Bangkok: Thailand underlined their favourites tag at this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup with a dominant 3-0 win over Singapore at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Sunday.

Knowing they needed at least a point from the game to have any chance of progressing, Singapore started the match strongly and had the first chance of the game when Ikhsan Fandi, the star of their big win over Timor-Leste earlier in the week, forced a fine save from Chatchai Budprom.

But Milovan Rajevac’s side showed their class five minutes later when a delightful cross from Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri was flicked on by Pansa Hemviboon, with Singapore defender Irfan Fandi putting the ball into his own net as he attempted the clear the ball to safety.

Thailand had a second ten minutes later when Tanaboon Kesarat made space for himself in midfield, clipping a long ball in the direction of Supachai Jaided. A skied clearance from Zulgarnaen Suzliman fell perfectly at the feet of Supachai inside the area, with the striker controlling the ball perfectly with his first touch before firing home past Hassan Sunny with his second to double his side's lead.

The home side were in the mood for more and a lovely passing sequence from the War Elephants almost resulted in a third, but Adisak Kraisorn’s effort was well saved by Hassan as Singapore struggled to keep place with their Group A rivals.

Ikhsan continued to be Singapore’s most dangerous outlet going forward and on the stroke of half time the 19-year-old forced another save from Chatchai, who had to dive low to his left to keep out the powerful effort from outside the area.

Thailand wasted little time asserting their dominance again in the second half, with Sanrawat Dechmitr forcing an early save out of Hassan with a dangerous strike from the edge of the area.

Having failed to find the target himself the silky midfielder, who was one of Thailand’s best on the night, then looked to turn provider playing in Thitipan Puangchan with 20 minutes left to play, but Hassan again stood tall to deny Thailand a third.

The Singapore custodian could do nothing to deny Adisak in the 89th minute, however, with the striker continuing his fine goal scoring form with his eighth goal of the tournament to add the icing on the cake for Thailand.

The win was Thailand’s third from their four group stage matches, helping them to top spot in Group A, setting up a semi final match up against regional rivals Malaysia. The loss ended Singapore's campaign, with the Lions earning two wins and two losses from their four matches.