Substitute Pipat Thonkanya struck in the 70th and 78th minutes at the Rajamangala Stadium to send the co-hosts to the top of Group A with four points.

Thailand thoroughly deserved their victory as they dominated the encounter but it was the introduction of Thonkanya and Teeratep Winothai that proved decisive with the latter setting up both goals.

The game had got off to a slow start as both sides, eager not to let slip an early goal, battled for possession in the middle of the pitch.

Thailand were being frustrated by the Oman defence but in the 16th minute they carved out their first real opportunity when Sutee Suksomkit brought down a long ball in the box and beat his defender, but Oman cleared the danger just as the forward shaped to shoot.

Suksomkit turned provider soon after as the Thais found their rhythm and his low ball across the face of goal just failed to find the despairing foot of Kiatisuk Senamuang.

In the 25th minute the co-hosts came forward again as Datsakorn Thonglao lofted the ball into box for Therdsak Chaiman, who headed wide.

Oman finally created their first opportunity in the 36th minute when Fawzi Bashir, starting the game after impressing as a substitute against Australia on Sunday, neatly brushed the ball past a defender near the by-line but proceeded to send his shot wide of goal.

But just before the break, Thailand again created a chance as Chaiman smashed a shot into the side netting when put through on goal down the right-hand side of the box.

Oman coach Gabriel Calderon's half-time team-talk seemed to have an effect as the Gulf side came out with renewed vigour and found themselves enjoying more possession in Thailand's half.

In the 52nd minute Haidar Abdul Razzaq flashed a shot over the bar before Nabeel Abbas made a spirited run into the box only for Thailand to clear the danger at the last minute.

Thailand made their first change in the 57th minute when Chaiman made way for Thonkanya as they looked to regain their hold on the game.

And the substitute provided a warning of what was to come as he sent a low shot on goal that in the end proved an easy save for Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

Oman nearly took the lead in the 64th minute when a Jassim Haji free-kick evaded everyone in the box and Suree Sukha was on hand to push the ball to safety.

Thailand coach Chanvit Polchovin brought on Winothai for Senamuang in the 67th minute and the decision was to prove decisive as three minutes later they took the lead.

Winothai found space down the right side of the box and he whipped in a perfectly placed pass for fellow substitute Thonkanya, who made no mistake from close range to send the home support into raptures.

And things got even better for the co-hosts when the duo combined once again in 78th minute, this time Winothai heading on a pass into the path of Thonkanya who smashed the ball into the back of the net.