Despite a coronavirus outbreak in the team, Thailand assistant coach Todoroki Natusuko is convinced the Chaba Kaew will meet their target of reaching the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup finals.
The Thais take on former World Cup winners Japan in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup at 3pm on Sunday in Mumbai, India.
The top-five teams plus co-hosts Australia will represent Asia at the 2023 World Cup. New Zealand will also be hosting some matches.
Additionally, two sides from the Women's Asian Cup will enter a 10-team play-off tournament which offers three more spots in the finals.
Natusuko told a pre-match new conference yesterday that Thailand had taken all the necessary measures to be match ready for the Japan tie.
"It's a challenging situation but as a member of the Thailand football team, we are proud to play in a top level competition like the AFC Women's Asian Cup," she said.
"We have enough players according to the regulations and the outbreak will not stop us from playing to the best of our abilities to achieve our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
"We are determined to be competitive against Japan.
"We are in a pandemic situation with all medical and safety protocols in place. However, we also understand that no bio-bubble is completely secure.
"Our situation is clear and we will play as long as we have the minimum 13 players and our warriors will give it their best for Thai football and for the fans who have been so supportive."
Veteran forward Pitsamai Sornsai echoed Natusuko's sentiments, saying that the whole team is working hard to reach the World Cup despite the tough circumstances.
"Qualifying for the Fifa World Cup means a lot to us," said Thailand's record goalscorer Pitsamai. "Playing against Japan will not be easy as they are the defending champions but if given a scoring opportunity, we will not hesitate to take it."
Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda said: "We have played well so far and we're taking it one step at time.
"We are looking to earn our ticket to the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup and the only way is to beat Thailand."
The match will be aired live on T-Sport and via mobile application ELEVEN Sports.
Meanwhile, leaders Buriram United claimed their fifth straight victory in Thai League 1 with a narrow 1-0 away win over arch-rivals Muang Thong United last night.
Ratthanakorn Maikami fired home a sizzling free-kick from the edge of the box in the eighth minute to give the visitors three points. The Kirins goalkeeper Peerapong Ruennin got a hand to the ball but failed to stop it from hitting the net.
Defending Thai League 1 champions Pathum United ended a lengthy winless run last night by hammering bottom-placed Chiangmai United 4-1.
Also last night, Chiang Rai United were held to a goalless home draw by Police Tero.
