The win moves Thailand onto nine points, three clear of Malaysia and Myanmar with the Philippines in fourth on three points with the final round of matches to be played on Saturday.

Thailand will take on visitors Myanmar knowing a draw will be enough to guarantee their progress to the last four while Malaysia host the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur.

Myanmar retained their hopes of a semi-final berth when Win Naing Tun scored a hat-trick in his side’s 7-2 thrashing of Laos with both teams ending the meeting in Yangon with 10 men following red cards for Maung Maung Lwin and Sayfon Keohanam.

Lwin Moe Aung put Myanmar ahead inside 90 seconds but Bounchay Chernvanglien levelled in the 17th  minute and, while Win Naing Tun restored the home side’s lead three minutes later only for Phoutthavong Sanglivay to equalise again in the 23rd minute.

Myanmar finally took control in the dying moments of the half when Win Naing Tun hit his second with four minutes left while Maung Maung Lwin’s penalty six minutes into stoppage time gave his side a two-goal cushion.

From there Jorn Andersen’s side pulled clear with Than Paing adding the fifth before Maung Maung Lwin and Sayfon were send off for a clash near the centre circle.

Hein Htet Aung hit Myanmar’s sixth in the 81st minute and Win Naing Tun completed his hat-trick with seven minutes remaining as Myanmar moved onto six points from three matches.

Photos: Myanmar Football Federation, Thipphakone Phakasy