Thailand forward Suphanat Mueanta is one of the players to watch at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, according to the Asian Football Confederation website www.the-afc.com.
The tournament in Uzbekistan kicks off today and ends on June 19.
Thailand will face defending champions South Korea and Southeast Asian rivals Vietnam and Malaysia in Group C.
The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the quarter-finals.
The Thais begin their campaign against Vietnam tomorrow.
"Given how early Suphanat Mueanta made his mark on Asian football, it seems hard to believe he is still only 19," the AFC said on its website.
"The Buriram United striker made headlines when he scored in the 2019 AFC Champions League as a 16-year-old, and he since has scored at all levels for Thailand's national team.
"The younger brother of [Buriram star] Supachok Sarachart, who has recently moved to the J1 League, there is no doubt that Suphanat has the ability and potential to join his sibling in a move overseas. A good showing at AFC U23 Asian Cup will only accelerate that opportunity."
Thailand coach Worrawoot Srimaka also has other stars who could shine in Uzbekistan.
Their key players include defenders Jonathan Khemdee and Kritsada Kaman, midfielders Ekanit Panya, Thanawat Suengchitthawon and Benjamin Davis, and forwards Patrik Gustavsson and Marcel Sieghart.
Bids for new host
The AFC yesterday invited bids to stage the 2023 Asian Cup after China withdrew as host because of Covid-19, with Japan a possible replacement.
The organisation sets a deadline of June 30 for member associations to submit new bids, after which officials will make a decision on the host.
Last month, the AFC said that China had pulled out as host of the 24-team Asian Cup, due to take place in June-July next year, as the country pursues a zero-Covid policy -- a stance that makes staging sports events a major challenge.
Japan Football Association chairman Kozo Tashima recently said that his country had been "sounded out" about holding the tournament next year.
The Asian Cup is staged every four years.