Shanghai: Big-spending Shanghai SIPG proved too strong for Sukhothai FC beating the Thai League side 3-0 to advance to the AFC Champions League group stage last night.
Coached by former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, Shanghai feature Brazilian stars Oscar and Hulk who were both on target in the first half against the Fire Bats in the third and final play-off round for a spot in the ACL group stage.
Elkeson, another Brazilian, completed the rout in the second half.
Sukhothai defeated Myanmar's Yadanarbon 5-0 in the previous round last week.
With Sukhothai eliminated, SCG Muang Thong United are the only Thai team who will compete in the continental club championship.
The Kirins have earned direct entry to the ACL group phase as Thai League champions.
Bangkok United were eliminated in the previous play-off round after losing to Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Sukhothai played in the event as Thai FA Cup winners although they were actually a semi-finalist.
All Thailand's domestic matches were cancelled following the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The four semi-finalists were declared joint FA Cup champions and Sukhothai were named Thailand's representatives in the ACL by drawing lots.
This season's ACL will be without defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of South Korea who have been banned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over alleged match fixing.
The suspension was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Jeonbuk had filed an urgent appeal before CAS to suspend the ban issued by the AFC on Jan 18.
The AFC banned the club from the ACL over "indirect involvement" in a bid to fix the results of K-League matches during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
"At this stage, the challenged decision remains in force and the Korean club remains ineligible to participate in the AFC Champions League 2017," CAS said in a statement.