The four-team tournament also features North Korea and Asian Cup champions Iraq who also play their opeing game on the same day.

Thailand coach Chanvit Phalajivin said it would not be easy for the kingdom to win the King’s Cup as the other three sides are above Thailand in Fifa world rankings.

"Iraq are Asian Cup winners, North Korea often play well in the tournament while Uzbekistan have good team work and are strong physically," the coach said.

Meeting strong teams will be good for Thailand’s preparations for the 2010 World Cup qualification, Chanvit said.

Thailand will meet Japan, Bahrain and Oman in the first group phase or last 20 of Asia’s World Cup qualifying. Iraq, North Korea and Uzbekistan have also reached this qualifying stage.

The national side returned from training in Manchester on Tuesday and Chanvit will announce his 20 players for the 38th King’s Cup tomorrow.

Thailand will miss the services of injured midfielder Tawan Sripan but are likely to have several young players from the SEA Games winning side including strikers Anon Sangsanoi, the top scorer of the tournament with six goals, and Teerathep Winothai, who netted five at the Korat Games.

PROGRAMME

Sat 22: 5pm - Thailand v Uzbekistan; 7.15pm - Iraq v North Korea
Mon 24: 4.30pm - North Korea v Uzbekistan; 6.45pm - Thailand v Iraq
Wed 26: 4.30pm - Iraq v Uzbekistan; 6.45pm - Thailand v North Korea
Sat 29: 6pm - Final