Sittha Boonlha gave the Thais an early lead in the eighth minute when his low drive from the edge of the box deflected off defender Nathan Paull and wrongfooted goalkeeper Steven Hall, reports the Bangkok Post.
However, their advantage was swiftly undone. Phon-Ek Maneekorn’s yellow card was upgraded to red following a VAR review for a high-footed challenge on Jordi Valadon, leaving Thailand to battle with a numerical disadvantage for more than 80 minutes.
Australia seized the initiative. Thai keeper Chommaphat Boonloet was called into action with two fine saves from Mathias Macallister before Ethan Alagich levelled from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, sending Chommaphat the wrong way after skipper Pichitchai Sienkrathok fouled Yaya Dukuly.
Barely seconds later, Macallister struck again, curling home from the left to complete the turnaround.
Despite the setback, Thailand showed commendable resilience. Oussama Thiangkham rattled the woodwork and Chawanwit Saelao went close before half-time, while Chommaphat produced a string of saves to keep his side in contention.
Australia’s attacking trio of Alagich, Macallister and Aydan Hammond continued to threaten, and Thailand’s late efforts to salvage a point proved in vain.
Head coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul remained upbeat despite defeat.
“Australia are one of the best teams in Asia but we defended well and showed good potential,” he said. “The red card and penalty were a big lesson for us. I hope the players learn from their mistakes.”
Australia coach Tony Vidmar praised Thailand’s resilienc, saying: “We came to win and achieved our objective, but credit to Thailand for their energy and spirit after going down to ten men.”
Thailand face Iraq tomorrow in a must-win encounter.
FAT chief admits failings
Meanwhile, Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Nualphan Lamsam has publicly apologised to the Olympic Committee of Thailand after the national sides failed to deliver gold at the 33rd SEA Games.
Thailand, as hosts, had targeted four gold medals but managed only two silvers in men’s football and futsal, plus two bronzes in the women’s competitions.
Nualphan acknowledged structural problems, citing the congested Thai League schedule which forced players to shuttle between club and national duties, leaving them fatigued.
She also admitted that the generous foreign player quotas in the domestic leagues have diminished opportunities for Thai footballers, weakening the national pool.