Thailand top players will be putting their futures on the line when they take on North Korea in the Olympic qualifying round Group E opener today.

Team manager Kasem Jariyawatwong has warned the players of the consequences should they lose. Knowing that three points from the opening match will have much meaning to the team's campaign in the group-stage round, Kasem told the players to put on a fighting performance otherwise their future will be in jeopardy.

Kasem acknowledged that the game against North Korea, who are fielding their Asian Games squad, will be a stiff test and his team had no choice but to win to increase their chances of progressing to the next round.

"I don't care whether the North Koreans have the experience of playing in the Asian Games and that they had a tune-up match with Brazil. This is a home match and we must claim the three points. That is the only one option for us," said Kasem.

"The lads must play with more than 100 per cent zeal. Anyone who doesn't show fighting spirit in tomorrow's game will be putting their future on the line. However, I and my players believe we can get pass North Korea."

Prapol Pongpanich, the team coach, said his side will play the adventurous 3-4-3 formation, with Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai, Chachrit Buatong and Teerasil Dangda forming a three-pronged attack.

"If we pay attention to the defence, it will make us more vulnerable. We have no choice but to attack.

"I have almost the whole team available to select from except Apiphu Sunthornpanavej who has picked up an injury.

"I decided to adjust our system to 3-4-3, and it is mostly the same side that beat Turkmenistan in the preliminary round. I expect only a win as the game takes place

on home turf. A different result would be a big blow for us," said Prapol.

The Thailand-North Korea match will be held at Supachalasai stadium. Tickets priced at Bt50 and Bt100 are available at the venue. Channel 7 will televise the game live from 7pm.

Meanwhile, former national team head coach Chanvit Pholchivin said he would take the helm at Vietnam's V-League outfit Dong Thap if the Vietnamese offer a decent salary and perks as compensation for quitting his bureaucratic job.

Chanvit denied he had asked for Bt4 million as some local newspapers had reported. He said he only asked the V-league newcomers to offer an amount that they thought was suitable.

With the salary issue already settled, the experienced coach said he considered Bt2 million was adequate for him to complete the move to Vietnam.