Thailand are just one step away from reclaiming the coveted title after eye-catching performances which saw them register two wins (2-1 against Vietnam and 2-0 against Singapore) and one draw (2-2 against Kazakhstan) in the preliminary round-robin stage of the country's top-flight competition.

The last time they claimed the top honour was in 2000 when Brazil's "A" team, comprising several world-class players including Ronaldinho, was one of the participating teams.

Given the 10-day preparation for the annual competition, national head coach Chanwit said he was so far very happy with what he had seen from the players, even though they failed to complete their first-round mission with a hat-trick of victories.

"The team performance in the first three games was satisfying. Everybody deserves credit considering the time we had in training. And they can quickly adapt to the team system," said Chanwit.

Having emerged victorious from a tight game against the Vietnamese in the opening match, Chanwit is in bullish mood that his revamped side made up of experienced and young players has what it takes to inflict another scar on the old foes to claim the trophy in the auspicious year when Thailand celebrated the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

"The final will be very tough. Although we won in the opener, the Vietnamese players will play at 100 per cent," he said.

"We are lucky that there is no injury concern and several key players got a rest from the game against Kazakhstan. Our team is in good shape. If we do not have bad luck in the final, we should not have any problem to seal the title."

Thailand have a record of 15 wins and 20 losses against Vietnam.

The match will take place at Suphachalasai Stadium. Admission fees are Bt50, Bt100 and Bt200. Channel 7 will televise the game live from 6.30pm.