Thailand coach Mano Polking admitted that his men were handed a tough assignment in the Asian Cup draw in Doha on Thursday.
The War Elephants will face Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Oman in Group F at the continental showpiece scheduled from Jan 12-Feb 10, 2024.
"We have a lot of homework to do. We know a little bit about the teams but now we need to do deeper analysis," said Polking, who attended the draw ceremony.
"On paper, our biggest challenge is, of course, Saudi Arabia, who beat Argentina at the World Cup. We still have eight months left before the tournament begins.
"We are a Pot 4 team, so we have to perform well every step and do our best to qualify for the next round."
Holders and hosts Qatar will play China while Japan face a heavyweight clash against Iraq in the group stage of the enlarged 24-team Asian Cup.
Carlos Queiroz, who took over as Qatar coach following a disastrous home World Cup where they failed to win a point, called the draw "excellent".
The former Manchester United assistant and Iran coach at the World Cup said home advantage could be crucial if Qatar are to retain their crown.
"We know exactly what is in front of us and what is next, but the next step is to think about ourselves, it doesn't matter which teams we are going to play," said the Portuguese.
"What is important is to be ready."
Japan, the most successful country in the history of the competition with four titles, were drawn in a Group D which also includes fellow former champions Iraq.
Hajime Moriyasu's Japan side are the top-ranked team in Asia and beat Spain on the way to the last 16 at the Qatar World Cup.
Of other title contenders, Australia, the 2015 champions as hosts, are in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria and India.
"Every draw is tough, but very happy with that draw," said Australia coach Graham Arnold, who took the Socceroos to the knockout rounds of the World Cup before bowing out to eventual champions Argentina in the last 16.
"Obviously having the familiarity of playing here in Qatar will help us as well," said Arnold.
South Korea, now under German legend Juergen Klinsmann and boasting Asia's best player in Son Heung-min, are in Group E along with Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain. bangkok post/afp