Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang is trying to instill a new belief in his men as they attempt to resurrect their hopes in Group B of the final Asian phase of qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup.
The team left for Abu Dhabi yesterday to play the United Arab Emirates on Oct 6 before facing Iraq in Tehran on Oct 11.
Thailand have been left in a tight corner after losing their first Group B match 1-0 to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Japan in Bangkok.
Australia and Saudi Arabia have six points each, three ahead of the UAE and Japan. Thailand and Iraq are still looking for their first point.
The top two teams of each of the two groups earn tickets to Russia 2018. The two third-placed teams meet each other with the winners taking on a Concacaf side for another berth.
Kiatisak is hoping to make amends by claiming four points from the two games next month.
He is expecting a draw against the UAE and a victory over Iraq, who drew 2-2 with Thailand both in Bangkok and Tehran in the previous round.
Kiatisak said: "It is always difficult to play away from home but the players should think positive. I have told my players not to get frustrated by what could be biased officiating and should rather concentrate on their own game.
"We are not far behind the Middle East teams but we need to apply ourselves on the field."
Kiatisak added that there may be a warm-up game before the UAE match, but nothing can be confirmed at this stage.
Win for Chonburi
Chonburi beat Si Sa Ket 4-2 on Sunday night as the Thai League went into a three-week international break.
SCG Muang Thong United lead the table with 80 points, five ahead of Bangkok United with four games remaining.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Thailand announced yesterday that Saturday's two rain-interrupted fixtures will be completed on Oct 26.
Defending champions Buriram trailed Ratchaburi 1-0 and BBCU were a goal ahead of BEC Tero Sasana when the two venues were flooded.
Because of the decision, the FA Cup semi-finals on Oct 26 have been rescheduled to Nov 2 with the final taking place on Nov 5.