding fixtures ahead.
Although Thailand continued to dominate possession and create chances, no further goals were added as the War Elephants comfortably closed out a commanding 5-0 victory.
Elsewhere in Group B, Malaysia also opened their campaign with a 2-1 away victory over Myanmar, leaving Thailand at the summit on goal difference after Matchday One.
Thailand will now turn their attention to what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the group stage when they face Malaysia at Rajamangala National Stadium on 1 August.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
