Wu Lei scored twice as a clinical China got the better of Thailand 2-0 in a friendly at soggy Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday night.
While the hosts had more possession, China were much sharper up front as Wu was on target in each half.
Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac fielded a three-pronged attack of Teerasil Dangda, Chanathip Songkrasin and Sanrawat Dechmitr.
The War Elephants went on the attack from the start as the Chinese, coached by Marcello Lippi, used defensive tactics and waited for counter-attacks.
Playing in wet conditions due to a heavy downpour, the Thais were more lively in the opening stages and had a number of scoring chances but their forwards lacked sharpness.
The home team could have won a spot kick when Mongkol Thosakrai looked to have been tripped in the area but the referee turned down the Thai appeals for a penalty in the 28th minute.
Ahead of the match, Rajevac had warned his men to be careful about China's aerial attacks and the War Elephants were punished by visitors' long ball.
A poor clearance by Thailand's defence allowed China forward Xiao Zhi to go clear and shoot past goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.
A Thai defender attempted to clear the ball from the line but Wu Lei was quicker to send the ball into the back of the net.
As half-time approached, the Dragons should have doubled their lead but Wu Xi's long-range drive hit the crossbar.
The early stages of the second half were a repeat of the first as Thailand again started strongly.
The hosts squandered a lot of chances and were then punished by the visitors.
China came close to getting another goal when they hit the woodwork in the 70th minute.
Right after the incident, Rajevac sent on striker Sirod Chatthong for playmaker Chanathip to add firepower up front.
Instead, it was the Chinese who doubled their lead a few minutes later.
Wu Lei's long-range shot deflected off Sarach Yooyen into the net after 73 minutes.
Thailand threw everything at China in the remaining minutes but failed to score as they missed chance after chance.
World No.122 Thailand had hoped to get a result from this match to earn world ranking points but they now look set to move down in the next rankings.
No.73 China have now won three times in their last six meetings with Thailand who have two wins and one draw.
Last night's game was part of both teams' preparations for next year's Asian Cup.
Thailand will also try to defend the Suzuki Cup title later this year before going to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the continental championship.