Ambitious Thailand believe they have enough young talent to qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ finals within a decade and have hired a German fitness coach to help them achieve their goal.

The Thais have traditionally been Southeast Asia's strongest team and solid performances at the AFC Asian Cup in July convinced Football Association of Thailand (FAT) President Worawi Makudi that a FIFA World Cup appearance is within reach.

"I think our prospects look promising as there are several young players who are showing great talent coming out of the ranks now," he was quoted as saying by the Asian Football Confederation.

"Participation in the FIFA World Cup is the dream of every team. FAT hopes after the next two FIFA World Cups, Thailand's dream will come true."

He pointed to English Premier League side Manchester City's interest in three Thai internationals - Suree Sukha, Teerasil Daengda and Kiatprawut Saiweao - as proof that the quality was there. City are owned by exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson (the City manager) was impressed by all three of them, and this is a clear indication that Thai players have the ability to perform at the highest stage," said Makudi.

What let them down at the Asian Cup, where they narrowly missed qualifying for the knockout rounds, was their speed and fitness, which FAT is attempting to address by hiring German expert Gunter Lange. "Fitness and speed are the team's main weakness," said Makudi.

"Although we look strong in South-east Asia, we are still a step behind Asian giants such as Japan and Saudi Arabia, not to mention the likes of Europe, Africa and South America, in terms of speed, power and physical strength.

"Lange is coming here to help the team improve in these areas. With his help, I am optimistic and look forward to see the changes in the team."