Bangkok: Thailand defeated Laos 5-0 in their opening match of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. The match took place at the National Stadium No. 16 in Vientiane, Laos, as part of the group stage in Group B, witnessing Thailand's commanding performance against a lower-ranked Laos team.
According to Thai News Agency, the game saw Thailand, ranked 94th in the world, assert their dominance from the start. In the 11th minute, Thailand took the lead through a corner play orchestrated by Sarach Yooyen, which Teerasak Pueypimai successfully headed into the net. Despite a brief opportunity for Laos in the 24th minute when Choni Vanprasert shot over the crossbar, Thailand doubled their lead in the 27th minute with a right-footed shot by Kakhana Khamyok following an interception and assist by Sarach Yooyen.
The first half ended with Thailand leading 2-0, as Laos was reduced to ten men in the 43rd minute after Phetthavn Somsanit fouled Yosakorn Burapha. In the second half, Thailand continued their scoring spree. In the 49th minute, Yosakorn Burapha extended the lead to 3-0 with a skilled one-touch control and shot. Just three minutes later, a counter-attack saw Sarach Yooyen score, bringing the tally to 4-0.
By the 59th minute, Thailand's lead stretched to 5-0 as Kakana Khamyok netted his second goal of the match, assisted by a cross from Teerasak Pueypimai. The Thai team made tactical substitutions, introducing new players in the 60th and 73rd minutes, but maintained their offensive approach until the final whistle.
Thailand's comprehensive victory places them on top of Group B, especially as Malaysia defeated Myanmar 2-1 in the other group match. Looking forward, Thailand will face Malaysia next at Rajamangala National Stadium on August 1st, 2026, with the match available for viewing through the TrueVisions Now application.
The starting lineup for Thailand featured Kamphol Pathomarkakul as goalkeeper and a strong assembly of players including Nattapong Sairiya, Manuel Tom Bierh, and team captain Sarach Yooyen, among others. The team's performance has set a promising tone for their campaign in the tournament.