Kakana Khamyok was among the standout performers, netting twice in what was just his third outing for the national team, reports the Bangkok Post.
Thailand had a man advantage in the second after Laos defender Phetdavanh Somsanid was dismissed two minutes before the interval for a challenge on Yotsakon Burapha.
Hudson’s selection blended fresh faces with established figures, and both proved fruitful - 21-year-old Yotsakon and 23-year-old Teerasak Poeiphimai both found the net themselves in a contest Thailand controlled from start to finish.
“I have been extremely impressed with all the young players who have joined the squad,” Hudson said. “I have also been impressed with the senior players. Everyone has trained very well.
“We are not going to hand out starting positions or playing time simply because a player is young or experienced. Opportunities will be given to the players who deserve them, and the younger players have trained very well.
“We now have a period before the match against Malaysia in which the players can improve their fitness and performance levels. We will then select the squad for the Malaysia match.”
The Thais now have a week’s turnaround before facing Tan Cheng Hoe’s Malaysia, who needed a fightback to see off Myanmar 2-1 in their tournament opener.
Hudson said he was looking forward to the extra training time, with fitness levels across the squad still a work in progress.
“I am very pleased that we have started the tournament with a victory,” he added. “This was the first 90 minutes of competitive football for many of the players, so I was pleased that we were able to come through the match without any serious injury concerns.
“I was also very pleased with the way we played and approached the game for large periods.”
Laos coach Vladica Grujic conceded that his side had been unable to live with Thailand’s quality on the night.
“The match went badly for us from the beginning,” he said. “Thailand’s first two shots on target resulted in two goals, and we then received a red card while playing against one of the best teams in the region.
“In those circumstances, it is very difficult to achieve a positive result. Thailand are operating at a higher level than us at the moment.
“The difference was clear on the pitch. Their players were bigger and stronger. After we received the red card there was very little we could do.”