The Thai national team trained intensively in the rain, ready to compete in the 50th King's Cup, the first match against the Philippines on 11 Oct. Masatada Ishii, head coach of the Thai national team, led the War Elephants to practice at the Prince of Songkla University Stadium to prepare for the first match of the 50th King's Cup football tournament against the Philippines. It rained during the practice. The team had "Jao Bank" Suphanat Mueanta, a striker from OH Leuven in the Belgian league, travel to join the team for the first time, making the War Elephants have 23 players. In the morning, the practice focused on defensive and offensive play, including set pieces, lasting about 1 hour. Before training, Supachai Jaided said he was happy to be back playing in the South, which is his hometown. He will try to do his best and wants fans to come and cheer him on. The players need cheers from everyone. He believes that the Southern brothers and sisters will come and cheer him on in full stadiums. In the eve ning at 5:00 PM, the Thai national team practiced again in the rain. Fans from Songkhla came to watch the practice and expressed their delight that the national competition was held in Songkhla Province and were ready to support the Thai national team to win the championship. In the late hours of last night (8 October), the football teams of Tajikistan, Syria and the Philippines arrived at Hat Yai Airport in Songkhla Province to a warm welcome. Mr. Amnuay Pinsuwan, Vice Chairman of the Competition Organizing Committee and his team were waiting to welcome them. The first match program is on October 11th at 4:30 p.m. Syria will meet Tajikistan. At 8:00 p.m., the Thai national team will meet the Philippines. Source: Thai News Agency