Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), announced that the War Elephants will play a friendly match with the Chinese national team on June 2 in Bangkok.
Speaking at the FAT general assembly yesterday, Somyot also confirmed that the association has shelved its plan to send the national team away for a training stint in Europe following opposition from local clubs.
The FAT president said: "The slot available for the national team's training in Europe is May 28 to June 5, which is quite short. Moreover there was re- sentment from some clubs in the domestic leagues. So We have opted to play a friendly game with a quality team instead.
"China and India both expressed interest in playing Thailand, but we can only arrange one match in a such short time.
"After taking their past records and Fifa rankings into account, we have decided to play the friendly with China on June 2."
The FAT also presented its 20-year football development plan to its member clubs yesterday.
The long-term plan has been devised by Kasetsart University and calls for developing good organisational structures at all clubs, nurturing players' potential and creating positive trends to promote the sport.
"Kasetsart University has finished the 20-year football development plan and it's being given to the club representatives today. It'll also be sent to all schools in the country to ensure a systematic development of football," said Somyot.