Thailand's head coach hinted at a more offensive approach when he was quoted in The Bangkok Post as saying, "We need more attacking options, and we will train more in attacking."
2. Take the middle ground
The return of Thailand's first-choice central midfield pairing, Sanrawat Dechmitr and Sarach Yooyen, will be welcomed. Sanrawat missed the first two games with an injury, while Sarach sat out the Japan game after being red-carded against the Saudis.
Both men are having excellent seasons at their clubs, and their experience will be vital in protecting the defence and dictating the attacking tempo. In any game, winning the midfield battle often dictates the outcome, and the Thais will hope having these two back at the heart of the team can make a difference.
There will be decisions to make regarding the other midfielders. Wide men Mongkol Tossakrai and Kroekrit Thaweekarn started against Saudi, but neither made an impact. Kiatisuk dropped Mongkol for the Japan game but kept faith with Kroekrit. He, like most of his teammates, struggled to impose himself on the game.
The Thais could consider playing Peerapat Notchiaya at left-back and pushing skipper Theerathon Bunmathan into left midfield. Charyl Chappuis could be an option on the right of midfield, making a solid unit.
3. Stay focused
Kiatisuk has stressed the need for his team to cut the lapses in concentration that have proven costly. Sarach's decision to needlessly lunge into a challenge against Saudi resulted in the winning penalty. Japan's opening goal in Bangkok came from a free header, as Genki Haraguchi was given time and space from 12 yards out. The second strike came as a result of Tanaboon Kesarat's misjudgement, allowing Takuma Asano to go clear and fire home.