France 2019 will be the Thai women's second World Cup appearance, having made their debut at the finals in Canada four years ago.
The Chaba Kaew, coached by former Thailand international Nuengruethai Sathongwien, made history when they became the country's first senior side of either gender to qualify for the World Cup where they beat fellow debutants Ivory Coast 3-2.
That win, as it came in the wake of 4-0 defeats against Germany and Norway, was not enough to see Thailand through to the knockout stage but they only missed out on goal difference.
They are back, qualifying for France 2019 by reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Hosts Jordan and the Philippines were dispatched by Thailand 6-1 and 3-1 respectively as the Chaba Kaew reached the last four despite a 4-0 loss to China.
The Thai squad for the 2019 World Cup are pretty much the same as the one four years ago with Nuengruethai still the coach.
The nucleus of that 2015 side -- such as defenders Duangnapa Sritala and Sunisa Srangthaisong, midfielders Rattikan Thongsombut and Taneekarn Dangda and forwards Kanjana Sungngoen and Orathai Srimanee -- is still there but Thai-American midfielder Suchawadee Nildhamrong (Miranda Nild), who has just graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, is a new addition.
The 22-year-old Suchawadee has the pace and skill to create chances for teammates or score herself and could partner Kanjana up front.
The Thai players are quite small in comparison to some of their opponents but they have big hearts and their fighting spirit is second to none. They are also helped by the fact that they have played together for so long that they have become a close-knitted family.
Thailand manager Nualphan Lamsam, second left, coach Nuengruethai Sathongwien, second right, and players Kanjana Sungngoen, left, and Sunisa Srangthaisong pose with the Women's World Cup trophy.
Thailand, however, are in a very difficult group with the reigning champions the United States and the European powerhouse Sweden as well as Chile.
Following the draw, however, Nuengruethai chose to look on the bright side.
"I am not worried because we can only improve and move to another level by playing against strong teams," she said. "We have to make a good impression for the Thai football fans and the Thai people worldwide who are supporting our team."
Coach
Former Thailand international Nuengruethai Sathongwien, 47, has been coaching the Chaba Kaew for a long time and took them to the 2015 World Cup in Canada. She was surprisingly sacked after the tournament but returned in 2017, replacing former Manchester City defender Spencer Prior.
Star player
Forward Kanjana Sungngoen has been playing for Thailand since 2009, and has scored some important goals for the Chaba Kaew. The 32-year-old veteran scored twice as Thailand beat Vietnam 2-1 to earn the team's historic World Cup appearance at Canada 2015 and, with her pace and experience, she is again expected to play a key role in Thailand's campaign in France.
One to watch
Midfielder Suchawadee Nildhamrong, whose father is Thai and mother American, was born and raised in the US. The former University of California, Berkeley, player burst onto the international stage with Thailand in 2017 and shone brightly at the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Strong and skilful, the 22-year-old is one of a few Thai players whose physique could match that of those from women's football powerhouse countries.
A brief history
The Thais were one of the pioneers in women's football in Asia. They were one of the six teams which took part in the first AFC Women's Championship in 1975 when they finished second after losing 3-1 to New Zealand in the final.
They won their first Asian title in 1983 but have since fallen behind the likes of Japan, China, North Korea and South Korea. However, they are still the most successful Southeast Asian team with four regional titles and five SEA Games crowns.
Thailand's rise began a decade ago when Nualphan Lamsam became general manager of the national side. Nualphan, who comes from one of Thailand's richest families, has played an important role in making the national team stronger. She has helped fund the team using her own money and, as one of the country's best known celebrities, she is also like the team's spokesperson. She is also the chairwoman of Thai League 1 club Port.
Realistic aim
Two losses and a win in their first World Cup appearance in 2015 was considered a huge success for the Thais. In France, Thailand are expected to lose against the United States and Sweden, and should be happy if they get a result against Chile. Getting past the group stage would be regarded as one of the country's greatest ever sporting achievements. The Thais were defeated 4-0 by France last month and 6-1 by Belgium earlier this month in warm-up games ahead of France 2019.
This article is part of the Guardian's 2019 Women's World Cup Experts' Network. For more, go to www.theguardian.co.uk.