The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) yesterday dismissed reports that Croatia had pulled out of the King's Cup because they did not receive a formal invitation.
The four-team tournament will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima from Feb 1-7.
FAT lawyer Narinpong Jinapak told a press conference that the Croatian Football Federation informed the Thai body that it could not send a team to play at the King's Cup during that period, which is not on the Fifa calendar for teams to play in official matches or friendlies.
As a result, it was difficult for the Croatian body to gather players who have to play in domestic or other European leagues.
"They said in a letter that they would be pleased to send a team to play in Thailand in the future,'' Narinpong said.
The FAT is looking for a replacement, which could be Malaysia, South Africa or Uzbekistan.
The other two teams at the King's Cup are South Korea and North Korea.
Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang said his team would begin training at Kirin Valley in Nakhon Ratchasima on Jan 21.
"I don't mind which team will replace Croatia,'' he said.
"My duty is to prepare my team to meet any opponents."
Meanwhile, Singhtarua will remain in the Thai Premier League next season after they paid Liechtenstein player Mathias Christen 4.2 million baht, Narinpong said.
Singhtarua had not paid Christen his wages since 2013, prompting him to seek assistance from Fifa, which ordered the Thai club to pay the player or face sanctions, which amounted to possible relegation.
However, Singhtarua will be deducted six points in the new season, which begins next month, Narinpong said.
Last season, Singhtarua, formerly known as Thai Port, narrowly avoided the drop after they were penalised nine points following a clash between their and SCG Muang Thong United's fans.