As if star playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin's injury wasn't enough to plague the War Elephants ahead of their key 2022 World Cup Asian zone qualifying battle with the UAE on Tuesday, they were given a fresh headache on Thursday night.
Shortly before the start of a Fifa Day friendly with Congo, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Pathum Thani, experienced left-back Theerathon Bunmathan injured himself while warming up for Thursday night's game.
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for Thailand coach Akira Nishino, who saw veteran forward Teerasil Dangda, returning to the national team after a lengthy absence, put on a stellar show against Congo.
Nishino later singled out Teerasil for praise after the match.
"Teerasil's experience and class showed tonight," said Nishino, who guided his native Japan to the last 16 stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
"We could see he drew Congo defenders to himself to create space for the other Thai players to make their moves. Teerasil was a great help to the team but I think he needs to move around more often than he did tonight."
Teerasil put his name on the scoresheet when he headed home a 35th-minute free-kick from Sarach Yooyen in a spectacular fashion.
Thailand's advantage was cancelled out by Abraham Makouta whose shot ended up in the net after being deflected off the body of Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri 15 minutes into the second half.
However, it was an incident before the game that left Nishino brooding.
"Theerathon injured himself in a meaningless activity while preparing for the match. It does not look serious. We thought it would be best if he is left out of the team for the warm-up match," he said.
"We are far from ready for the match with the UAE at the moment because we have several injured players and newcomers need time to adjust themselves.
"We made six changes tonight and all the players did well against Congo, who had the height advantage but I don't think we were the underdogs in any way."
Theerathon, who plays for J-League club Yokohama F Marinos, said: "It [injury] is something that shouldn't have happened. I felt pain and could not get up at all. I am better now.
"I want to play in the game on Oct 15 [Tuesday]. It will be an important match for our team and I will try my best to be fit for the UAE match."
Meanwhile, Teerasil, who has represented Thailand in more than 100 internationals, said he was happy to be back in the national team.
"This was my first match under coach Nishino and I am happy that he gave me the chance," said Teerasil.
"Right now we are without Chanathip so I hope that Theerathon will recover in time for the UAE match.
"We will have the advantage of playing at home on Tuesday but I am not expecting an easy game against the UAE. We all would have to be at our very best against them."
The Group G qualifier will be played at Thammasat Stadium.