With only 51 seconds on the clock, Darika Peanpailun rocked Ng Cheuk Wai’s bar with a fierce left-footed effort to set the tone.

Sure enough, the deadlock was broken two minutes later. Paerploy Huajaipetch was allowed to advance down the left and gleefully drove a low finish into the far right corner for her third goal in two games.

The East Asians rallied and saw efforts from Cheung Wai Ki, Chung Pui Ki and Wu Choi Yiu saved by Sasiphraha Suksen, who carried over her fine form from their last match - a statement 3-1 win against Japan.

But that was about as good as it got for Hong Kong, China as the Southeast Asians then showcased their ruthlessness.

Having turned Arriya Saetoen’s cut-back over mere seconds earlier, Jenjira Bubpha made no mistake at the second time in the ninth minute with a tap-in when set up by a precise through ball from the same player.

It was 3-0 two minutes later as the same pair combined, though there was an element of luck as Arriya’s long-range strike deflected in off Jenjira.

Nattamon Artkla’s venomous right-footed strike made it 4-0 on 14 minutes before Darika converted from the first penalty line a minute later for five.

Wu did get one back for Hong Kong, China on the stroke of half-time, racing forward to finish off Chung’s pass on the counter-attack.

Thanathorn Santanaprasit’s charges eased off after the break, though they were still the more threatening side.

An audacious backheel by Jenjira to complete her hat-trick failed to come off, while Sangrawee Meekham skewed two shots wide and had a third saved by Ng.

Patitta Moolpho came the closest to adding a sixth but side-footed a cross against the post on the stretch, while Nattamon was denied by a good block.

Second-choice goalkeeper Nuengruthai Sorahong was largely untroubled apart from comfortably fielding a shot from Wu, but a late surge from Hong Kong, China saw them nab another goal with three minutes left. Wu intercepted a stray pass and got a shot away that was parried into So Hoi Lam’s path, who empathically thumped in the rebound.

Thereafter, Thailand were happy to see out the rest of the half and secure the win, which sets up a last-four showdown against China PR or Indonesia on Thursday.