Two goals late in the first half set up Thailand's 3-0 win over Oman on Tuesday in Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
Sompong Soleb put the hosts ahead in the 35th minute and striker Teerasil Dangda doubled the advantage in the 41st to put Thailand in command.
Oman, coached by Paul LeGuen, could not cut the deficit and an own-goal in stoppage time in the second half by Rashid al Farsi completed the scoring.
Thailand, boosted by an unexpectedly competitive showing in its 2-1 loss at group favorite Australia last Friday, played an attacking game at Rajamangala Stadium.
Following a flurry of forward raids and several missed scoring opportunities, the hosts broke through as Sompong ran at the defense and got in a shot that beat Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, of English Premier League team Wigan.
Thailand built on that momentum, creating more chances and Terrasil doubled the advantage, receiving a crafted pass from captain Datsakorn Thonglao and jabbing the ball into the net.
Despite the two-goal buffer, Thailand kept pressing in the second half, not allowing Oman to settle, and pressured al Farsi into the own goal that capped an impressive display by the home side.
The result meant Thailand, coached by former Cameroon manager Winfried Schaefer, was well positioned to fight for a top two spot in the group, which yields a berth in the fourth and final round of qualifying.
Its next game is also at home, against Saudi Arabia on Oct. 11.
The Saudis were hosting Australia later Tuesday in the other Group D match.
