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Thailand’s football association is offering a 10 million baht ($A400,000) bonus to the national team to defeat the Socceroos in Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier in Bangkok.
The hefty incentive has been announced by association president, Police General Somyot Poompunmuang, ahead of final preparations for the game at the Thai national stadium.
“I know that anything can happen in the match but I want (the Thai team) to play with their heart,” Somyot told local media on Saturday.
Earlier restrictions facing fans in light of the official mourning period following the passing of revered King Bhumipol Adulyadej on October 13 had been eased, Thai football association officials said.
The official month-long observation ends on November 14 although cancellations out to 100 days have been reported for other major events.
But Thai Football Association deputy general secretary, Patit Suphaphong, said the easing of restrictions would allow fans to use cheering equipment and show symbols.
Association President Somyot called on the team to play to honour the late King.
“I don’t want them to play for money. I want them to play for His Majesty the King,” he said.
A Thai squad of 23 players based at Khao Yai, 260 kilometres northwest of Bangkok, is due to return to the capital on Sunday.
Coach Kiatisak Senamuang told Thai media he was anticipating “a tough game against the Australians”.
“These World Cup qualifiers are always keenly fought affairs, so there is a big chance of one or more players sustaining injuries,” he said in naming the large contingent.
But former national team manager Thavatchai Sajakul said the Thais often faced a “crisis of confidence” against the Socceroos.
“Every time we play against Australia, Japan, Korea … they lose their confidence – this is what I call inferiority complex,” Thavatchai told AAP.
While Thailand has a ‘good chance’ against teams such as United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Iraq, “except against Australia and Japan. All the rest are 50/50,” he said.
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