Thailand

Three-time champions Thailand have a lot to prove at AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 after failing to qualify from their group for just the second time in 2010. Coached by former England captain Bryan Robson, the Thais drew with minnows Laos (2-2) and eventual champions Malaysia (0-0) before bowing out following a 2-1 loss to co-hosts Indonesia.

Even though Thailand had last won the tournament in 2002 a lot had been expected of them under the guidance of Robson. But they failed to produce their famed passing game and lacked ideas particularly against Laos. Indeed, they came within a few minutes of being on the end of arguably the biggest shock in AFF Suzuki Cup history, Sarayoot "Joe Five Yards" Chaikamdee scoring the equaliser in the 91st minute.

Winfried Schafer, the German who famously led Cameroon to victory in the 2002 African Cup of Nations, took over from Robson in July 2011 and has steadied the ship. A 2-0 loss to Oman in March ended Thailand's interest in the qualifying campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup but Schafer agreed to stay in charge and help re-build the team from the grass roots.

As co-hosts, Thailand will play their group matches at the Rajamangala Stadium, the scene of some famous victories including the 4-1 triumph over Indonesia in the final of the 2000 tournament.

Nickname: Changsuk (The War Elephants)
National coach: Winfried Schafer (Germany)

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